The Green Sheet Online Edition
September 8, 2025 • 25:09:01
Doing business as seasons change
Change of seasons is one of the few experiences nearly everyone shares. Whether it's the crispness of autumn air, the first signs of spring, or the long stretch of summer days, we all notice shifts in light, temperature and rhythm.
These transitions make natural conversation starters when you're networking, walking into a merchant's shop, or checking in with a client. "How's business this season?" may be a more engaging opener than "How are sales?" because it ties into what's happening right now in their world.
Tune in to nuances
But it's important to recognize that seasons aren't the same for everyone. Retailers might anticipate holiday peaks, while landscapers prepare for winter slowdowns. A café in Minnesota faces different seasonal challenges than one in Southern California. And now that payments is increasingly a global business, "seasonal change" might mean monsoon rains in India, tourist waves in Europe, or summer festivals in Australia. By tuning into those regional and vertical nuances, we can ask better questions and offer more relevant solutions.
Remember, people respond differently
Equally important is remembering that people respond to seasons differently. For some, the arrival of spring brings joy and renewal. For others, it may stir memories of loss or worry about drought, flooding or extreme weather. Just as no two merchants have the same business model, no two individuals experience the changing seasons in exactly the same way.
That's where listening comes in. When we listen carefully—not just to words, but to tone, pace and context—we learn what each merchant values and what challenges they face. That deeper understanding allows us to recommend payment tools, seasonal promotions or service enhancements that align with their reality, not just our assumptions.
Lead with curiosity, empathy
As the seasons turn, let's approach conversations with curiosity and empathy. A simple observation about the weather can open the door, but genuine listening is what builds trust. And in an industry built on relationships as much as technology, trust is the foundation for growth—season after season. 
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