We all get in a rut sometimes. It's completely normal! Yet 2020 seems to be an entire rut within itself. We've seen so many businesses fall over due to forced closures and this has shown many small business owners that as much as we may try, we can't control everything that affects our business. For some, this can be a daunting thought.

The effects of the pandemic are expected to linger longer than we want them too! And most likely in places we wouldn't expect or have noticed yet. If you've seen a business owner go through struggles whether this is in person, online or as a passerby to a store, the thought that that could happen to you stays with us, and it's somewhat familiar to the feeling many owners have when first taking the plunge to start their own business.

This fear and overthinking can negatively affect your business and stop you from succeeding. Similar to a post we've previously shared about The Fear of F#cking Up this feeling reflects a business owner's mindset post-pandemic. So, how can you overcome this negative mindset and get back to building your business into a brand that thrives in its industry, rather than holding yourself back?‍

Create a plan for 2021

You may have found holes in your processes during 2020 (forced clarity; one of the only positives of the year, really) and these will need to be tended to if you want to start next year off with an advantage. Setting SMART goals is also a great way to eliminate fear and boost your confidence when you reach them.

Have a backup plan

When retail stores were closed in Melbourne, brands that had online platforms and communities already formed, had this back up as a way to continue to trade and generate sales. Some brands even saw increases in their revenue from last year, further proving that 2020 is the year to move your business online. The point is, that these businesses, whether they meant it or not had a backup plan!

Yours might look like highlighting alternative paths to your end goal or integrating a new technology that can mitigate potential flaws in your system. Whatever your secondary plan is, if properly explored it can give you peace of mind that if everything that could possibly go wrong does, you're covered.

Going through the process of mapping out your backup plan also forces you to think about the barriers to your goals and what might go wrong along the way. Even if you don't use the plan, the process of creating it may just lead you to a problem you hadn't previously considered.

Get support

One great thing to come out of this year is seeing communities come together and realising (especially if you live in Melbourne) that you're not alone and we really are all in this together. Collaboration is always a good choice and help is there, all you need to do is ask! Or if you're looking for help from a professional business coach, you're already in the right place! Helix Planning can provide you with business coaching or business advisory services tailored to your current situation and needs. Your business coach can take you on a deep dive into your business plan, revisit your strategy if needed and map out your journey for next year.

Small businesses owners have been through a lot this year, but we will come out on the other side, even if it means more work on ourselves and our businesses. While your negative mindset is completely normal, remember that it is only temporary and the above actions can be taken to ease your mind and help minimise the stresses that you might be facing as a small business owner, navigating the uncertainty of change.