Has Your Business Hit A Wall? What To Do When Business Slows Down

Perhaps you've been experiencing a downtime in your business and feeling as though you've literally hit a wall. The phone has stopped ringing, your e-mail box has nothing but advertisements and it seems as if your business has come to an end. Is it really all over, or are you just experiencing a temporary setback?

Don’t Put Attention on What Isn’t Working

I doubt that anyone reading this hasn't at one time or another found business dropping off dramatically, especially when there’s so much on the news about the economy. So, when it happens, invariably the first reaction we usually have is to put all of our attention on what isn't working. We start complaining about the situation, commiserating with others who are experiencing a similar quiet period and just falling prey to the worry. However, regardless of how it looks, there is a powerful theory that says: "Whatever we focus our attention on expands." Whether you believe that or not, the fact remains that when we put our attention on what isn't working, it seems that things get worse. But, when we put our attention on what is working, it seems that things quickly improve. Being in a more positive state of mind shifts the energy and alters the circumstances.

Business Always Has Ups and Downs

Through the years, one of the greatest lessons I've learned is that predictably business will have its ups and downs. When I first began my business as a Writing Stylist, I would become terrified if the phone stopped ringing. But once I learned that the ebbs and flows are natural, I started perceiving the situation differently. Instead of staring at the pot of water waiting for it to boil, I released the situation and put my mind on something else. As a result, things always shifted. Either a new idea occurred to me, or past clients contacted me out of the blue. Now whenever those quiet times occur, I remember not to put attention on what I don’t want. I simply get away from it for a little while and do my best to think about what I do want. By changing my focus and keeping myself in a positive frame of mind, new ideas bubble up and I start to feel more creative.

For those who prefer to take action while waiting for things to shift, I suggest doing some simple things that don't put any pressure on you but give you a sense of accomplishment.

1. Write an article and submit it to a popular publication. Nothing will give you quite the same sense of achievement as seeing an article you've written in print, plus it's one of the more positive things to do when you aren't very busy. Just about everyone has something they've learned through their experiences that others would love to know about. Share it in an article and you'll be amazed at how quickly the tide turns.

2. Write a press release and distribute it through one of the free press release distribution services. Often smaller companies think a press release is only for the big guys and hold back from using the media. But press releases are for everyone. Several of my clients have taken the chance by putting out a press release and had overwhelming results they never expected.

3. Try networking. We often forget that there are a lot of people who would be delighted to join forces with us by linking to our sites or referring us to someone they know. Recently, I made a connection with someone who aligned perfectly with my business. After communicating with him via e-mail, I found that his site and service were very complimentary to my services. I then suggested to him that we add each other to our sites, which is exactly what we've done. The added exposure that we can provide each other has been extremely beneficial.

4. Update your web site. Although your web site presentation has appeared online for quite a while, and you have realized a degree of success, perhaps it's possible that your site needs some refreshing or revamping. Try looking at your web site from an objective viewpoint, almost as if you're seeing it for the very first time. Review it carefully and notice if it still appeals to your eye and your ear. If not, add a new article, change the verbiage or add some new pictures. Figure out a way to optimize your site by adding search engine friendly content so that more people will find you. You don't necessarily have to change your site, but simply update it while you're waiting.

5. Visit past successes. Now may be a good time to stop by and say hello to clients from the past. They may have forgotten your e-mail address and might be in need of your services. If someone has been happy with your services, ask if they would be willing to recommend you and suggest that you will pay them a small finder's fee for any paying referral. Maintaining good relationships with your past clients and customers is a great way of keeping your business flowing.

Just because you aren't busy for the moment doesn't mean that all of your hard work has come to an end. In fact this may very well be a great time for reflection. Instead of scrambling to quickly drum up more business or fretting about the lack of income, perhaps this is the time to be still as you consider some new strategies. It may also mean that a new surge of business is on its way, and you’re just storing up some needed energy. In either case, before making judgments about your situation, and having doom and gloom thoughts, why not use this period as an opportunity for expansion and growth?