Where did all the clients go?

I found myself asking this question to fellow colleagues and myself during the past two weeks. Business abruptly fell off after Labor Day so we pondered...where did all the clients go?The reasons were somewhat obvious. The end of summer had arrived, people were relaxed and had spent their money vacationing etc. New priorities and schedules emerged with “back to school”. Not to mention the weather in Seattle has been beautiful. A massage or hair cut may have simply fallen lower on the list of priorities. Some sighted larger trends such as the current market place uncertainty; the election; even natural disasters. We know that our clients subconsciously make decisions regarding their spending habits based on these outside influences, however the question remained. Where did our clients go?Being self-employed has many benefits. If you choose you can live your dream. The opportunity becomes incorporating a lifestyle where what we have to do transforms into what we want to do in a way that becomes transparent. Our lives can become a rich tapestry, which flows as independently to the outside world as we choose. We are happy innerprenurs (Tanya Joyce's Biznik article) creating our own life, path, etc. However, the downside is that we are responsible for our business: trend or no trends.Having confidence that we had created an innerprenural lifestyle a bigger question presented itself: what happens when our "flow" is undermined and suddenly clients disappear? In times of shortage we can easily undermine our sense of worth, value, and confidence. However, we know as small business owners we can't afford to loose ourselves when our business hits a lull! So what do we do to protect our businesses and our livelihood? Start with what you have control over.Be prepared! Ask yourself what does being prepared mean to me? What do I need to better navigate times like these in the future? Be truthful about what forces you have seen influence your clientele over the years, and take note of the trends. Review your business practices over the past year. Find what you can improve upon and apply to next year. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. See this for what it is, a lull. Do not let it tarnish your inner beliefs about yourself and the valued service you provide. Find the opportunity. There is always a hidden gem. Utilize this time to regenerate yourself, and your business. Give yourself permission to see if you need anything. Take care of yourself and the business will follow. Reconnect. Reconnect with yourself and with others. Take the opportunity to unravel your mind. Have fun and find some creative ways to network. Get inspired by revisiting your goals and visions. Look for new tools to add to your toolbox.Responsibility. Be knowledgeable and truthful about your circumstances being careful to not fall victim to them. The bills will get paid. (Sometimes even miraculously.) Be flexible and creative. Sometimes the solutions we seek are outside of the box we know. Take out the trash. Clean house. Physically and metaphysically. Include worry, anxiety and all the other emotions that are not helpful over the issue at hand. Our answer appeared. Our clients haven’t “gone anywhere”. They will return. Business will resume. The challenge as a small business owner is surmountable. The opportunity has been recognized. If you choose the gift, lulls can become opportunities. We are fortunate as innerprenurs to have a moment to reflect on how we can continue to live our best lifestyle. Seize the moment and do your best. 2008-09-18T23:43:30Z

2008-09-20T20:08:58Z