Bounce back after this epademic faster by working on things things in your "down time"Don't let CORVID-19 get you down. Here are some ideas to help you overcome and rise up again.

Things you can do NOW that will help your business bounce back faster and maybe be better than ever before.

#weareinthistogether  Maybe you don't love hashtags but this is a good one, not just for small business owners but man can I relate to it.  I know it is hard right now, it is hard for everyone which means you are not alone, hence" we are in this together" hashtag, right?.  It also may feel like a good time to slow your roll, breathe in the solitude and wait this out. 

But is it? 

I am not doing that but to be fair slowing down doesn't often make me feel better. I prefer to take action, move forward to keep pushing.  So no surprise that I am using the extreme slow down to work on several things that I know will help me overcome this.  2020 may not be all I had hoped it would be so far but I sure won't let it beat me.  There are things you can do that will help you too, I am sure of it.  Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Create or revisit that MARKETING plan.
Based on my work in the small business community I think it is safe to say many of us small businesses do not take the time to really create a marketing plan but it could be the differences between success and failure.  Of course, if you don't really know the goals or the plan it could be reasoned that you didn't fail.  This is your plan for your business goals, how you will budget and how you can evaluate if you have reached the goals you set for your company.  If you don’t have one, you should and if you do, it may be time to look at it and be sure you don’t need to adjust it based on all that is happening in the world right now.  If you need a starting point CLICK HERE.

Design and schedule SOCIAL MEDIA posts for the next 30/60/90 days 
I feel like we talk about this so much because we know the power of social media marketing & I know that you know that consistency is key but we are all guilty (myself included) of inconsistency. Check out this blog post for more ideas on what to post.  Use my social media calendar or create your own but start thinking about what you want to say to your target market.  How do you want them to see you?  A good way to start is with a social media calendar, I made one and you can download it if you would like.  CLICK HERE  to subscribe to my email list and get your complimentary PDF copy.   There are a bunch of ways to create visuals but I have been using Canva the most.  It is user friendly and has a lot of great ideas. I suggest using your own images whenever possible. It adds to your story, looks more authentic and is far more relatable than a stock image.

Stop PROCRASTINATING and work on that project you keep meaning to complete.
I have this file folder holder in my office with all these pretty folders that house project ideas that I have or need to start.  I took the time to organize them and put some thoughts together but life happens and I just don't make time.  Now is a great time to make time. Now would be a good time to work on some personal projects too, like cleaning the garage, you know it needs it.  Just me?  Ok, but I am sure there are things that need to get done around the house.  It is spring after all so get some spring cleaning done, it may make you feel better.

Do some online TRAINING 
I am all about learning something new.  Consider industry-specific topics, marketing, and even personal subjects.  As a photographer I find a lot of value in the app CreativeLive, it has a lot of photography specific classes but there is also creative writing (think marketing), business topics and more that you may find helpful.   There are plenty of online learning tools out there.  Check with your local library website because sometimes they offer free access to Alison, Lisa Academy or Khan.  A friend also mentioned he is taking a completely free course through Yale University on Happiness, now that maybe one to look into.

OPTIMIZE your business profiles. 
I would start with sites like Google, LinkedIn, Facebook and other social media sites you are active on.  Now more than ever before your target clients online.  I mean what else do they have to do right now? Your social media profile is one of the most valuable marketing tools your business has. Maintaining these profiles is essential to reaching your prospective clients in our increasingly connected world. First, review your online profiles to make sure all information is correct.  Then go a step further and make them shine.  There are lots of ways to stand out consider adding video, updating profile pictures or taking advantage of features on the site you have never used before- for example, add some products or services to your Facebook page.  Ensure you are using engaging, authentic images that really show off who you are and what your brand stands for.  Now maybe a good time to ask previous clients for reviews too.

Build your email DATABASE
This is a big one.  How do you communicate with your clients about your business?  Email is still one of the most effective ways to ensure your people see the information.  Sure you have to get creative but newsletters are a great way to share news about your business, your email database can also be used for online add targeting, event invitations and more.  However, none of that stuff works if you don't have an email database to share it with.  So build that spreadsheet. 

Need more email addresses of people who actually interested in what you do?

A good way to get people to give you their email address is to give them something for it, I a mean we all like free things right so consider providing a downloadable e-book, a checklist, a simple HOW-TO PDF or another item you can create for download that your target client would want and will give you their email for.  Then you have to figure out how to get it to them, I use Mailchimp.

GIVE BACK to your community
Not only will it make you feel better it will help others so really I should have started with this one.  There are a lot of ways you can get out there and help in your community that doesn't cost money but hey that is always appreciated too.  I know here in Colorado they are asking for people to help in many different ways on the state and local government sites.  I am sure food & blood banks can use help too.  Even if you are no comfortable leaving the house right now there are ways you can help others in your community.  I found this great article on Operation Warms Website that has some fantastic ideas. CLICK HERE