Since 90% of us are sitting at home in our sweatpants, we can’t deny that this situation hits business owners hard. Assignments are falling through, stores/studios are closing and coaching sessions are canceled. But even in these times, I’m seeing a lot of positivity on social media. As a business owner, I know you are creative enough to evolve your business and get through this difficult time. All you have to do is pivot. [Insert Ross meme here].
I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself. Humor also lightens the current circumstances, so I’ll use it to my advantage.
Now I understand it’s difficult to focus on the good, but it’s the only mindset that is going to get you through the financial troubles going on at the moment. To make this a bit easier, I’ll share my priorities at the moment!
#1 Move services online
The first thing I did when corona hit? Launched my content creation course. Say what?! Some say this would be a ridiculous idea. Why launch in a time when people are hesitant in investing money?
I don’t see it that way. I saw this moment as the perfect opportunity to completely move my business online. The course had been sitting on the shelf for more than 4 months and I never got around to publishing it. Even if sales are momentarily slow, at least all systems are set up in place when the time’s right.
Find a way to move your services online. Whether you can offer 1:1 sessions through Skype or sell products – now’s the time to prepare everything necessary to foolproof your business. How can you offer your services in new, innovative ways? Can you make products from your services, like a course or packages?
#2 Build your network
Are you already bored with watching Netflix? Let’s find a more useful activity – networking! We don’t need events to meet new people, we have social media for that. Usually, when my regular work schedule is in full force, I don’t have much time to DM or meet up for coffees. However, now that I work from home, I am able to focus on building relationships.
If you haven’t done so yet, send your business BFFs a message or host a Skype session. You could also spend a bit of time doing research if you’re in need of new connections. Go to LinkedIn and find out who are key players in your niche, or go to Instagram and connect with followers from your colleagues.
There’s a lot of value in a network. Invest in it now that business is slow, so that you can thrive when things are getting better! We’re all in it together.
#3 Drive traffic to your website
The world is at home, bored, and on their smartphone as we speak. Netflix and YouTube have lowered their video quality so that more people can watch videos at the same time without shutting down the internet. That’s insane!
Take advantage of this period! Now’s the best time to invest in advertisements. Literally everyone is using the internet right now. I don’t know about you but I’ve been on Facebook more this week than I have been the entire year.
Traffic to your website/social media profile is crucial. More eyeballs = more chance at sales. So, if you know how to – set up ads, or do everything in your power to get people to look at your website. Write newsletters, post content, send DMs – grab attention!
#4 Create, create, create!
Don’t sit still. There’s so much to create. Whether it’s inside your business (like that online course…) or content that you can use for marketing later. There’s no right or wrong here. Just don’t stop working. The creativity may not come easily now. Totally normal! Best to go out, take a walk, listen to music and then get back to work.
I know that at the moment it might feel as if you’re creating out of desperation. A friend of mine, as a store owner, is only just now starting to use social media to promote products. And even though it might feel like it’s too late, it is also a beautiful moment to gain new skills and test out any type of content.
Let me know how you’re feeling
We’re in this together. I would love to know how you’re feeling and dealing with these circumstances. Do you feel a certain block? Or are you thriving? Is there something I can help you with? You can let me know in the comments below or find me on Instagram. And of course I hope you are safe and healthy!