Keeping Hope Alive When Business Slows Down

Just because there are ups and downs in the summer does not mean we need to shrivel in doubt, get cynical, or cancel out our livelier hopes and dreams.

Written Jul 03, 2008, read 260 times since then.

EIGHT WINNING TIPS TO "KEEP YOUR HEAD WHEN OTHERS ARE LOSING THEIRS"

1. Stay Motivated: If you are isolated it’s hard to feel optimistic. Hang out with uplifting friends and listen to professional mentors who know the rhythms of the successful entrepreneur. Avoid naysayers and dreamkillers – too often such people can be well-intentioned family members and friends who are afraid for you.

2. Resist Procrastination or Self-Pity: It’s easy to fall into a slump when business seems to dry up. You wonder: “Is it me?” “Should I face the facts and give up?” or “Are my negative thoughts attracting negative outcomes?” More often than not we fall into a routine of inaction, obsession or some kind of anesthetizing distraction (all of these responses are based on fear). Ice cream and DVD’s are my narcotic of choice – Hey, at least it’s not heroin! Either way, action stops and so do my possibilities. And, “Action,” according to Margaret Bourke-White, “is always the antidote to fear.”

3. Know the Seasonal Nature of Business: Profits are like gardens and in the summer heat; it’s natural for our Irises to wilt a little but that doesn’t mean we have to. Just because there are ups and downs in the summer does not mean we need to shrivel in doubt, get cynical, or cancel out our livelier hopes and dreams.

4. Get out of Your Head and into Your Body: Physical movement of any kind—even going to the mailbox or stretching can break mental catastrophizing. Any momentum can help you shake the doldrums and give you more endorphins which we all know will help you ride with the tide and go with the flow. I like to go for after-dinner walks with my mate because that time of day is the coolest here on Bainbridge Island. Because one of the creative counseling services that I offer clients is a “walk and talk”—getting physical sponsors both of us as we strategize for their next creative endeavor. This habit of moving keeps both of us breathing more deeply, inspired and increasingly fit. And, as Einstein says, “To keep your balance in life, you must keep moving."

5. Simplify your Space: My home and office get trashed when my mind gets cluttered with worry and could use some focused and loving attention. Just as I have to plant seeds, turn soil, water and weed my garden at different rates during the year, I need to pace myself to catch up on personal projects that have heretofore been ignored—when marketing my business in a daily way becomes my only obsession. Making dump runs, selling stuff on craigslist.com, putting clothes in consignment stores, or asking a good friend to help me feng shui [pronounced fung shway] my office can make my space magically send an invitation to new clients, especially now that there’s more room for them.

6. Get Outdoors with Friends: Going to outdoor concerts, browsing yard sales, throwing a BYOB (BBQ), or even selling my wearable art at a local outdoor market can be a fun way to reconnect with others. Because I spend so much time on my computer as a writer and writing coach, I can feel like an anemic geek. Breathing in the Pacific Northwest’s natural surroundings, greenery, mountain air and sunshine, gives me a Vitamin I’m missing nine months a year (Vitamin D).

7. Attend Only the Fun Networking Events: Filling my professional and creative cup sometimes goes by the wayside when I’m feeling desperate. But, one of my favorite mentors advises, “Now is the time to expand your visibility: Write a press release, have a new photo taken, bump up your ezine. Get yourself interviewed on a local radio show or Access TV, revamp your Web site.” All this seed planting takes time and is easy to overlook when you're too busy during the other times of the year.

8. Try any New Form of Renewal: Sure massage, hot tubs, or napping are always awesome but what about trying something new? Flamenco is taking off in most cities and more and more people are returning to square dancing (gay and straight alike). The brave and bold are giving Capoeira a chance – a blend of Brazilian dance, martial arts and sparring.

Anyway you slice it, like all success, putting your pedal to the metal is required at times and swinging slowly in your hammock is required at others. I’d love to hear what works for you.

Jennifer Manlowe (PhD) is an author, career counselor and book coach helping people bring their creative aspirations into the public domain.

Learn more about the author, Jennifer Manlowe.

Comment on this article

Posted by Caroline Strittmatter , Snohomish, Washington | Jul 04, 2008

Thank you Jennifer. I am a Realtor and as you may have heard, the market is slow. I have taken some of your advice to heart. I particularly like attending the fun Biznik events and staying motivated suggestions. I attened Joe Hage's workshope yesterday and find him to be extremly uplifing. He gave me some new ideas to try it is always fun to get "re " motivated. Thank you for addressing this almost "taboo" issue in such a healthy way. Caroline Strittmatter

Caroline
Posted by Bobby Blanco CRFA, CSA, El Paso, Texas | Jul 04, 2008

Great advice! I will gladly pass this along and use it myself. Everyone needs to be reminded about the basics!
Posted by Marlene Rockey, Seattle, Washington | Jul 04, 2008

Jennifer, What a very practical, helpful and also incredibly insightful article! And as Carloline pointed out something that is very timely for all of us to consider. I, too, will be using many of your useful survival tips. You have very aptly articulated what many of us already know but might be too afraid to acknowledge. Thank you for bringing it to our collective consciousness.

Marlene

marlene...transforming homes one room at a time
Posted by Elizabeth Rightor MA MEd, Seattle, Washington | Jul 04, 2008

Jennifer,

Thank you for such an insightful and inspiring article. I also love your "walk and talk" idea! I found all of your advice to be helpful as I think about my business. Thanks again!

Elizabeth Rightor

Elizabeth Rightor, MA, MEd, Therapist
Posted by Rachel Whalley, Seattle, Washington | Jul 04, 2008

Jennifer, I LOVE this article. It's like a breath of fresh summer air. So timely and so needed.

I totally agree with all your tips.

What I try to do in the summer is remember how grateful I am for the time to enjoy the sunshine...something I did not get to do when I was in the 9 to 5 grind.

I also like to spend time in my non-home office even when I don't have clients. Sometimes I take a catnap there, and it seems to bring more energy into my business.

As for fun networking events, well, there's BizJam, of course. And there's my entertaining event about the Enneagram coming up on July 21st. We always laugh a lot and get some great relationships out of that. Perhaps you'll think about joining us?

Your body and spirit have something to tell you...
Posted by karen floyd, seattle, Washington | Jul 05, 2008

Jen, Right on.

As my career coach I have to say to everyone who is looking for a sincere, loving, present support Jennifer hits the mark for me!
Posted by Kimberly LeRiche, Cornelius, Oregon | Jul 05, 2008

Thank you for a great article with simple reminders to just stop and breathe. I especially like the one which recommends taking a break from the business and marketing and taking some time with other personal interests.
Posted by Andrew Delany, Seattle, WA, Washington | Jul 05, 2008

Thank you for the tips, Jennifer!

Sometimes I find the fastest way out of self pity is to lovingly, consciously embrace it, rather than to deny it with the stiff upper lip, denial, and so on! So many people seemed to be locked into it, with their silent buy-in partner being shame!

Best,

Andrew

Seattle's Premier Mind/Body Life Coach
Posted by David Billings, Portland, Oregon | Jul 05, 2008

When I think about how to stay "up" in a slump, I go to the DVDs and chocolate cake first.

Aside from that, I really like how you touch on physical activity to keep your spirits up (also necessary after the DVDs and cake).

Riding my bike, walking with my wife, going for a run, or doing a fast-paced house clean-up can be really stimulating.

Being around friends, family, and network pals also keeps me from dwelling on my pipeline. Sometimes it even sparks an idea to fill it.

Illustration, Animation. A whole lotta fun.
Posted by Jennifer Manlowe, Bainbridge Island, Washington | Jul 07, 2008

My goodness, everyone, I've just returned home (online) to find these wonderfully-supportive comments. Wow! I'm so thrilled to hear your responses. Thank you, thank you. After reading your comments I can't help but think that I could have added one more tip, i.e., "connect with Bizniker's through writing your own article/tip sheets...or by any means necessary."

You gals and guys really don't suck!

Seriously, I hope to see you at BizJam -- that 2-day event is going to be a big boost for us cultural creatives. And, yes, Rachel, I'll be all over your Enneagram workshop on the 21st. I, too, have a free Enneagram questionnaire/link (on my "favorite links" page) for those who want a quick sense of their Enneagram type.

Bless you all and thanks so much for making my MONDAY!

p.s. Karen, you are a "just right client" and people who get to work with your intuitive re-design talents will be so lucky!

Jennifer Manlowe, Creative Career Counselor
Posted by Rachel Whalley, Seattle, Washington | Jul 07, 2008

Yay! I'm glad you'll be joining the enneagram event on the 21st. (I would love it if you'd RSVP sooner rather than later so that people looking to meet you will be more persuaded to attend. :) )

Your body and spirit have something to tell you...
Posted by Stacy Karacostas, Seattle, Washington | Jul 08, 2008

Terrific tips Jennifer! It can be lonely and difficult out there these days, especially when you work by yourself from a home office.

I love that you focus not only on tips specific to building your business, but on tips to build your personal sense of wellbeing. I've used many of these myself, and in fact was just getting ready to clean my office clutter. :-)

Thanks for sharing! Stacy
Posted by Tammy Redmon, Olympia, Washington | Jul 08, 2008

The first "10" I have wanted to give on an article Jennifer! Great reminders. Creative use of ideas for getting out of the rut and into action.

I just went through over the weekend and cleaned my office - it really does open up the space physically and mentally. The advice your mentor gave you is excellent. Planting seeds is just as important as cultivating the soil (which you are encouraging) - keeping with the natural law of nature really does work in all walks of life.

Make it a great day! Tammy Redmon & Associates

Deepen Your Learning...Forward Your Action
Posted by Jennifer Manlowe, Bainbridge Island, Washington | Jul 22, 2008

Bless you all. Please let me know different things you're doing to keep connected to yourself during periods of "dryness"in the desert and where you find oases.

Jennifer Manlowe, Creative Career Counselor
Posted by Alma Gray, Akron, Ohio | Jul 23, 2008

Hi Jennifer.

I appreciate your article. Weathering the emotional and financial ups and downs truly are the biggest challenges in business ownership. I hit a low last month, but rather than sink lower, I formed a small business support group in my area (Akron, Ohio). Hearing others who are in the same boat and--better yet--pulled through is definitely uplifting. Moral support from other business owners is a wonderful way to connect and genuinely network.
Posted by Jennifer Manlowe, Bainbridge Island, Washington | Jul 23, 2008

Right on, Alma. Thanks for the tip. I love to know what helps others keep hope alive.

Jennifer Manlowe, Creative Career Counselor
Posted by Rachel Whalley, Seattle, Washington | Jul 23, 2008

My sometimes business partner and I just instituted a weekly business meeting. We're each setting an easy-to-accomplish business goal on Monday of each week and helping each other by working through resistences and brainstorming together.

It's amazing how much this is helping me re-up my ante in my business during this summer season.

Your body and spirit have something to tell you...
Posted by Kumar Iyer, Bangalore, Karnataka India | 4 weeks ago

Hi Jennifer.

Nice article. I feel some times we get into this state because of people who work with us and because we trust them so much. We come to know that the doors are going to close and it will be too late to realise and bring things back.

Your suggestion of looking into new customers or contacts, is very good. This keeps ones hopes alive.
Posted by Jennifer Manlowe, Bainbridge Island, Washington | 4 weeks ago

Thanks for letting me know what works for you, Rachel. Way to bring up the energy by multiplying it.

Kumar, I'm so happy to see that new customers are in view who might be just right for you. (Hey, that rhymes!).

Check out my brief book reviews, if you feel like here on BIZNIK

Jennifer Manlowe, Creative Career Counselor