I thought of a few titles for this message: 'While the City Sleeps', 'The Silly Season Returns' and 'The Slumber City'. I don't like the fact that Cape Town is recognised and labelled by ourselves and others as the City who prides itself more on the holidays than on work. It is a general trend for business to slow down radically, for some it comes to a grinding halt over December and January and even during April in Cape Town.

Every trend presents an opportunity. Have you thought about your competitive advantage in business over these seasons? Have you considered a strategy that would capture your audience's attention over these periods? Or will you join the masses with voicemail and out of office replies leaving that special potential client only to use the services of the very few who do actually deliver 24/7/365. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying you shouldn't take leave for your well deserved breaks. I am suggesting you have contingency plans in place, I am suggesting a carefully planned strategy that still makes a client feel that you have his/her best interests at heart.

For those of you who have booked your leave during April, I wish you a safe, pleasant and well rested holiday. You deserve this time with your family and friends.

To the worker bees, you are not alone. Many people will be working during April, keeping the wheels turning.

To the rest of South Africa and the world, Cape Town is not on complete shutdown. :)

Be safe, happy holidays!