In a Time of Low and Slow Sales
The last couple of years have been a challenging time in the world of online business.
Sales are happening, but for many people across industries they’re taking longer to happen and/or at a lower volume.
I’m reading about it in various channels. I’m hearing about it in the different professional circles I run around in and in conversations with colleagues and biz friends.
It’s not all gloom and doom because plenty of people are making great money in their businesses right now.
No matter our personal perception, money is always moving around this planet (though at times it does seem to get clogged up in the hands of the few).
If you’re feeling frustrated about low and slow sales in your business, you’re far from alone.
If you’ve been in your business for a while, you already know this economic contraction will pass.
What I want to address right now is what might be happening with your clients when you’re operating against this backdrop.
If you’re a coach of any kind, a consultant in marketing or sales, or if you’re in some way helping your clients grow revenue and visibility in their businesses and organizations, things can feel especially hard on two fronts.
1) Hard for your clients who are expecting results but not seeing those results come as easily as results did a couple years ago.
This can lead to them feeling frustrated with themselves thinking they’re doing something wrong.
Or they might be feeling frustrated with you thinking you’re not delivering on what you promised.
2) Hard for you because you want more than anything for your clients' efforts to be a success.
You’re committed to doing all you can even while you see the online business landscape has been changing and the larger economic environment has been throwing everyone curveballs.
If they’re not seeing results, it’s easy to blame yourself for not doing enough.
Does any of this resonate with you?
There’s really no list of things to do here in this situation, no steps to take, other than a few things to remember.
Even in great economic years developing intellectual property and building marketing assets for a business take time. Sales often do, too.
In a less-than-ideal environment like the one many of us are experiencing where money feels sluggish, things may simply take more time.
If your clients (and you) are making progress, however incremental, by consistently putting themselves out there, nurturing, conversing, testing and tweaking and publishing, then they’re doing enough.*
You’re doing enough.
Any time things feel wobbly, come back to what grounds you.
Refocus on the activities that rejuvenate you, that bring you joy.
Come back to your vision, your big WHY; if necessary, redirect your clients back to theirs.
I think it really comes down to this:
During challenging times you either double down to stay the course while operating with flexibility, or you realize you’re done and you move on to something else entirely.
Both paths are valid, for your clients and for you.
Here's how we help coaches, consultants and creative pros leading for-profit and nonprofit businesses increase their visibility, income, and impact—in case YOU or someone you know needs:
STRATEGIC BRAND COACHING
Get clear on your positioning, ideal client, and customer journey. Understand how to package, price, and present your offers.
MESSAGING + COPYWRITING
Develop or evolve your brand messaging—and get the literal words you'll need—for heart-centered, high-converting online and in-person communications.
MARKETING STRATEGY
Move your client-attracting words to your website and everywhere else. Take marketing actions aligned with your biz model, resources, and style for your version of success.
MARKETING FUNNEL BUILDS
Get done-for-you website design, email marketing campaigns, and client attracting resources to build your lead generation and conversion engine.
We have lots of free and low cost resources to get you started. Explore what's available here.
And when you're ready, schedule a no-cost, no-obligation chat with Lisa.
