What To Do In the Lean Times

I have been a full-time entrepreneur for ten years, but that does not mean I have made full-time money this whole time. I have had some quiet seasons and lean times, so I understand the dread, sheer terror even, of wondering when your next contract will arise. Some may query what do you do when the phone is not ringing, no work has come across your desk, no inquiries are in your email, little to no traffic on your website...

That's a valid question. Even when clients are not current, there is work to be done. For my entrepreneurial journey, instant gratification has been exceedingly rare. Relationship building is the foundation of what I do. People have to trust me to allow my business the levels of access necessary to do our work. Trust does not come overnight.

Here are some pivotal moves to make during the lean times:

• Keep your skills relevant and sharp. Do not think this is the time to sleep all day and all night. Research the trends in your area of expertise.

• Use this time to rest. Think of it as the calm before the storm. Map out the best balance for you and set up your skeleton schedule, so that when that client loads is refilled, you know what to do.

• Find where your ideal clients and community partners are.

• Make relationships. DO NOT SEEK SOLELY TRANSACTIONAL ENCOUNTERS!!!! Relationship building takes time. When we invest in quality relationships that offer mutual benefit, you never know what opportunities will arise. Even if you cannot directly pour into who helps you, incorporate paying it forward to the next person you can directly impact.

• Write down everything. Create or revamp your processes. Make them plain so you have a template when you are booked again and set the standard for when it is time to delegate. Your staff should know what to do and where to go. Plan for your staff prior to hiring.

• Know that it is okay to be scared because in this line of work we eat what we kill, but use this time intentionally. Be strategic about your downtime. Trust that God will provide. Just surrender to His divine will for your life, business included.

  
  

I certainly hope these tips help you. Want to discuss your business needs? Need help developing processes? Consider Braxton Management. We are here to serve.

Best,

K.T. Braxton