Every small business owner can agree that the unpredictable nature of business is one of the hardest things to navigate. Sometimes slow seasons in business are predictable, like in the event and wedding industry, while other periods of slow business might be unexpected thanks to the economy or, ya know, a pandemic.
During a slow season, you might start doubting yourself or be hit with major imposter syndrome. Will the clients come back around? Do people want to hire me? Should I lower my pricing to cast a wider, more accessible net? đ¨ I feel ya, girl â Iâve been there. So, what should you do when business is slow? Below Iâve compiled a list of how Iâve tackled the slow season mentally and physically as an experienced biz owner thatâs been there!
OVERCOMING THE MENTAL HURDLES
If youâre feeling all the panic, fear, or general stress over a slow season in business, then this is for you. Read this list as many times as you need it, babe. And take some deep breaths.
#1 This is normal. Allll of it. The panic. The imposter syndrome. Slow business. Itâs all normal. I donât know a single entrepreneur who is immune from slow seasons in business. Just knowing that every business experiences this at some point is a huge relief!
#2 Check your stats from last year. Before you panic, look back on your income and bookings from last year. Did it take a dip? If so, when did it come back up? What changed? This might help calm some of that anxiety and give you action steps forward.
#3 Hype yourself up. If you donât have a âthis is why I do this sh*tâ folder, you need one. This is where you dump all those kind words and reviews your clients send you. As imposter syndrome seeps in, read through those reviews to reassure yourself that you know WTF youâre doing.
#4 Network with other biz professionals. Having people you can turn to will seriously keep you sane, especially with slow business. You can brainstorm marketing ideas, collaborate to bring in new clients, and affirm each other that this too shall pass.
#5 Prioritize your boundaries. You know all those solid boundaries you set? Yeah, when the fear sets in, babe, itâs easy to send those all out the window. But grinding until midnight or answering an email in .02 seconds wonât bring in clients faster. As you start to feel desperate for work, youâll ignore every red flag from a potential income source. Donât fall into that trap â keep your boundaries.
#6 Step away from social media. No more hate follows, âkay? Unfollow or mute that account that makes you feel like sh*t or the influencer who is on their fourth continent this month. This isnât the time for comparisons.
#7 Focus on your intentions. This is the time to recenter and remember the importance of manifestations and intentions. Start your mornings reciting your intentions and focus on what you CAN control: your thoughts. After all, they become your actions. These are my 2023 manifestations and thought intentions. Feel free to make them yours, too!
WHAT TO DO WITH EXTRA TIME IN YOUR BUSINESS
During a period of slow business, you might find yourself twiddling your thumbs. What are you supposed to do? This is actually the perfect time to get ahead, recuperate, and take care of overdue tasks.
#1 Those tasks you put off? Pick âem back up. We all have that to-do list thatâs been sitting there for ages collecting digital dust. Take time to work on those long-forgotten tasks. Whether itâs fueling your passion, 5-9 side hustle, or a list for your biz – knock âem out!
#2 Get your biz in tip-top shape. When was the last time you updated your inquiry form or looked over your contract? YeahâŚitâs time, cowgirl. Clean up your workflows, accounts, and make sure your legal docs are updated.
#3 Brainstorm ideas. When business is slow, you have more energy to give to your marketing. Come up with new pieces of content and marketing ideas. Use that extra brain space to think outside the box and brainstorm what your audience needs from you
#4 Batch your content. Staying on top of your marketing when things are busy is hard AF. During a slow season in business, take time to get ahead and save yourself a ton of stress later. Your future self is already thanking you!
#5 Donât stop promoting! I know that imposter syndrome is creeping in, babe. Itâs telling you that no one is listening. But that couldnât be farther from the truth. Keep promoting your offers and services, so when people are ready to buy, they know exactly who to turn to (*ahem* you).
#6 Take a vacay. Yep, Iâm saying it. If you have predictable periods of slow business, why not plan your vacations for when things are slow? It just makes sense. Itâs the time to rejuvenate and take care of you, baby girl.
Slow seasons in business can bring all the emotions, but I hope you see that these periods can actually benefit your business (and help you recuperate before things pick back up). Looking for more biz tips? Check out my reasons to say goodbye to a toxic client.
