I have typed this and retyped this so many times because I just can’t find the words to start a conversation like this. It never crossed my mind when I started Beautiful Detour that I would be writing about a global pandemic, or that there would ever be this much uncertainty floating around in my head. So if you are also feeling this way, be kind. To yourself, to your friends, to the strangers buying all the toilet paper, just be kind. 

As a small business owner, I know it can feel like such a scary time right now with ALL the uncertainties which is why I wanted to share three things that are helping me and I would love to hear your tips and tricks too. 

3 Tips to Running Your Business During COVID-19

Getting into a routine:

It may seem like all fun and games to sleep in, have nothing on your to-do list, and just relax, but this does not work for me. If I am left to my own devices with absolutely no structure, I find myself scrolling and consuming ALL the news. And at the end of the day, I am drained, sad, and anxious. Instead, I have set a little routine. Some days look different but I try to make a list of anything I want to do including reading, going for walks, or having a movie night. That way I have something to refer back to when I start complaining about being bored. If you are working from home for the first time, here are some tips. 

Don’t be afraid to sell:

I have heard lots of people scared to talk about their business or scared to sell a new product they wanted to launch last week. Let me remind you, what you are selling is valuable and important to the world. If you believe in your product, course, email newsletter or whatever it is, then it is your job to tell people about it! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

One day at a time:

This is everything and it is the hardest thing for me to do. If you are a planner then you know how tough it is not to look too far into the future. I had a whole plan for this year including when courses would launch when I would advertise certain services, photo ideas for upcoming events and the list goes on. Now I am letting that all go. The most important thing you can do for yourself and your business is to be flexible and to be ready to change and adapt. Instead of resisting this, let’s lean into it. 

Times are a little scary and feel very uncertain, but know that even though things are going to change, you’ve totally got this. I also wanted to mention that even though everyone is sharing on social media about how this is your time to write the next great novel or finish everything that has ever been on your to-do list, I want to also give you permission to slow down. Yes, you may have extra time on your hands, but don’t use that as an excuse to wear yourself down either.