Today, March 20, 2008, is the first day of spring, or the vernal equinox. Besides the fact that the first day of spring signifies the rejuvenation of pretty much every living thing in the northern hemisphere of this planet, it also represents potential opportunities for businesses to hold celebratory promotions and increase business. A few weeks ago I mentioned a similar opportunity in regards to leap year day – how certain companies (even a zoo) were holding special leap year day events and promotions to drum up more sales and customer enthusiasm.

The first day of spring presents the same such opportunity. It is an excellent time to hold a springtime sale, such as a “spring forward” sale for active wear, or a sale on flowers, plants, new clothes—items that have anything remotely to do with spring, newness, and the sense of rejuvenation. I search for “first day of spring sale” on Google, as well as a quick look at many of the major online retail websites, and I’m surprised by the lack of special springtime sales.

For businesses of all shapes, sizes, and colors, today is a chance to get creative and connect with customers in a unique way. Everyone loves spring! Businesses should be at the forefront of the drive to whip up the passion of the new spring season.

This time is also an opportunity to increase excitement and renewal within your own employees. The long cold winter months can be a depressing time for many employees, resulting in lower employee productivity and involvement. With the exit of winter and the coming of spring, it is a perfect time to set new company goals, to retrain employees, to hold one-on-one personal goal-setting meetings you’re your employees, to have a spring cleaning of the work area—in short, to revitalize all aspects of your workplace. Start the year anew. Get your employees excited and filled with gusto. The first day of spring is an ideal time to hop to it.

Photo: theglassdoorknob.blogspot.com