Bizsuccess

Tuesday, November 24, 2009
By Pattie Baker

The news about this economy is all over the place—it’s up one day, down the next, with recovery imminent or never coming at all.  A small biz owner can go crazy with it all.  The extraordinary feeling of not having control can swallow you whole if you’re not careful.  I heard a radio report recently that said that many small business owners have changed their operating procedures for good, that they never expect to hire the number of employees they had before, and that they will never go back to that feeling that there’s no limit to how much they can expand.

I’m a big fan of taking positive steps every day.  As far as this tenuous economy is concerned, I have identified the areas in which I believe we can each make a measurable difference in our businesses.  You may find this helpful:

Increase subject matter expertise: There is always more to learn, and a little down time provides a terrific opportunity to dive deeper in either your current area of expertise or ones in which you want to be considered an expert.  What’s more, getting out and about and doing hands-on research can help you feel productive, gain tangible skills and uncover hidden opportunities.  Been wanting to sign up for a course or certificate program?  The extra credentials could certainly help you.

Expand leadership skills: Taking charge feels good.  In fact, that may be what you enjoy most about running your own business.  If business is slow, however, you may need an additional outlet for your Type-A personality (or you may realize that you could use some growth in this area), and you may find this a great time to expand your ability to lead all kinds of teams through a variety of challenges.  Pro bono and volunteer work provide wonderful opportunities to expand your leadership skills.

Strengthen your project sample portfolio: Take on projects that can help your business long-term as examples of your work, even if they don’t pay your usual rate. This may mean it’s time for your brother-in-law’s new deck or that brochure for the cat rescue non-profit.  I’ve been known to write for a targeted publication for a meager payment because I recognize the value of that writing sample for my portfolio.

Build your network: Remember when you didn’t have time for coffee or lunch or a walk or to attend that evening chamber of commerce event?  Guess what?  It’s time.  Just do it.  Swing a hammer at the Habitat for Humanity event.  Get up early for the monthly industry panel discussion downtown.  Linger at your kids’ sporting events.  Get to know the neighbors. Attend City Council meetings. Get involved.  Use Facebook.  Use Twitter.  Update your LinkedIn profile.  Add new photos and video to your Kudzu profile. Ask owners of complementary businesses to serve as referrals for you.  This stuff will make you feel less isolated, keep you on the pulse of what’s happening in your community, and connect you with others who will now be part of your larger network when the economy rebounds.

Here is a handyman I found on Kudzu who has put the power of business referrals to work for him.  Who can you ask to provide referrals for you?