When business is slow, as it inevitably is from time to time, I naturally get worried, even paranoid although mentally I know that ups and downs are just part of business (and life, for that matter). Nevertheless, I begin to question my worth and contribution, what I’m doing wrong, whether this the end of my career (oh, the drama!). After all the questioning, I eventually make it around to the most important question…what can I do about it?
Has this ever happened to you?
So, what do I do when feeling the ‘ebb’ in my business? First of all, I remember that business comes from three sources: New clients, former clients, and current clients. Then, I brainstorm within those spheres to come up with some immediate tasks I can do to develop some new work. Here’s what I like to do:
- Make huge progress on my business development projects and goals for the year so I can get new products and services launched as soon as possible.
- Think about how to better serve current clients. Brainstorm new product and service ideas and pitch them to current clients.
- Reconnect with former clients and ask for new business.
- Create some buzz by creating some new content. Downtimes are great for making time to create more thoughtful, compelling content for your website, blog and social media.
Most importantly, keep the faith! Replace fear with faith by remembering that small steps taken regularly – day in and day out – add up to big results over time.
Speaking of small steps taken regularly, if you’d like help creating a plan to keep in touch with your prospects, partners and clients, check out my FREE Digital Keep-in-Touch Plan.
I’d love to hear what do you do during your slow times? Feel free to share a comment below. Thanks!