Lions and Lambs, Oh My
The most common origin story for saying the weather in March “comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb” is connected to the astronomical references to the presence of the constellation Leo (lion) visible at the beginning of March and Aries (lamb) visible near the end of the month. March is named for Mars, the Roman god of war, which also lines up with the lion thing, but is also home to the Ides of March, not a good day for emperors.
Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day both begin with great energy and conclude inevitably greatly subdued. March is a transitional month; t is the end of one season and the beginning of another, and the month that Daylight Savings Time steals an hour of sleep from us all.
March is the end of the first quarter of the year and Spring’s renewal begins. Which makes March a good time for some evaluation and planning. For small business owners, March can be a time to re-evaluate business strategies, set new goals, and implement fresh marketing initiatives.
March is Women's History Month:
This is an important opportunity to highlight and celebrate women-owned small businesses, women employees and the contributions of female trailblazers and entrepreneurs here in Maryland and across the country.
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day is March 29:
March 29th has been designated as a day to recognize the vital role of small, family-owned businesses in the community and to support them.
Networking opportunities pop up everywhere:
Nicer weather means that many in-person events and conferences will happen in March, providing platforms for small business owners to host business prospects, sponsor and attend professional events, and connect with potential clients and partners.
Fresh ideas for marketing and promotion:
With the change of seasons, March can be a good time to refresh marketing campaigns and promotions to capitalize on the renewed energy and optimism.
March is as good a month as any to think about supporting your employees and colleagues, so we posted a query to ChatGPT to ask how,
“What is the best thing you can do for your employees?”
ChatGPT response:
1. Offer a Strong Retirement Plan
Providing a payroll-deducted retirement savings plan can significantly improve employees' financial security.
2. Provide Competitive Compensation & Benefits
A competitive salary, health insurance, paid time off, and wellness programs make employees feel valued and reduce turnover.
3. Create a Positive Work Culture
A workplace that values recognition, work-life balance, and career growth fosters long-term loyalty. Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or hybrid schedules, can also boost morale.
4. Support Professional Development
Invest in your team’s growth with training, mentorship, and tuition reimbursement. Employees who see a future at your company are more likely to stay and contribute at a high level.
5. Offer Financial Wellness Programs
Beyond retirement savings, help employees manage their finances with financial literacy workshops, emergency savings plans, or access to financial advisors.
6. Prioritize Mental & Physical Well-Being
Access to mental health resources, gym memberships, and wellness initiatives can improve overall job satisfaction and productivity.
7. Foster Open Communication & Employee Feedback
Check in with employees, encourage open feedback, and act on their suggestions. Feeling heard is one of the most important factors in job satisfaction.
8. Celebrate Wins & Recognize Hard Work
Recognition doesn’t have to be expensive—small bonuses, public appreciation, or extra time off can go a long way in making employees feel valued.
Activities for kids ramp up in March as do outdoor sports, parties and outings. Make sure your employees have the time to be a part of these moments when possible. Making a work-life balance a priority will build loyalty in your company.
Oh, and there is a small college basketball tournament that may be vying for your team’s attention. Allow for a little madness to overcome them.