MY PLANS FOR 2020 WENT BUST AS SOON AS COVID RESTRICTIONS WERE ENFORCED . IT ’ S BEEN A HARD YEAR FOR ME - 68 % INCOME DOWN FROM LAST YEAR . I ’ VE STRUGGLED TO FIND THE MOTIVATION TO CONTINUE WITH MY BUSINESS AND I DON ’ T KNOW WHETHER TO PUSH THROUGH OR TO ADMIT DEFEAT . - ANON
This year has been tough , tiring and stressful .
Unfortunately without knowing anything more about you or your financial situation , I can ’ t properly advise a simple ‘ yes ’ or ‘ no ’ answer to closing your business . But if I were speaking with you face-to-face , I ’ d ask you the following :
- What was your big ‘ why ’ or purpose for opening your cake business ? Is this still relevant now ? Are you still passionate about your purpose ?
- Can you financially afford to close your business ?
- Imagine your life without your business ; would you miss it ? Would you feel relieved ? Do you feel regret for not accomplishing more ?
If you can easily see yourself having a life without your business , it may be an indication that it ’ s time to move on . However , if you ’ ve answered those questions and thought ‘ no , I don ’ t want to close ’, then here is some advice for moving forward :
- COVID has been exhausting for many people and it sounds like you need to temporarily step away for self-care and to plan your move forward . If you can afford to , book time off for a few weeks to recoup . You can ’ t operate on empty , you need to refill your cup .
- Having a purpose is what keeps you going in your business . If you need to , rethink your ‘ why ’ and your big long term goals . It ’ s natural for these to change and develop as your business grows .
- Connect with fellow business owners and discover how they have pivoted in their own business to stay afloat during COVID . Think about what you can do to adapt your business to this new environment and get that extra income in the door . I highly encourage you to embrace the amazing potential opportunities !
- Decide what you can outsource in your business . Don ’ t feel obligated to do EVERYTHING - it ’ s an easy way to burnout and build resentment .
I would really advise you to put alot of thought and consideration on where you are in your business and what you want to achieve moving forward . I honestly wish you all the best in your decision and if you would like to contact me directly to chat further , feel free to email me on hello @ commiescupcakes . com
However , I will say one more thing before signing off …
It ’ s ok if you don ’ t want to be in your business anymore . Never look at this as a defeat . You ’ ve helped so many people celebrate their important milestones and life accomplishments . You ’ ve created so many happy memories for your customers ! Be hugely proud of what you ’ ve accomplished !