Last November, I walked into the office and immediately spotted Katherine at the front desk, wrapped in a blanket, sneezing into her sleeve. Our heating system had broken down, and the backup space heater was still buried somewhere in the storage room. It was a wake-up call: we were totally unprepared for winter.
That moment made me realize—running a business isn’t just about watching the numbers and chasing targets. Seasonal changes can affect everything: customer behavior, energy bills, employee health, even your bottom line. Cold weather doesn’t just freeze pipes—it can freeze momentum.
Since then, I’ve created a kind of “Winter Survival Playbook” for the business. It’s not a rigid checklist, but a set of tested tips I revisit every October to make sure we’re ready for what’s ahead.
First up is a good old safety check. Inside and out. One year, a client nearly slipped on the icy slope of our parking lot. After that, we invested in salt, anti-slip mats, and proper signage. It sounds minor until it’s not.
We also go back and study our sales trends from previous winters. Our company sells handmade scented candles, so December is always crazy. That’s why we increase inventory in advance and bring in some seasonal helpers. On the flip side, my friend who runs a smoothie bar sees business dip sharply in winter. He shortened opening hours, added hot drinks to the menu, and launched a “Warm-Up Winter” campaign on social media—surprisingly, average order values went up.
Speaking of social media—winter is a golden window for seasonal marketing. People are indoors, scrolling more than ever. It’s the perfect time for flash sales, winter-themed giveaways, and cozy product launches. Last year, we ran a “Warmth for All” promo: for every candle sold, we donated a blanket to a local senior home. It gained traction fast and helped boost our sales by 28% compared to the previous year.
Energy bills, though—that’s the elephant in the room. A few winters back, we delayed our heating maintenance and got slammed with massive utility costs. Since then, we’ve tested everything early, switched to a more efficient provider, and upgraded to LED lighting. Small changes, big savings—nearly 20% off our monthly bill.
And if your staff works outdoors, winter prep becomes a safety issue. I once consulted for a landscaping company where a worker slipped on icy pavement and injured his back. Now, they equip everyone with non-slip winter boots, heated vests, and even serve hot soup before shifts. They also schedule work during the warmest hours of daylight—it’s a smart move.
Don’t forget flu season. Our office is now stocked with hand sanitizers, disinfectant spray, and we offer free flu shots every fall. Last year, we piloted flexible scheduling and optional remote work—it reduced sick days and boosted morale.
At the end of the day, preparing for winter is like dressing your business in a warm coat. It won’t stop the snow, but it’ll help you move through the season with confidence and resilience.
So if you haven’t started winter prep yet, now’s the time. Check your heating, review your staffing, update your inventory plan, and get creative with your winter campaigns. Cold weather may be inevitable—but a cold business? That’s optional.