Real-World Strategies to Get Back on Track When Business Challenges Get You Down
Running a handmade business is rewarding, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some days, nothing seems to go right. Maybe you’ve sent the wrong product to a customer, received a disappointing review, or dealt with a technical issue that delayed orders. Whatever the case, bad days are inevitable. The good news? You have the power to shake it off and bounce back stronger.
Here are some real-world strategies I’ve used to turn things around on tough days, and how you can, too.
1. Take a Step Back
When a day isn’t going as planned, the first thing I do is take a break. Stepping away from the problem for even just a few minutes can give you much-needed perspective. Whether it's taking a walk, grabbing a coffee, or simply stepping outside for fresh air, taking a breather helps clear your head.
Real-World Example: One day, after dealing with a flurry of order mix-ups, I was frustrated and overwhelmed. Instead of pushing through, I took a break and went for a quick walk. Just that 20-minute pause gave me the clarity I needed to come back, address the issues, and reset my mindset.
2. Turn to Your Book of Awesome
When you’re feeling discouraged, it’s easy to forget all the positive things you’ve achieved. That’s where my Book of Awesome comes in. On tough days, I pull out my book and read through customer reviews, past milestones, and wins that remind me why I do what I do. It instantly shifts my focus from what’s going wrong to everything I’ve done right.
Real-World Example: After a particularly tough and super long day, I flipped through my Book of Awesome and found a heartfelt review from a customer who loved my subscription box. It was the boost I needed to remember that one bad day doesn’t define my business, and that I’ve built something that people truly love.
3. Do Something Productive (But Different)
Sometimes, redirecting your energy can help you break out of a negative spiral. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, I like to switch gears and do something productive but different from the task that’s causing frustration. Whether it’s organizing my workspace, planning future products, or doing a quick social media update, shifting focus helps me regain momentum.
Real-World Example: On a day when everything seemed to be going wrong with vendor orders, I decided to switch it up and spend some time brainstorming ideas for my next product launch. The shift in focus helped me feel productive, and by the time I returned to fixing orders, I felt re-energized and less stressed.
4. Reach Out to Someone for Support
When things go south, sometimes all you need is a quick chat with someone who gets it. Whether it's a fellow business owner, a friend, or family member, reaching out for support can help you feel less alone. Venting or getting advice can make a world of difference.
Real-World Example: I remember one day when I was feeling completely defeated by a technical printer issue that delayed several orders. I called a friend who also runs a small business, and just talking through the situation with her helped me see that it wasn’t the end of the world. Her words of encouragement gave me the push I needed to fix the issue and move on. Thank you, Steph :)
5. Learn From It and Move On
Bad days often have valuable lessons hidden in them. Instead of letting a tough day get you down for too long, I try to reflect on what went wrong, what I can learn from it, and how to prevent it from happening again. Then, I move on. Every business has setbacks—it’s how you handle them that matters.
Real-World Example: After a rough day of handling multiple customer complaints due to shipping glitch, I realized it was time to revisit my shipping process. I tweaked the system to include double-checks before packages go out, and since then, the number of mistakes has dropped significantly. That bad day led to a better process in the long run.
Conclusion: Bad Days Happen—But You Can Bounce Back
Bad days are part of running a handmade business, but they don’t have to derail you. By taking a step back, tapping into positivity with tools like a Book of Awesome, staying productive in new ways, and seeking support when needed, you can turn things around. Most importantly, remember that mistakes and challenges are learning opportunities that will make you stronger and better in the long run.
Question: What’s your go-to strategy for shaking off a tough day in your handmade business?
Opmerkingen