Image by Francois Roche
If you read this post recently, you’ll already know my feelings about whether now is the right time to start your own location independent (or any type of) business.
But if you’re already running your own small business – bombarded by reports of economic doom and gloom, news of failing businesses and constant lay-offs – it’s hard not to start wondering whether this economic climate is going to hit your business eventually and how you can protect yourself. Maybe you’ve already have noticed a drop in inquiries, new clients and sales.
Either way, there’s one important thing you need to remember…
You are STILL in control.
Instead of sitting there worrying stressing yourself into a panic attack, remember that there are plenty of things you can do to kick start your business, get the sales rolling and keep your business afloat. It is something you can control.
But if you’re lacking in creativity and ideas and are fed up with racking your brain as to what you can do to get yourself through the tough times, you need to understand this first: The problem you’re facing is physiological.
When you’re stressed, your body goes into survival mode. It directs your resources to ensure vital functions keep functioning – which means that things like creativity and idea generation are pushed down the ladder of importance from your body’s perspective.
If that’s how you’re feeling right now, have a listen to 6 things you can do today to start generating more customers for your location independent business…
The key thing about all of the above suggestions is this: doing something and moving forwards is better than doing nothing. Don’t you agree?
Great advice! Something that I have found to be incredibly helpful in boosting my business is an idea that I got by reading Sophfronia Scott’s latest book, “Doing Business By the Book.” Ms. Scott suggested that people who are already in business who want to give it a little jump start, write a book on their specialization to help build credibility and make your product more well known. I haven’t yet finished my book, but have to say that it has been pretty easy to do thanks to her step-by-step instructions outlined in the book.
Great tips, Lea
And I especially agree with your point about getting out of stress and fear, so that we can think clearly and creatively to apply your resourceful tips to moving our businesses forward. Research shows that we make crappy decisions when we’re stressed: http://www.psychologicalscience.org/media/releases/2009/porcelli.cfm
Cath
Any chance y’all would consider a transcription inclusion on audio posts for hard-of-hearing readers? It would be much appreciated.
@Becky – Thanks for the book recommendation. Haven’t heard of it but will check it out. I agree that a book (even a self-published one which some people frown upon) is a great way to establish credibility. It’s definitely helped having one for this site :)
@CathD – The topic of stress (esp. from a physiological point of view) is something that fascinates me. So few people really understand what happens to our bodies when we’re stressed – and the fact that “stress” is defined as anything that takes our body out of homeostasis – which is pretty much most things on a daily basis!!
@Emily – yes of course, absolutely. I possibly won’t get round to it for this post but in the future, it’s definitely something we’ll do when doing audio/video posts. In the meantime, if you have any questions about this one, please drop me an email – I’d be happy to answer them.
Hi Lea,
I like this blog!
What is your view on buying traffic to your web-based business, via something like Google Adwords? Have you had any experience there?