By Jane Betters
It's been a rough few months for many of us with a business to run. Sales and revenue down, expenses the same or more. Not a good equation! But sometimes numbers don't tell the whole story.
Are you a victim of curses? Have the past nine months made you feel hopeless? Whatever you do just doesn't work and you're mad at Washington, yourself, a difficult client – God? Have you retreated into a cave hoping to just wait out the storm? Do you berate yourself for the debt that's accumulated or past decisions made? Are you thinking about quitting? Do these thoughts help you or your business?
I understand if that's where you are. I've spent a few days there myself! What I quickly found, however, was that I don't like cave life. I didn't start my business to hunker down in a dark hole. So, what to do?
This is a time of opportunity, not despair.
Yes! I wrote about this some months ago. What a great time to be in business - It's a blessing! How can that be? Well, think about it ~
• Time - that most precious of resources - is now more available than ever to review your business model and make appropriate adjustments. Make extreme use of every slow moment!
• Finances - Okay, the money is not rolling in, so get creative! How can you reach out with minimal expense to get maximum attention?
- Is it PR? That's always an option to consider as good PR has an impact far beyond a purchased ad. And how about speaking at groups? That can gain immediate credibility.
- Are you taking advantage of Social Media opportunities? If not, you're probably missing the boat as there are people who don't know about you and your products or services that you can reach through blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn and other similar programs.
- Do you have an online newsletter that is chock full of GOOD information? Everyone's email is overrun with run-of-the-mill offers and promotions. You have to stand out! Figure out a core need or want that your company supplies and tie it to compelling benefits. Make it about them, not you.
• Opportunities - These are endless! There are more startup businesses for you to reach than ever before. There are more businesses looking for innovative solutions and new products and services to streamline their companies. Find the niche - maybe one you've overlooked or dismissed in the past - and make it your own.
Blessings!
This can be the time that propels your business into a success you never dreamed only a few months ago. And, if you're a praying man or woman, this is the time to ask God to guide you on this quest and turn it over to Him. I'm SO glad I'm not doing this alone!
I'm with you as you search for the answers to make your business thrive. I'd love to hear from people who've found these months a time of blessings and what they've done. Maybe you even ended one business and went an entirely different direction! Please share your journey with us and encourage those who are just now peeking from their caves to step out into daylight and new opportunities.
