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How To Survive The Slow Season

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How To Survive The Slow Season

How to Survive the Slow Training Season

Q1 can feel quiet. Budgets reset, teams regroup, and inboxes overflow. You can still keep revenue moving—with tighter offers, smarter outreach, and lower operating costs. Here’s a simple playbook to steady cash flow and fill the pipeline fast.

Quick snapshot

  • What’s working now: short, outcome-focused workshops; bundles; prepaid credits.
  • Where to focus: existing clients first, then warm leads; lead magnets to grow email.
  • Guardrails: discount with a reason and an end date; protect margins with clear scope.

1) Run a targeted March offer

  • Promote one specific outcome (e.g., “Managers run 20‑minute stand‑ups that start and end on time”).
  • Offer two formats: a focused Mini Course Package (half‑day) and a deeper Full Course Package (full day).
  • Add urgency: limited seats, early‑bird by March 15, or a bonus coaching call.
  • Bundle: workshop + manager toolkit + a two‑week follow‑up huddle script.

2) Ask and shape demand

Send a 3‑question pulse to clients and your list:

  1. “What’s the one skill your team needs this quarter?”
  2. “Half‑day or full‑day?” (compare formats)
  3. “Prefer virtual or in‑person?”

Warm respondents with a quick self‑check they can share with their team:

3) Trim costs and lock in savings

  • Negotiate venues and platforms for Q1–Q2 as a block.
  • Standardize print‑light materials; use digital workbooks where possible.
  • Co‑deliver only when it boosts quality or scale. If you add a co‑trainer, align roles: Multiple Trainers: Pros & Cons.

4) Grow your email list (with value)

  • Create a one‑page checklist (e.g., “First‑time Manager One‑on‑Ones: 7 prompts”). Gate it behind signup.
  • Run a 25‑minute micro‑webinar; share the recording to new subscribers.
  • Use a short nurture sequence: tip → case → offer.
  • For a steady stream, build partnerships. See Networking for Your Success as a Trainer.

5) Productize a “March Sprint”

Package a 2–3 week experience with clear outcomes:

  • Kickoff (60 min) → two practice labs → manager huddle → impact check.
  • Price as a fixed scope; offer prepaid credits that clients can use through June.
  • Theme ideas: feedback in 5, meeting makeovers, conflict basics, customer moments.

Related tools & internal links

FAQs

Should I discount heavily in slow months?
Keep discounts tied to scope (shorter format, fewer customizations) or to prepayment. Add value (toolkits, office hours) instead of deep cuts.
What if budgets are frozen?
Offer prepaid credits, split billing across quarters, or pilot a mini cohort. Focus on problems that save time or reduce risk right now.
How do I avoid spammy outreach?
Lead with a useful asset (checklist, webinar), ask one question, and offer one clear next step. Keep it short; follow up once.
What should I track?
Pipeline size, proposal win‑rate, prepaid credits sold, email list growth, and delivery margin by format (half vs full day).

About the Author

Written by the Training Course Material team, creators of practical, customizable resources for trainers worldwide.



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