Hello Small Business Owner,
It’s been a long few months, and if you are anything like me you have had a lot of sleepless nights, daytime worries, and lost in thought moments.
We’ve had a lot on our minds, but we need to remember that the determination and grit that made us leap into business for ourselves is going to continue to carry us through the year. We need to remember that as small business owners the sum of our determination, ingenuity, and hard work is greater than the sum of our fear.
While we emerge into the summer sun here are a few ways that we can take care of ourselves and continue to support each other.
Supporting Small Business:
• Give a good review to a fellow small business you frequent. Positive comments can help drive new customers to their door.
• Look for unique ways to shop local, eat local, use local, and do business to business local
• Donate to a local nonprofit – consider donating the gas money you have saved by not commuting or the amount you may have saved from not buying donuts for a meeting. Right now no donation is too small and it is okay to ask for a thank you or shout out from those you support.
Caring for Yourself as a Business Owner:
Celebrate Survival
• We have been through a lot this year and it is only June! Celebrate that you are continuing to find ways to maintain your business.
• If you have a team, celebrate with them that you have made it through another season together. If you are looking for virtual ways to do that consider booking a zoo or farm tour, getting food delivered to your home office and take a group lunch break, or take a virtual painting class.
Take a Vacation
• Even if you do not have the budget or want to travel away from home it is important to unplug. Studies show we are more productive when we take time away from work.
• Find an accountability buddy to check-in and make sure you are truly taking the time off that you deserve.
• No, we may not know what tomorrow holds, but we can begin planning for our business future.
• Now is the time to think about what you want your business to look like. Technology and circumstances have changed the way we do business and some of those changes may not be bad for your work balance, your workflow, and your bottom line.
• It’s also a great time to review your budget and expenses. Now is the time to weigh vendor relationships and make sure you are getting the value you need, want, and deserve.
Let’s continue to support and celebrate each other. I’m looking forward to watching us all rise!
Warmly, Chrissy Myers, CEO, AUI
