What to Do When Business Gets Hard

Running a business can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging ventures. There may be times, when everything falls into place, and the journey feels effortless. But, there are also moments when the going gets tough. During these times, our resilience, creativity, and determination are truly tested.

So, what do we do when business gets hard? Here are some motivational ideas and practical tips to help you through challenging times.

First things first, accept that tough times are part of running a small business. Every successful entrepreneur has faced challenges, and it’s these very challenges that shape us into stronger, more capable business owners. Embrace the challenge as an opportunity for growth and learning.

TIP: Reflect on past challenges you’ve overcome. Remembering how you’ve successfully moved past difficulties before can boost your confidence and provide perspective on your current situation. If it helps, write them down and keep the list in a safe place that you can return to it when needed.

When the going gets tough, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Remind yourself why you started your business in the first place. Reconnect with your vision and mission. Do you have a business and marketing plan? Refer back, revise and refine. Your passion and purpose are powerful motivators that can reignite your drive and push you to find solutions.

TIP: Create a vision board or keep a journal of your goals and aspirations. Regularly revisiting these can help you stay motivated and focused on your long-term objectives.

Overwhelm often stems from the size of the challenges we face. Break down the problem into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach not only makes the situation less daunting but also provides a clear path forward.

TIP: Use tools like mind maps or task management software such as Trello, to organise your thoughts and actions. Prioritise tasks based on their impact and urgency.

You don’t have to go through tough times alone. Reach out to mentors, other business owners or industry experts for advice and support. Sometimes, an outside perspective can shed light on solutions you hadn’t considered. Every small business owner goes through hard times. You’ll be surprised how when you start talking about your struggles, people will open up about theirs.

TIP: Join business networks, such as LE16 Ladies, where you can share experiences and gain insights from others who have faced similar challenges.

Challenges are often sent to flag that it’s time to change direction or experiment. Be open to change and willing to adapt your strategies. Whether it’s updating your business plan, exploring new markets, or using new technologies, flexibility is key to overcoming obstacles.

TIP: Regularly review your business processes and strategies. Regularly brainstorm to generate innovative ideas and solutions.

From personal experience, I know that this is easier said than done. But a positive mindset is crucial during tough times. While it’s important to acknowledge the difficulties, dwelling on the negative won’t help you to move forward. Focus on what you can control and stay optimistic about the future.

TIP: Practice gratitude. Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. This simple exercise can shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.

Running a business can be hard, and it’s easy to neglect your well-being. Working all hours to the point of burnout is a common occurrence. However, your business can’t grow if you’re burnt out. Prioritise self-care to maintain your physical and mental health.

TIP: Schedule regular breaks, exercise, and ensure you’re getting enough sleep. Consider mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga to reduce stress and improve focus. Try the Pomodoro method to get into the habit of regular breaks.

It’s important to recognise and celebrate your small victories when you’re finding things tough. Each step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Celebrating these wins can give you a boost and keep you motivated.

TIP: Keep a success journal where you document your achievements and milestones. Reflecting on these can provide encouragement and a sense of accomplishment. Take screenshots of positive reviews you’ve received and make notes of positive feedback you’ve received.

Tough times in business will never go away, but they don’t have to consume you. By embracing challenges, staying focused on your vision, seeking support, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can and will get through the tough times and better still you will become stronger. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity in disguise, and with the right approach, you can turn challenges into stepping stones for future success.

Stay resilient, stay inspired, and keep moving forward. The journey of a small business owner is a marathon, not a sprint, and a steady pace (and plan) will help create lasting success.