Are we in decline?

Layoffs, decline, slow-down.
Wary buyers.

A recent report from a multi-billion dollar business showed that most of their numbers were declining.

The market is tough.
Businesses are struggling.

A founder recently told me he’s working night and day to keep his business moving forward.

In our isolated world, I aim today to let you know if you feel the squeeze, you’re not alone and give you hope.

Businesses come in cycles. When we’re in a challenging part of the cycle, it’s easy to retreat into our shell. Sometimes, that's necessary if we need to focus.

Here’s a quick learning lesson to keep in your journal:

When times are tough, it’s normal for slowdown, decline, and wariness.

Tough times allow us to revisit the fundamentals and get back to simple and basic.

When times are good, it’s easy for anybody to “win.”

The good news is that we control how we see and feel the situation that we currently face…

We can see it as the worst time of our life or business, or we can see it as a time to make us wiser and stronger.

Unfortunately, pain is not sold separately. 😅 

Keep reading if you’re unsure of which direction you should take next.

First, many people are struggling and having a hard time. So, I want to reiterate to you that you're not alone.

Second, seasons come and go, meaning what is happening now will change. Bad times? This, too, shall pass. Good times? This, too, shall pass. The night doesn’t last forever.

Third, it's time to squeeze all the juice. In my conversation with the founder, we discussed what he was doing to utilize everything at his disposal fully. For example, he's calling all his leads and buyers and making more offers to serve them well. Nothing wasted.

Fourth, prune what isn't relevant and necessary in your business and life. We have this tendency to collect, add, and hoard. Pruning is essential for sustained growth.

Fifth, let it die. Review your business's vision, mission, and purpose. Are there things that aren't aligned with those anymore? Is there anything in the company that isn't pulling its weight? It might be time to let it die.

Sixth, growth isn’t always up. Just because you’re not going up and to the right, you don’t think you’re not growing. Your roots will only get stronger in the storm.

I've experienced all of this to intense levels. I'm not saying it's easy, but it is necessary.

What makes it hard and might be revealing is our willingness to let go or not.

If we can't let it go, we might have our identity tied into a thing.

Seasons come and go. Sometimes, it's spring, and everything is naturally growing. Sometimes, it's winter, and everything is naturally dying.

Both are necessary. Whatever season you're in, I encourage you to let it have its full effect, even though it's hard.

You're not alone.

Much love,

Chris