Weather The Seasons with these Words of Wisdom

With an extra-cold winter nearly behind us and spring just around the corner, it can be hard to think ahead to warmer seasons. Yet, as a business owner in the residential home services trades, you know that now is the time to start your preparations.

To ensure you’re ready for the coming warm months, planning your talent strategy 90 to 120 days in advance is essential. In three months, summer will be in full swing. Do you have a proactive people-plan that aligns with your marketing and operational goals? If not, there’s still time. Planning out what you’ll need before a season descends on you will help you move the needle towards being proactive vs. reactive. I’ve found that thinking of your business in terms of a rolling 12-month cycle—rather than the traditional calendar—can help ensure consistent preparation and progress.

A good friend of mine once likened business to the porridge in the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears: it’s either too much, too little, or just right. In conversations with colleagues and Nexstar members, I’ve noticed it’s a common struggle to maintain the right balance of team members to match business demand. That balance is an ever-shifting target, and staying on top of your workforce requires consistent evaluation.

Another challenge I’m hearing about is the rapid evolution of technology, particularly when it comes to AI. Many members are feeling the importance of proactively understanding, integrating, and accelerating the adoption of new technologies. Staying ahead in this area can mean the difference between falling behind and thriving in an increasingly technology-forward business landscape.

Something I’ve also noticed, though. The businesses that are succeeding tend to have one thing in common: strong discipline around processes and execution. As we leave winter behind—a season where the weather across much of the U.S. provided plenty of customers for many companies in the trades—those achieving success seem to be relying on returning to the fundamentals. That is: Highly engaged Nexstar members continue to experience above-market growth, fueled by their disciplined focus on the basics. Those who go a step further by fully engaging in available services—both within their organizations, their networks, and through Nexstar—are well-positioned to excel.

Looking ahead, the key to success seems to lie in balancing adaptability and discipline. By focusing on the fundamentals while embracing innovation, we can navigate the challenges of each season with confidence and position ourselves for long-term growth.