Times are tough. For everyone but more so for the small business owners (and I include the freelance consultants here too). There is just no getting around that except for the degree of toughness. It’s when times are hard that we need to motivate ourselves and find new ways of doing business.
Adding something extra: While times are tough for us, it’s just as bad for our clients and customers. So, if you can, i.e. it doesn’t cost more than time (especially if you are in the service sector), do something extra without charging. I am sure they will appreciate the gesture and support. I, personally, believe that going the extra mile will not only help you get back on your feet but also sustain you a bit longer.
Lend a helping hand: If you have been in business long enough, you have been up and down. I know I have but I have also learnt valuable lessons on the way. No matter what stage you are at, there is always someone that can benefit from you. Reach out to them and help them. Focus on your core strengths, do not take on too much – just enough to handle within your bandwidth (or that of your business). There are several initiatives for the SME that are useful to support and will help to get someone back on their feet. Maybe that’s you. I am working with SME Rise Collective to work with a couple of start-ups to help them kickstart their communications. Do the same in your sector.
Barter and Collaborate: Sometimes, you need the extra fillip. As one of my mentors used to say (God rest his soul) – it’s better to have 50 percent of something than a 100 percent of nothing. Share a project with someone that will help you to get more business or explore new areas through the collaboration. I would also rather barter for a service than drop my prices. Explore your options. You might be surprised how much easier it is to do and that in the long term, it might just help you evolve.
Whatever you choose to do to help you rejuvenate your business, don’t do it alone. Don’t take on more than you can deliver. Your reputation is at stake too. Ask for help or give it where you can. I am sure when the time is right, the work will come back your way. It’s called good Karma.
