October in England: whipping wind, steady week long drizzle, and temperatures dipping into the "where's my heavy coat?" category

Whether you're self-employed or work in an office, it can be tricky to stay productive on a miserable day. The call of the cozy duvet and Netflix is strong! Here are 5 tips to stay productive, maybe even have a little fun, at work on rainy days.

1. De-clutter.

   If you're anything like me, my desk slowly turns pale yellow over the course of each week due to the creeping coverage of sticky notes. Combine that with random sheets to be filed and my pen-centric kleptomania, and my desk is the definition of organized chaos. Rainy days slow down most folks, so use the spare time to combine the Post-it knowledge into one manageable list. (I love ticking off to do's!) Then, file the papers and pass out pens to those less fortunate in your office. You're building morale and clearing your desk. Win-win.

2. Brave the wind and wet for lunch with a colleague.

   Yes it's miserable out there, but your local pub is sure to have a nice pie or curry to warm you up. Use the time out of the office to share ideas. Or, if you're lucky, grab the boss and discuss your personal goals for the company and yourself in that plan. Promotions are not usually given due to excellent filing habits. Show that you see yourself having future in the company, and he/she will start to see that future too.

3. Follow-up on old leads.

   Even the best sales person has a random 5-10 people that have fallen through the cracks. Go through your CRM (set one up TODAY if you don't have one already. I recommend RealTime CRM) and sort out the duds from the possibilities. I've called a lead that laid dormant for over a year and got the business. It's all about timing.

4. Use the proper fuel.

   Skip that 5th, 6th, 7th... cup of coffee or tea and go for a tart apple or tangy orange. You'll stay alert longer, and your body will thank you for the reprieve. The strong, citrus smell while you're peeling an orange will awaken your senses, let alone the satisfying burst of sweet juice as you bite into it. Yum! It will also give your blood sugar levels a quick boost with no letdown, like there is with caffeine.

5. Connect with your current clients.

   One of the best ways to build a business is to make your clients/customers love you. Obviously, provide excellent service and products, but customers also appreciate knowing that you care about their business. Sending thank you cards, reaching out on social media, having a monthly newsletter, and making sure your phones are answered (cough cough- try us with a free trial- cough cough) are just a few ways you can stay connected with your clients and build the love. If you stay at the top of their mind, they're less likely to stray to competitors and more likely to refer you to friends and colleagues.

Rainy days never looked so good!