It's everybody's worst fear, the dreaded drop in business after the holiday rush. What should you do? Will the customers ever come back? How do you make sure your business stays running?

While you may feel stressed that you aren't getting the same volume of business that you would like, there is still plenty you can do for your business. In fact, a slowdown can often be a blessing in disguise! Here are five things you can do to help your business after the holiday rush.

Plan for the next Busy Season

Your busy season may be just a season, but eventually, it will come back around. Take advantage of the lull to plan for the next busy time. Did you sell out of a particular product? Was there a special that your customers seemed to really love? Take those things into consideration and use them to your advantage. By doing this, you may find some information that can be used all year long instead of just during the holidays.

Offer Post-Holiday Discounts or Incentives

The seasons change rapidly and now is the time to make room for new inventory. People love a good sale, so get creative and make them a post-holiday offer they can't refuse! This could be a deep discount on your current stock, or a special incentive that will have them flooding through the doors come spring.

Create a Marketing Plan for Next Year

We know. Marketing is like the gym. You know it's good for you. You know you need to do it, but it can be challenging to find the time to make it happen. That's why it's important to make your marketing plan while you have some extra time! Think about the different aspects of marketing your business; what you may already be doing, what's working, and what's not. Use that information to create a plan that you know you can follow. From testing out ads on social media to ordering some updated business cards, there's no better time to make sure everyone knows your business's name!

Take a Vacation

A vacation? At this time of year? Yes. To make your business the best it can be, you also have to take care of yourself. After the craziness of the holidays, a little rest and relaxation may be just the thing to get those creative juices flowing. Spend a week at home or getaway to your favorite vacay spot. You'll be thankful you did!

Evaluate Customer Feedback

Keeping your customers coming back is important. Follow-up with those who shopped with you over the holidays. Don't be afraid to ask them what they loved or disliked about their shopping experience. You can also get an idea of what might help them give you business all year instead of just during the holidays. No matter if it is positive or negative, this feedback can let you know what changes you might need to consider.

The holiday slowdown may be real, but that doesn't mean you can't stay busy. Just take a moment to pause and you'll find there is still plenty to do for your business. It just might be behind the scenes.