While many people associate spring with blooming flowers and warmer weather, for Perth business owners, it's also the start of a new high-energy season. September often marks the beginning of a busier trading period—especially in industries like retail, hospitality, construction, and services.
This strategic guide outlines exactly how to use August as your launchpad. Because when you prepare now, you won't just survive September - you'll dominate it.
Spring Business Preparation Timeline
August isn't just another month - it's your prep runway. Here's how to break it down:
Tip: Lock in any external contractors or seasonal help before September hits. Everyone else will be scrambling.
System Optimisation & Automation
You can't scale on shaky foundations. Before spring growth kicks in, make sure your core systems are working for you, not against you.
Areas to review:
- Bookings/Scheduling: Is it automated? Can clients self-serve?
- Accounting/Payroll: Are your books up to date? Is payroll smooth and compliant?
- Inventory/Stock: Is it accurate? Are reorders automated?
- Email/Comms: Are you still doing things manually that could be templated or triggered?
Recommended Tools:
- Xero MYOB or QBO: For automated invoicing, reconciliation, and reporting
- Trello, ClickUp, Asana: For internal task management and workflows
- Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign: For automated customer comms
- Dext or Hubdoc: For receipt and bill management
Quick Win: Automate just one task this week that you currently do manually (e.g., appointment reminders or invoice follow-ups).
Team Training & Capacity Planning
If you want to hit the ground running, your team needs to be ready to sprint—not just react. Use August to align your people with your September goals.
Checklist:
- Reconfirm staff availability for spring and summer rosters
- Cross-train team members to cover key roles
- Upskill with micro-training (systems, customer service, sales)
- Communicate targets clearly and collaboratively
- Update policies if anything changed in the last financial year
Bonus Tip: Run a mini "spring kickoff" meeting in late August. Set goals, acknowledge the team, and build momentum.
Marketing & Sales Preparation
Spring is when people start making decisions—new projects, services, shopping, events. You want to be top-of-mind before they start looking.
Prep checklist:
- Plan out content for Sept–Nov (socials, newsletters, blogs)
- Update website or landing pages (especially mobile!)
- Re-engage your database with a warmup campaign
- Prep seasonal offers or spring-themed promotions
- Audit your customer journey: is the path to purchase smooth?
Local Strategy Tip (Perth-specific):
- Promote to local suburbs ahead of spring events like Kings Park Festival or Perth Royal Show.
- Think "fresh start" messaging—cleaning, coaching, fitness, finance, home improvement.
Financial Planning for Growth Periods
Growth is good—but it requires working capital, forecasting, and a firm grip on your cash flow.
Key actions:
- Revisit your spring/summer revenue targets
- Create a 90-day cash flow forecast
- Review your pricing structure—is it still serving you?
- Check in with your bookkeeper on BAS, and super obligations
- Plan for larger seasonal expenses (stock purchases, hiring, marketing)
Pro Tip: If you're planning a big campaign or offer, model the numbers first. A great promotion with poor margin can leave you busy but broke.
August is Your Business Springboard
August is not just the end of winter—it's your chance to get ahead while everyone else is still half-asleep in their hoodies.
By preparing your systems, training your team, and sharpening your marketing and finances now, you'll step into September confident, capable, and ready to thrive.
So take advantage of this quieter month. Your September self will be cheering you on.
