No one can argue that things aren’t… interesting… and a little challenging so far in 2020.

And, the challenging times are always good times to take a second look at different areas of our businesses (and lives).

I’ve been reworking my plan for the second half of the year.  Because who’s original plan hasn’t gone a bit out the window at this point?

Part of my focus has been rethinking how I invest to grow my business.

It might seem, on the surface, like now isn’t a great time to make a new hire or expand your team.  What if you look a little deeper though?  And what if you get a little more creative in your approach?

There are so many ways you can continue to make smart moves to grow your business while lowering the amount you’re investing.

Let’s look at five examples:

1.  Growing your team or investing in outsourcing

This can be a huge line item in the business budget.  So if you see the need for team support – and the opportunity to turn your team into more cash flow for your business – how can you do that without a huge investment?

Consider hiring an intern through a company like Acadium.  I’ve recently hired through their system after several of my colleagues shared how happy they were with the process.  Or, reach out to your local colleges and schools to see if they’ve got students looking to develop on the job experience in your niche/industry.  

If you’re working with freelancers, renegotiate contracts to move from hourly to project-based where you can create a clear ROI.  Focus on projects that bring in cash flow.  And reward your outsources as part of that.  Consider flat rate per project plus a percentage of profits to create an approach that lowers your up-front costs, while rewarding your team for productivity and success.

2.  Purchasing equipment and supplies

Don’t put off necessary purchases that will save you time, relieve stress or frustration, and help you be more effective in your business. 

Not only will continued investments help you out come tax time, it’ll also help you stay in an abundance and growth-focused mindset.

It might be the little things (I recently got a new planner I love), or bigger purchases like the studio we installed in my home when the pandemic hit (check out SlingStudio and Rodecaster Pro).

Be smart, comparison shop, and look for smart deals.  But don’t stop investing in your growth and next level of business.

3.  Investing in education

Now isn’t the time to stop learning, either.  Be intentional about your continuing education and growth.

Don’t randomly jump into programs just because they’re “closing today!” or you see a great deal… instead, look at your goals and then decide what is the next thing you need to learn to achieve those goals.  

4.  Getting strategic support

Do you have a solid plan to keep your business growth steady through the unsteadiness of 2020?

Economic downturns bring some of the biggest opportunities for growth!

This is the time to sharpen your marketing skills, focus on getting really good at sales by zeroing in on the true value your clients and customers get, and look for the new angles and messaging that will resonate and attract your ideal audience.

If you aren’t sure how to do that, get strategic support.  Reach out for help–but be sure the person or team you reach out to has the skills to guide you.

5.  Holding steady or expanding visibility and advertising campaigns

With so many entrepreneurs and businesses cautiously dialing back their advertising and quietly fading away from visibility opportunities… now is the time for you to leapfrog to the front!

Know your numbers on your campaigns and crank them up – instead of down.  When there’s less noise, you’ve got a better opportunity to be heard!

And go after visibility opportunities.  With so many “taking a break” or “refocusing”, it’s your chance to get out there and be seen!

That’s it.  5 ways to rethink your business growth plans.  Get creative.  Stay positive.  And KEEP GROWING no matter what comes your way.

Now if you need an idea of what to post on social media… what to write in an email… what to blog about… inspiration for a video… you’ve got ideas!

Click to share with a friend – they’ll love you for it! ;)

Endless Inspiration: #Hashtags and Daily Themes [Infographic]
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So, here’s a quick list of 17 ways to support them and help keep our economy going.

Not all of these even require a purchase! :)

If you’ve got the funds to support businesses and entrepreneurs, please do.

If you’re in a crunch yourself, there are things on this list that you can do, too – they won’t cost you a thing but a few minutes and they’ll make a huge difference! 

1. ORDER IT DELIVERED –

This works for more than just food. Groceries, bookstores, clothing stores, flower shops – you’ll be shocked how many businesses are offering delivery now.

Or, use Postmates or other apps to get things brought to you.

Where you can order directly from the business or restaurant so they don’t have to pay extra fees for apps, and use the “no contact” options. Even if you aren’t sick, the delivery workers don’t know that and they’ll appreciate the speed and safety of leaving items at your doorstep.

2. THINK LOCAL FIRST –

Instead of ordering your home coffee from Amazon or Whole Foods (who’s so busy they’re focusing on more essential goods) call your local coffee shop – they’ve got coffee sitting on their shelves they’d love to sell you.

Or order from somewhere online like Kaladi Brothers coffee, they’re a local roaster I love from back home in Alaska.

Before you buy anything, ask yourself – is there a local or small business I could get this from that needs my support.

3. LOOK FOR NEW OPTIONS –

Many businesses have come up with creative new ideas for services that work in our new reality.

So look around and see what’s available! Look up your local businesses on Google or Facebook to see who’s doing what that you can support.

I’ve seen cleaners offering disinfecting services, a strip club started “Boober Eats” to deliver food… lots of businesses are trying new things – support their creativity.

4. TRY VIRTUAL VERSIONS –

Everyone from gyms to teachers to therapists are now offering virtual sessions/services. Give them a try!

It might not be the ideal, but you might be surprised how much you enjoy it – and either way you can enjoy knowing you’re supporting someone who needs you.

And look for the service providers who are already virtual. I know lots of tutors who’d love to virtually help you handle that extra time with your kiddos. 

5. TIP MORE –

Anyone taking the risk of delivering things to your door, deserves your support – so tip them more than you usually would. And look for opportunities to tip providers you might not normally, it’ll mean a lot.

6. SHARE, RATE AND REVIEW –

This is for more than just podcasts (although, while we’re on this subject, please feel free to share rate and review your favorite podcasts, too).

Take the time to look for opportunities to share, rate and review your local businesses. It’ll encourage them AND help them reach more clients.

7. GET GIFT CARDS (for you, friends, family, clients) –

Call businesses directly, check out their websites, or take a look at supportlocal.usatoday.com.

Not only are you helping keep them in business, you’re also giving yourself or someone you care about a light at the end of the tunnel to look forward to.

And think about more than just typical gift cards for restaurants. What about the smaller service providers you work with – your hair salon, nail salon, childcare providers…

8. KEEP SUBSCRIPTIONS ACTIVE –

Keep paying subscriptions if you can. Even if they’ve been temporarily suspended, you can call up a business and say, “Hey keep billing me, I want to support you guys.”

9. DON’T CANCEL –

Don’t Ask for Refunds or Cancellations. If an event or class has been cancelled, don’t ask for a refund. Ask to apply it to a future event or service or donate it.

We’ve got several tickets to comedy shows that aren’t happening at our local comedy club, and Hot Yoga classes we bought right before this whole thing went crazy.

But I’m not about to cancel or refund either of those – I’m excited to go later, it gives me something to look forward to.

10. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS AND CREATIVES –

Seriously… artists, musicians, photographers, DJs, performance artists and creatives of all sorts rely on their exhibits and performances, so look for ways to support them right now.

And let’s be honest – we could all use a little more joy, music, art and entertainment while we’re stuck at home.

Are they on Patreon?

Can you hire them for a virtual private performance and turn it into a chance to connect your family or create a little customer appreciation party of your own?

Why not commission a piece of art or buy prints?

11. CONSIDER “PERSONAL SHOPPING” –

Many malls and department stores are honoring the “no more than 10” rule by limiting how many can be in their stores and offering personal shopping.

For introverts, now’s your chance to finally enjoy shopping – jump on that, people!

12. START A PROJECT –

Is there a home repair, home improvement, auto project or something else you can handle now?

In many areas, local companies are still allowed to come to you, if it’s under 10 people, and your local gardeners, handymen, auto repair, and others would love to help you.

13. MAKE CONNECTIONS & REFERRALS –

Who do you know that needs business? Who do you know that needs what those businesses have?

Connect people! 

14. CREATE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES –

Host a virtual networking event. Connect the people you know who can help each other get creative and be inspired during these challenges.

And, this is for more than business… check on your extroverted friends and colleagues, they’re probably not okay. 

Some of us have been training our whole lives for this social distancing thing, others haven’t. Remember that.

15. GOT VIRTUAL SKILLS? –

Got Virtual Skills? – Offer a free class or workshop to help other businesses.

Gives you a chance to support them, and invite them to work with you if they want more support, too.

16. SHARE THE CREATIVE PROMOTIONS YOU SEE –

It’l help those businesses get more visibility, which can lead to more sales.

And, it inspires other businesses to get creative, too.

17. REACH OUT AND SAY THANK YOU –

It’s tough right now for a lot of business owners. They need moral support. They need to know the community is behind them and wants to see them survive.

So just pick up the phone or send them an email or fb message – thank them for the service they provide and let them know you appreciate them.

P.S. Remember your virtual business people. I know from conversations, a lot of online entrepreneurs are worried right now, too, and they’d love your support and kind words! <3

Got more ideas? Share in a comment!!

I ran across this helpful infographic and thought it might inspire you, too!

Now the only question is… what will you create next?

If that feels like a map of your brain… then this is your invitation to join us for an Unparty!

Don’t leave home.

Don’t put on shoes. Or makeup. Or even pants, if you choose not to…

Just get your access link right here:

https://michelleshaeffer.com/unparty

There’s zero cost to attend this unparty in celebration of our superpower!

If you’ve struggled with how to survive and thrive in today’s go-go-go, loud and intrusive world, you’re going to love what Alice Southern has put together.

From career experts, to conflict resolution, to finding your voice and speaking up – this unparty will deliver the ideas and tactics you just may have been (anxiously) waiting for.

See you there!

~ Signed, a fellow introvert (me)