And that is work on your business
If you’re a solopreneur — this is especially true. Since you wear so many hats to keep the lights on, the one hat you don’t get to wear often is actually the one hat you need to wear the most. That hat is the Entreprenuer. Because many businesses have to close or severely limit operations, you have way more time on your hands than you want. This is an opportunity to do what small businesses do best — turn on a dime.
Only 6 typefaces
During our foundation design classes in college we were given projects with varying constraints. The one I remember the most was that we could only use 1 of 6 typefaces. At first we scoffed at that idea since we designed on own before school and had a plethora of type families to choose from.
The rule served two purposes:
- We didn’t really know what a good typeface looked like and by using the same ones over and over we could understand the characteristics of the good and not use the bad.
- We’re creative and thrive under constraints. As a result you’re forced to push yourself instead of settling and come up with truly eye turning solutions. Are we not in the same situation now?
Make money without opening your doors
That’s the challenge isn’t it? How can you keep your business alive based on the current constraints? This is where strategy comes into play. Take this time now to whiteboard different solutions. Just like in my article about Being the Visionary, this is the chance for the visionary in you to shine. Here are some constraints to help focus you on creating effective solutions.
Make money if the shut-in is extended past 30 days
Yes, there is the government stimulus but remember that’s a loan. Don’t borrow money if you don’t have to. That’s why you’re strategizing. If you had a runway account (business savings) you could certainly use that first. I’m not here to advise on financial matters. I use the other side of the brain. However the stimulus has a timetable. So think carefully and think fast.
Pivot your business to create a new revenue stream even if it might be temporary
Who knows it may work out so well it may fundamentally change your business model and direction. A good friend of mine who’s in shutdown in another state couldn’t open his fitness studio. So he pivoted and does online home training sessions.
Create a digital product
Those will continually pay you long after you’ve created them. This is the perfect time to do so since everyone is looking for online solutions.
Create a plan to implement to get money quickly once restrictions are lifted
Planning and implementing such takes longer than you think for it to really work. When I used to work at Stop & Shop, we were planning Thanksgiving and Christmas sales during the summer.
Plan It and Run It ASAP
Now is not the time to overthink things. Even if it’s not perfect run it. If it works it works. You can perfect it in time. Until next time I wish you much success transforming your business into an amazing brand.
