Instead of working on your solitaire high score when things are a little slow at the office, take advantage of the time to prepare for the next step in your business.

Using available time to push your business forward is one strategy that separates successful financial advisory practices from mediocre firms, says Sandra Foster, president of Headspring Consulting in Toronto.

Here are some ways to make the most of a slow business period.

> Explore new services
Consider adding new services to your roster to help boost your income and improve your value to clients. Ask yourself: “Are there other resources I can use to provide valuable services to clients and generate revenue?”

For example, Foster says, if you’re primarily in investments, it may be time to think about insurance. Or it might be appropriate to consider shifting to a fee-based model.

> Re-evaluate and refocus your business
Take advantage of downtime by re-evaluating your business plan, says Heather Percy, owner of Toronto-based Percy Emtage and Associates. Look at your business’s strategic and marketing plans to make sure you are still on track to reach your goals.

> Start developing new relationships
Re-evaluating your plan can help you make important decisions — such as whether it’s best to spend your time on deepening relationships with existing clients or focusing on building new ones.

“Always do some business development in slow times,” Percy says, “because it takes a while to nurture a client.”

> Work with your team
Be sure to include team members when re-evaluating plans and goals. “When you are creating that top-level strategy, involve others in those decisions,” Percy says. “You’ll be amazed at what ideas come from your team members.”

> Review the budget
While re-evaluating your business plan during a lull, be sure to take a look at your budget. Says Foster: “Look at the money you’re spending and look for extraneous expenses. Don’t cut things that are really important to growing your business but cut anything that’s more exotic.”

> Look ahead
Sometimes a quiet time at the office can have more to do with the season than your business skills. In those cases, embrace the opportunity to prepare for busier periods, such as RRSP season. Use the time to review client portfolios in preparation for your next set of meetings, says Foster.