What a month it has been, right! Who foresaw this at the start of the year…definitely not me! 

It has been a rough ride for many. I have had moments where life feels all too much tied in with feelings of contentment, and ‘I could live like this forever’! Times where I have loved having my kids around all the time crossed with times of despair when my coffee has gone cold for the 5th time because of my children or distractions. It can definitely be a rollercoaster.

I have spoken to a lot of mums recently who have had a major change in their business. It is great to hear about some of the incredible initiatives many have had. There are some awe-inspiring businesses out there that are powered by mums. It is always amazing to see the talent out there in our own backyard.  

I have also had some heart-breaking one on ones with some beautiful ladies who have felt like they have come to a dead end. The business has dramatically changed and many customers have been lost. Business is still closed for many until things start to go back to ‘normal’, whatever that may look like. 

Today I spoke to an amazing business owner and mum to an energetic 4-year-old who had been told by others, who were in the same line of business, to expect the worst. Her income was forecast to go down by 80% even after things went back to normal. My heart broke for her as I listened to her story.  We spoke for some time. She is an amazingly strong entrepreneur, an incredible mum, but she was ready to give up.

Let’s call her Jane. Jane works in a place where many people come every day to buy and experience her product. Over the last 5 weeks, like everywhere else, Jane’s place has been closed. What has been predicted is that many of her customers won’t return to Jane’s place for various reasons. Maybe crowds will be avoided, maybe people have lost money and won’t be able to afford her product. Maybe people will just stop coming, for whatever reason.

I have heard some incredible stories over the past few weeks. Stories of ingenuity. One size doesn’t fit all anymore and many businesses are struggling, but some have adapted and quickly made new and improved patterns. Just like Jane’s business, it doesn’t have to be the end. Jane does not need to lose any business and neither do you. 

The reason for this is that the people, her customers, are still there. They are not leaving, they have not left for another city or country. But the way they buy, where they buy and what they need may be different.

Strategy number 1: The customers are there, they just need something different now. Create something different.

When it comes to your business, take a look at what you could possibly do to meet the change in your customer’s needs, and make adjustments accordingly. This may mean huge changes for some of you, but for others, it may just mean a few small tweaks.  

The key thing to remember is that your customers are still there. They just require something different now. How can you still serve them? Same product, different service. 

Jane is now designing a bespoke service that she can provide to her customers in their own home, or in a smaller environment with only a few other people. It may be out of her comfort zone but she is making it work. She is passionate about her product and now she has a new understanding of her customer.

So, get out there and strategize, just like Jane did. You can do this. Change is hard, and it can feel uncomfortable. But the first step is sitting down and strategizing. So, I encourage you all., take some time over the next few days to make a new plan. It isn’t going backward, it is simply the start of your new beginning! 

Look out for the next strategies I’ll be sharing with you soon.

If you need help in the meeantime or simply would love some one on one time I would love to meet you (via zoom).

We also have incredible support groups starting for those who want to meet others on the same road in business – all of them are virtual groups for now.  

With love, 

Hannah Corbett
Director of the Secret Coffee group