Taking a step back and checking out the last few decades in the plumbing, heating, and cooling world feels like a trip through time. We’ve been through it all – crazy weather, economic ups and downs, and the tech explosion. As we kick off a new year, it’s a mix of feeling at home and a bit frustrated, looking back on our wild ride, especially in recent years.

Our industry has gone through quite a transformation, like watching a blockbuster. We went from torches and mercury switches to Pro Press Tools and Wi-Fi thermostats. However, some things don’t change – weather keeps the business going, and climate change does its thing. Election years still mess with buying decisions, and folks are watching their wallets a bit more.

The past few years, especially with the wild card of COVID-19, have been a rollercoaster. Supply chain and labor shortages, plus crazy demand, forced us to rethink how we do things. Virtual became the name of the game with remote diagnostics and video chats, giving our skill set a serious upgrade. It was a time of broken the rules and thriving when things were anything but normal.

First quarter offers time for assessment

The first quarter is here, waving a flag to get serious. Let’s circle back to some old-school strategies that used to be part of our game plan in the first-quarter pre-COVID.

When work slows down, I find myself busier than ever. It’s like our time to shine as leaders. We get a backstage pass to strategize, plan, and set the stage for future victories.

In these quieter times, we tighten the screws on our internal stuff. We’re all about improving processes, talking more with the team, building trust, and cooking up plans for what’s next.

Keeping spirits high is key, especially when the workload takes a dip. Slow times make our people worry about what’s next. This is the moment to invest in them. A fired-up crew is the secret sauce for innovation, keeping the wheels turning and just kicking butt overall. Open communication builds trust and recognizing the hustle boosts morale. Beefing-up recognition programs and cranking-up training keep the team positive. Letting the team in on decisions makes them feel empowered and like they are a part of the future success.

Keep your marketing plan foremost in mind

Handling the cash is no joke, especially when business slows down. Having some cash tucked away is smart – our rule is no big buys in the 1st quarter, with a few exceptions. Cash gives us the freedom to snag opportunities. If the economy takes a breather, it’s a chance for unique opportunities, like better deals on equipment, competitors tapping out, trucks on sale, and top-notch techs on the lookout for new opportunities.

Now’s the time to fine-tune marketing. Notice I didn’t say cut it. Marketing is the lifeline for growing your brand. Smart marketing zooms in on crucial services and makes that phone ring. It’s also prime time to renegotiate your marketing spend.

Looking after your team and sizing things up right during slow times is crucial for staying in the game. Checking up on pay and benefits keeps you ahead in the race. Right-sizing means figuring out the right-crew size, being flexible with staffing and using tech smartly. Having the right folks in the right spots when the phone starts buzzing sets you up for a winning streak. Slow times mean folks are scouting for jobs, so grabbing talented folks is a golden opportunity. Pumping up recruitment plans might be a game changer.

As we jump into the new year, let’s soak in the lessons from the past and stay ready for whatever comes our way. Whether we’re surfing through weird weather, riding economic waves or tackling curveballs like COVID-19, being flexible and kicking into high gear is how we roll. Here’s to another year of rocking it in the ever-changing world of plumbing, heating, and cooling.