When times are slow (for example in the middle of a pandemic with forced closures) knowing what to do can be super challenging. However, finding the right work can build momentum and help you bounce back stronger than ever.
If you have followed me for a while, you will know that I love goals, branding, and systems - these are great things to focus on as they will define where you are going, the relationship and message to use to get there and the methods to help you achieve your goals.
1) Refine your BHAG and vision.
If you don't have a goal, you cant make strategic decisions that will lead you closer to your vision.
Ask yourself the following:
⚡️How many days do I want to work every week?
⚡️What do you want to be able to delegate to others?
⚡️Would you rather focus on running the business or doing the work eg creating graphics, do you need to hire a manager to handle the business side?
⚡️What kind of team and culture do you want?
⚡️How do you want your customers to feel after they have worked with your company?
Write down these answers and start thinking about any changes that you can make to get your closer to your vision.
2) Work on your branding
What are people saying about you when you are not around. I am not just talking about cute logos and awesome freebies, I am talking about reputation. If people think you don't use current technology and deliver slow work, that is the brand that you have.
Look at how your business presents itself to the world. What message are you putting out there, does it match people's opinions of your brand? If it does, AMAZING, use the information to think of ways to increase that opinion. If not, what should you change?
3) Improve your systems
If you want a business that you don't need to work 24/7, you will need to implement systems. Are the ones that you are using make your business run like clockwork? Are your clients always impressed by how on the ball you are? Does your team always deliver? If consistency is a problem, better systems are your solutions.
EG Have a sales script for your entire team so that the message is consistent. Have daily or weekly team meetings to make sure that everyone is on the same page, even when business is super busy.
Look, I know this pandemic is making the entrepreneurial journey a totally WTF rollercoaster right but if you utilize your slow time, doing some behind the scenes work, your business will bounce back stronger than ever!