When the Unexpected Happens…

Three years ago, Sarah launched her dream business—a boutique marketing agency. The first two years were incredible. Clients were rolling in, revenue was growing, and she felt unstoppable. Then, out of nowhere, the economy shifted. Several of her biggest clients pulled back on spending. In just three months, her once-thriving business was barely breaking even.

Panic set in. Was this the end? Should she shut down?

Instead of giving in to fear, Sarah focused on what she could control. She reviewed her expenses, adjusted her services, and leaned into her network for referrals. She even picked up a book—Traction by Gino Wickman—and learned about the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). By implementing EOS tools like the Vision/Traction Organizer (V/TO)and Rocks, she regained control. A year later, not only had she survived—she had scaled her business in a smarter, more sustainable way.

Uncertainty is part of entrepreneurship. But how you handle it makes all the difference. So, how do you stay resilient when everything feels shaky? Let’s break it down.

1. Control What You Can, Let Go of the Rest

Uncertainty creates anxiety, and anxiety loves to feed on things outside our control—like market fluctuations, client decisions, or global events. But worrying about the unknown won’t move your business forward.

Use the Circle of Control Exercise:
Draw two circles—one inside the other. In the inner circle, write down things you can control (your marketing strategy, customer experience, financial management). In the outer circle, list what you can’t (the economy, competitor pricing, industry trends). Now, focus your energy only on the inner circle.

When you shift your mindset to action over worry, you take back control of your business.

2. Clarify Your Vision

When business is good, it’s easy to stay focused. But when things get uncertain, your vision can blur. The best way to stay resilient is to have a clear, guiding vision for your business.

Use the EOS Vision/Traction Organizer (V/TO)
This simple two-page document helps you map out:
• Your 10-year vision
• Your core values and purpose
• Your 3-year, 1-year, and 90-day goals

Having a written vision isn’t just a formality—it keeps you grounded when external chaos threatens to throw you off track.

3. Adapt and Stay Lean

Rigid businesses break in uncertain times. Resilient businesses adapt.

Action Steps
• Review your expenses: Cut unnecessary costs without sacrificing quality.
• Find new revenue streams: Can you offer a lower-cost service? Package your expertise into an online course?
• Test and pivot: If a marketing strategy isn’t working, try something new. Data-driven decisions will help you find what does work.

Being adaptable doesn’t mean you abandon your vision—it means you adjust your path to get there.

4. Build a Support System

Entrepreneurship can feel isolating, especially during tough times. But resilience isn’t just about personal strength—it’s about having the right people in your corner.

Three Ways to Build Your Support Network:
1️⃣ Join a Mastermind Group – Surround yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs who can offer fresh perspectives and encouragement. I know just the one for you.
2️⃣ Find a Business Coach or Mentor – Having someone who has been there can help you make strategic decisions with clarity.
3️⃣ Implement Weekly Level 10 Meetings (EOS Tool) – These structured meetings help you and your team stay aligned, solve issues, and keep moving forward.

Resilience grows when you have people to lean on. Don’t try to figure everything out alone.

5. Strengthen Your Mindset & Well-Being

Your business can only be as strong as you are. If you’re running on empty, making high-stakes decisions under stress, your business will suffer.

Ways to Strengthen Your Mindset:
• Practice gratitude: List three things you’re grateful for every morning—it shifts your focus from fear to opportunity.
• Get outside: A simple walk can clear your head and spark new ideas. Take clarity breaks.
• Set boundaries: Your business needs a healthy leader, not a burned-out one.

Remember, business is a marathon, not a sprint. Taking care of yourself is taking care of your business.

Resilience isn’t about avoiding uncertainty—it’s about navigating it with confidence. The key is to focus on what you can control, stay clear on your vision, adapt when needed, build a strong support system, and take care of yourself along the way.

Sarah could have given up when uncertainty hit—but instead, she made the choice to push through. And so can you.

Turbulence is part of the journey—but so is growth. Stay the course, and you’ll come out stronger than ever.

What’s one action step you’ll take today to build resilience in your business?

 

 

Photo by Nat from Unsplash