Springtime Stressors and Solutions
Over the last few weeks, I have spoken to several retailers who are getting nervous that the season is about to pop. If you aren’t a highly seasonal retailer or are just a mentally tough person, this article won’t make much sense to you. For many, however, the first hints of spring can bring on spring stress instead of spring fever. It is not uncommon for some shops to have a fivefold or more significant increase in sales between February and April. After a winter of stressing about paying the bills, a whole new set of stressors appears. This dramatic increase in business and all associated with it can very much cause severe stress and anxiety to everyone who works in a bike shop. Having been through the spring ramp up me dozens of times, I have some common sense hints to help you get through the next few months.
Diet – Springtime Stressors and Solutions
With the increase in hours and physical workload, it is straightforward to cut corners on what you are eating. When you run out of time, and it’s 3 pm, and you still haven’t eaten lunch, it makes anything you can shove in your mouth seem like a good idea. This is the wrong time to make concessions nutritionally. I am not a dietician, but we all know that food is fuel and impacts your performance and, generally, well-being. Make the right decisions, and take the time to sit down and eat.15 minutes will not ruin anyone’s life if you are not available while eating your meal at the right time of day.
Brain – Springtime Stressors and Solutions
It is very easy to become mentally overcooked when you have too many things on your plate. Do not take on new projects or commit to something that will pull you away from the most important tasks during your busiest season. Making daily to-do lists to remember what needs to be done is a straightforward tool that many do not employ. Owners on down the line have an incredible increase in tasks to complete when the season explodes; it can be tough to remember what you planned to do that day within the first hours when things get crazy. Let your list guide you. Service departments that were calmy building bikes for spring and cleaning workbenches all winter can become overwhelmed and tense. The solution is, to be honest about expectations and try to do your best to accommodate customers’ and employees’ needs. Avoid making promises you cannot keep. If your repairs are getting backed up, you can see if some employees are receptive to working overtime, but try to avoid getting people to worn out, too early in the season. It is a balancing act, and it is essential to capitalize on the busy times, but the season is long, and you also need to conserve some energy. It is also important not to get sidetracked with nonessential activities when you may not have enough time to get the essentials done.
Personal Time – Springtime Stressors and Solutions
For me, spring was always a double-edged sword as a store owner. I love riding bikes, and after a cold winter, the first hints of sunnier and warmer days make you want to get out and enjoy it. As a store owner, I also relished the opportunity to sell inventory that needs to be paid for soon finally! The problem is that you are often too busy to get out and ride. You have to carve out time for yourself to get out and enjoy the weather. Not only for your own sanity’s sake, but life’s too short to miss out on the pure pleasure of riding. The shot of energy you get is not only crucial for your health as you need to exercise, but it helps you to be better at your job.
The central theme above is that you need to eat right, exercise, and not overwork yourself physically and mentally. It is much easier said than done, but it is critical to your success and, more importantly, your health to not lose sight of the big picture when the first overwhelming spring rush descends on your store. Don’t beat yourself up too much if you ate that pizza and didn’t ride today, and also plan on staying late into the evening getting caught up. We have all been there, and sometimes it is unavoidable to get overworked. But as a rule of thumb, remember that you are not going to be able to maintain that pace very long, and the longer you do, the longer it will take to recover. Bottom line: eat your veggies, get good sleep, and ride your bike!
Words by David DeKeyser
David DeKeyser and his wife Rebecca Cleveland owned and operated The Bike Hub in De Pere, Wisconsin, for nearly 18 years. In 2018, they sold the business and real estate to another retailer based in a nearby community. David now writes the Positive Spin series on Bicycle Retailer and Industry News and he writes articles for the NBDA’s blog, Outspokin’. David also provides business consulting through the NBDA’s P2 Consult Program.
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