Introduction
Running a small business can be super exciting, but sometimes it can feel like riding a roller coaster. One day, you’re zooming up with lots of customers, and the next, you might feel like you’re plunging down.
However, with consistent posting, engagement, and product creation, you are on your way to building a successful small business!
Not sure of how to stay consistent? Well, here are 6 tips on how to be more consistent!
1. Make a Plan for your Small Business
Imagine you’re building a castle out of Legos. You wouldn’t just start stacking them randomly, right? Nope! You’d have a plan.
Same goes for your business. Take some time to think about your goals and how you’re going to reach them. Write them down and keep them somewhere you can see them every day.
I HIGHLY SUGGEST using Notion to keep yourself organized and create a business plan. There are so many different Notion tutorials out there, but this is my favorite!
Stick to a Small Business Schedule
Think of your business like a plant. It needs water and sunlight regularly to grow big and strong.
Set a schedule for when you’ll work on different parts of your business, like marketing, making products, or talking to customers. Consistency is key!
For my small business, I try to post on Instagram once a day Monday-Friday. I also post at the same time every day (8:00 am).
I have found that with consistent posting, my audience knows what to expect from me AND they look forward to seeing a new post every day! (Or at least I THINK they do lol).
You can do whatever works for you! Whether that’s every day like me, or even every two weeks, having a consistent posting schedule allows for your small business to stay relevant!
Stay Organized
Ever tried to find your favorite top in a messy room? Not fun, right?
Keeping your orders, paperwork, receipts, etc. organized is crucial if you want to stay consistent in your small business.
Having different calendars (either physical or on an app like Google Calendar), writing down all business expenses (I personally use Notion for this), and keeping track of your orders via a spreadsheet or a website can help you stay organized!
If you need help with this, don’t be afraid to reach out! I know it can be overwhelming at first, but creating my own Notion Page for my website helped me so much in the beginning!
Without organization, I don’t think I would have been able to create the successful business that I have now!
2. Don’t Forget to Rest
Even superheroes need a break sometimes. Running a successful small business can be tiring, so make sure you take time to rest and recharge.
It can be easy to overwork yourself, especially at the beginning, but it is CRUCIAL that you take some time to rest and take a break.
I am definitely someone who likes to work very hard, but after a while, it is no longer sustainable. Instead of pushing yourself to the max, try setting little goals for yourself and take a break whenever you complete the goal!
For example, I try to set a goal for the number of sets I want to do in a day. Usually, the goal is between 2-4 (depending on how much time I have).
I know that if I try to do anything more than 4 sets in a day, I will be super burnt-out and will not create my best work.
The best way to get yourself to rest is to separate your “work area” from your “rest area.” If you are someone who likes to crochet or has a small business where everything is online, try to create a designated area that is ONLY for your business.
You can also create a different area that is ONLY for resting and relaxing. This can help reduce stress with your small business and make resting easier.
3. Celebrate Your Small Business Wins
If you want to stay consistent in your small business, you also have to know how to celebrate your wins and milestones!
If it’s always a go go go, it can take the fun out of the small business. Chances are, the whole reason why you started in the first place is because it was fun!
Also, if you want your small business to last, you have to know how to give yourself credit when credit is due.
You can do this by celebrating your wins! Whether that means treating yourself to a sweet treat after a successful event, or even patting yourself on the back after a hard day!
Bt celebrating your wins, no matter how big or small, it takes some of the pressure off running a small business.
It’s also just nice to do something nice for yourself every once in a while!
4. Keep Learning
The world is always changing, and so is the business game. Stay curious and keep learning new things.
Whether it’s taking a course, reading books, or watching videos, the more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle whatever comes your way.
I am always following new nail artists on Instagram and learning new things from them!
It is okay to take inspiration from others, but always remember to give credit when credit is due!
I would also recommend enrolling in different courses that align with your niche.
for example, if you are someone who makes jewelry, try finding classes in your area you can take to advance your skills!
Eventually, I plan on getting my nail tech license so I can learn more about doing nails, and even start doing nails on other people!
With a nail license, it will also allow me to enroll in certain affiliate programs that I am not able to enroll in without a license!
5. Stay Positive!
Sometimes things might not go according to plan, and that’s okay!
Stay positive and keep pushing forward. Believe in yourself and your business, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
There may be days when you just don’t feel like posting or making anything, and that’s okay!
Just like I mentioned earlier, it is always good to give yourself breaks from time-to-time.
It is just as important to always stay positive and look at things from a glass half full perspective!
There may also be times where business isn’t going as well as it has in the past. Instead of getting down on your self about it, use that time to create even more/better content and products!
This will help you be consistent while also doing something that will benefit you in the long run!
Whenever I get into a negative headspace, I like to remind myself that I am able to do something that I love so much.
Showing my gratitude and moving with love instead of hate will get you farther than you could ever imagine!
6. Find Support in your Small Business
Running a business can sometimes feel like a solo mission, but you don’t have to go it alone.
Reach out to other small business owners for advice and support.
Join online communities, attend networking events, or even just chat with friends and family who believe in you!
Engaging with others who also have their own businesses is a great way to make new friends, gain insightful knowledge, and even find out about new niches in your area!
If you are someone who does in-person vending events, make sure to make friends with your vending neighbors!
Oftentimes, these people will be able to support you in ways that others might since they know how it is to be a small business owner!
Also, business owners who have been doing it longer than you can give you wisdom that you might not be able to find anywhere else!
It can be scary for some, but leaning on others for support is a great way to find the motivation to keep going!
If you don’t do in-person markets, make sure to befriend other businesses through social media like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.
You can even create group chats with others you know in the community so that you can all share your tips and tricks.
One of my favorite ways of getting to know others is through trading!
Basically, I trade one of my nail sets with someone else and they trade whatever it is that they make.
Some of the trades I have gotten include: other nail sets, crochet items, decorated jewelry boxes, necklaces, and more!
It is a fun way to make new friends and a great way to bring some new art into your life!
Conclusion
To wrap it up, here are the 6 tips I talked about to stay consistent in your small business:
- Make a plan and stay organized
- Don’t forget to rest
- Celebrate your wins
- Keep learning and growing
- Stay positive
- Find a support system
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to staying consistent and keeping your small business thriving.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful business. Keep working hard, stay focused, and don’t forget to have fun along the way! 🚀
