What happens when it goes wrong?

That title is a bit of a broad one, isn’t it? Because when you’re in business, so many things can go ‘wrong’. But in this blog, I want to talk about the things that are more likely to shake you to your core and impact you on a more cellular level. 

The reason I am writing about this? Well, partly because this is what is happening to me right now, more of that another day. As business owners, we need to be aware of how this will affect us, especially when it comes to shouting about how good we are in our business.

First, I want to look at the types of issues you may encounter and then what we can do about it! This may not be an easy read, but we’re all in this together, so let’s go. 

Relationship Breakdowns

Sadly, there isn’t one of us who hasn’t experienced some relationship breakdown these days. That could be a personal relationship, such as an intimate one, a friendship, or a business one. 

I would argue that the breakdown of these can be felt as hard as the death of someone close. After all, these relationships are likely to be ones that we’re heavily invested in. Even close business relationships breaking down can be as hard as personal ones. 

In many cases, the relationship breakdown can be complex, but in some cases, it comes out of the blue, which can be even harder to deal with. This can leave us feeling alone, confused and really rattled. 

Criticism

This is another one which can be so hard to deal with when you’re a business owner. This can come from all angles, can’t it?

It could be peers, friends or family. The latter is sometimes the hardest to take. After all, our families should be there to support us and help keep us safe. But sometimes, they don’t understand our business or what we’re trying to achieve. 

Criticism is hard for a business owner because most of the time, we’re passionate about what we do; it’s our baby, and of course, it’s the best looking baby in the world, right? 

Health Problems

We can’t plan for these, and this is perhaps why health problems can be a sticky issue for business owners, especially sole traders. If you’re running a business solo, then can you afford to take time out? What happens to your workload when you’re not around? 

No one can plan for these or any of the things discussed here, which can make them all the more stressful. 

Isolation

This is a tough one because it can really depend on who you are. If you’re extroverted, like me, then it can be hard to work alone. It is even harder if you work from home and you are socially isolated. Your sense of reasoning can go out of the window, and you can become fixated on issues that don’t exist, or at least perhaps how your brain perceives them. 

So what can you do?

First of all, I encourage you to accept that this is what happens sometimes. 

Acceptance in most things is the bringer of peace, but it also allows you to move forward, and that is what you need. I am not suggesting that you like it, deal with it, or do anything other than accept that it’s where you’re at right now and not feel ashamed of having to take time out. 

After you’ve come to terms with the situation, you need to look at what you actually need to do to keep your business moving forward. What absolutely has to be done? What can you ditch or delegate?

If that is marketing, can you look at outsourcing? Can you re-purpose some old content? Can you use the experience you’re going through to connect with your clients? 

It may be that you need to tell people that you’re taking some time out. That could be as simple as an email or a social post. The choice is really yours and yours only. 

Make plans 

Whilst I am possibly the world's worst planner, it does help to have a bank of stuff, be that blogs, socials or whatever, that you can fall back on. In all honestly, no one really cares if you don’t post constantly or blog like a mad person. They’re more likely to be concerned with you as a human being, not about how many times you show up on their phones. 

Do you have some evergreen content (that being stuff that never dates, changes or has a shelf life) that you can post? Can you talk about your favourite blog you wrote?

There are so many ways around this, but having that little stash of stuff you can whip out when needed really takes the pressure off. 

Be kind to yourself 

If you’re struggling with being kind to yourself, then I really suggest you check out Helen. She’s an amazing coach and talks about being excessively kind to yourself. I admit that I struggle with this, but Helen is a great reminder and has a LOT of content that can support you on your journey to kindness. 

Finally, you’re not on your own. The only difference with me is that I have no shame, and I choose to talk a lot about what I am going through. You don’t have to share any more than you think is right for you; I would never suggest you make yourself feel worse. However, there is power in knowing that most of us will face at least one of these issues, and there is always someone to talk to.