How to be productive when business is slow

So, you're stuck working this week. For many, the week between Christmas and New Year's is one of the slowest of the year and one where not very much gets done. Whether it's because nobody is in the office or nobody is buying, now is not the time to sit around and waste the week away.

Instead, be productive when business is slow and get a head start on 2009. Use a few of these tips to get things done and not waste any time:

• Plan ahead. What would you like to accomplish in 2009? Sit down this week and write out your goals for 2009. Take it a step further and schedule a meeting to share those goals with your boss.


• Catch up. Make it a point this week to catch up on all of the industry news and trends you haven't had time to read during the year. Buy a book or two on a topic that would help you improve the way you work.


• Get organized. Attack that stack of papers on your desk and clean out your email inbox. If you don't do it before 2009, it probably won't get done. Use this slow time to get organized and put it all away.


• Connect. Have lunch or plan a meeting with that one business contact you didn't have time to meet with during the year. Get to know that person a little better and strengthen a valuable business relationship over lunch this week.


• Learn. Have you ever wondered how another department in your organization got things done? Make it a point this week to learn something new about how other departments function in your business.