8 Simple tips & ideas for getting unstuck in your small business
Whether you’re an established business owner or just starting out, feeling stuck or confused on your business journey can be frustrating and discouraging. But it’s a natural part of the journey which you are never alone in, I am writing this list as much for myself as for you. These 8 simple tips are a helpful tool to regularly return to to reinvigorate yourself when you’re not sure how to unstick yourself.
1. Reflect and clarify
Take one big step back, give yourself space to breath and reflect on whatever it is that is making you feel stuck. Articulate it, if you can, and write down the specific tasks or ideas that are causing you trouble. Although it sounds simplistic, writing things down and getting them out of your head can give you perspective so you can drill down into the root cause of the issue. This may help you begin to see things in a different way to gain clarity.
2. Revisit Your Plans and Goals
Revisit your long-term goals and dreams. Ask yourself that age old question “where do you want to be in 5 years?”. Reassess or create a business plan. Assess whether your current plans and strategies align with your long term vision or are adjustments needed. This can help you refocus and realign your efforts so you can move towards achieving your goals.
3. Set Short-term Goals
Running a business can be overwhelming. Looking at your seemingly never ending to-do list and feeling like you’re not ticking anything off can be discouraging. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more easily achievable goals will help you build momentum. The more progress you feel like you’re making, the more progress you will have the energy to make.
4. Ask for Feedback
It can be so hard to think outside the box when you’re working inside the box all day everyday. A fresh perspective can often help move you forward. Seek out mentors, industry experts or even your trusted peers for alternative perspectives and constructive feedback. They may have valuable information or insights they are happy to share.
5. Network & Collaborate
Networking and collaborating with brands or individuals can lead to immeasurable new opportunities. Engaging with other founders, brands, possible customers, influencers or industry leaders will expand your circle of influence and open doors. Collabs or joint projects can inject fresh energy into your business and open you up to new audiences.
6. Diversify & Say Goodbye
Truly great brands are never built within the comfort zone of the founder. Breaking free of old strategies and being willing to experiment will give you an edge over competitors. Diversifying your product ranges and culling pieces which just aren’t selling can often be liberating. It also enables you to stay relevant, engage with new markets, and it certainly helps with cashflow too.
7. Delegate, Outsource or learn
Sure you can probably handle everything yourself but is that the best thing to do? This can often lead to burnout and hinder the growth of your business. Build a team around you so you can delegate tasks or consider outsourcing some activities. This will free up your time to focus on the big picture and prioritise strategy and top level work. If you’re not ready to delegate, at least invest in training or learning so you’re better equipped to tackle everything you need to do. Embracing a growth mindset will inspire new ideas and make you more resilient to face challenges.
8. Prioritise Self-care
Running a small business is demanding, mentally and physically. Never neglect your health and well-being during tough times. Whether it’s regular exercise, a balanced diet or making time for hobbies, relaxation and friends. A rested and healthy body and mind will lead to better decision-making.
Feeling stuck in your business is totally normal and very common, but the good news is it won’t be permanent. These 8 simple ideas for getting unstuck, can help you see challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. By reflecting, reassessing and setting goals, seeking feedback, collaborating, diversifying, delegating or training and practising self-care, you can overcome any obstacle. Resilience is more important that perfection.
If you feel like it’s time to get support in your business you can always book a FREE discovery call or get in touch. Plus you can follow me on Instagram for more regular jewellery industry & e-commerce insights & actionable advice.