Just as there are the seasons of nature, there are also seasons of business. Many will surely attest to this when they read the information, and may not have thought of business in these terms before. In time it can become very useful to view business from this stand point so that you can keep a simplistic view of what is taking place rather than getting bogged down in details.

Spring
A great time of new growth, the winter thaw clears and the buds begin to bloom, the fields are prepared and before long seeds are sown to begin the fresh crops for the season. For some the bulbs were planted in autumn and these will now grow in the warm spring sunlight, rejoicing the end of winter. Spring can be a special time, however if you are not careful the weeds can take over before you know it.

In business this can be a great time, when hard work starts to pay off and early seeds sown begin to show promise. If you are new to business this can be the initial phase if your planning is right. For some the spring is a fleeting time lasting only long enough for the few seeds sown to germinate and give a quick crop. The farmer knows that you have to keep some of the crop for seeds to plant in the next season. And if the weeds come up, what method will you use to keep them at bay? Remember that weeds take over when no maintenance is done in the garden.

Weeds in a business can be many things, it can be staffing problems, people wanting payment for the ‘seeds’ earlier than expected or those pesky customers who never seem to be happy!

Summer
Harvest time, the seeds have grown and the plants reach maturity, before ling the results of the harvest will either delight or annoy. At this point there is no turning back you can not plant more seeds until the next spring.

Just as in business when your stocks are ready for the Christmas rush, you only get one chance at it. You hope that the euphoria surrounding the hustle and bustle of this time of year is enough to spur great sales to the customers, and that your marketing for the post Christmas sales does the trick. In time the seasoned business person knows the seasons and plans accordingly.

By mid summer, if you have a problem with weeds either your methods to solve the problems have worked or the weeds have grown and are choking you out.

Autumn
A time to clear the last of the summer heat and the days begin to cool, before long the bulbs that have to be put into the soil for springs arrival.

The astute business person reaps the harvests rewards and puts some into investments to build a passive income base. Autumn is the time to do just that. During this time the business person is readying the business for the long winter period, where growth virtually stops and planning to improve systems is in full swing.

Winter
Cold days and rainy nights, ice and snow. Food is hard to come by for the animals, they either hibernate or work harder to forage for a feed.

Without hesitation the business person is ready to work their way through the winter, the summer harvest hopefully was good enough to sustain them through this quiet time when little activity takes place. The wise person ensures that their funds have been budgeted effectively and will last the distance.

Planning begins and before long the business has a renewed direction for getting things going for the next round of seasons. The plan explores options, involves contingency plans and allows for growth in some way.

An inspiration
E James Rohn the great American business speaker and writer, expresses thoughts about business and life in these terms and has experienced great success using this method. After all, nature is a great survivor in all the turmoil of the world, it adapts and works with the situation to even things out.

James Rohn built a life of abundance from a meagre beginning. He follows the seasons and recognises the changes. Before long he knew when lean times were ahead and when to plan ahead. I trust that you can also profit from the experience and watch your business grow.

For some of us the seasons will come and go in quick succession throughout the year, sometimes happening much faster that the seasons of nature. Some have also told me they can see seasons come and go each week.

May the seasons treat you well as you move forward to achieve your goals.