This episode builds on the newsletter I sent out last week and a lot of conversations I’ve been having with other small business owners. If your revenue is down this year, you're not alone. I talk about practical, accessible steps you can take when business slows.
What I cover
- The normal ups and downs of running a small business. Growth every year is not the realistic baseline.
- Don’t assume a down year means you’re doomed. You need a different strategy, not resignation.
- Start with the basics: get a clear marketing plan, show up consistently, and take excellent care of the clients you already have.
- If you’ve fallen off your marketing routine, restart the simple things you know how to do.
- If your current plan is not working, get curious rather than hard on yourself. You probably need new skills or support.
- Use resources you already own first: courses, books, freebies you purchased but never used. Try one and follow it through.
- Ask your community what has helped them. There are many free or low-cost tools and approaches that move the needle.
- Foundations first: just like health care, make sure the basics are in place before getting fancy. For marketing that means steady ways to meet people, stay in touch, invite them to work with you, and deliver a great client experience.
- Be willing to try things. Some will work, some will not. Learn and iterate.
- If needed, take practical measures like getting other income temporarily. That is okay.
Resources mentioned
Want help? If you have a specific situation you want me to talk through, send a short summary and I may address it in a future episode.
Thanks for listening. Take care and talk soon.
