20 Top Tips To Help Entrepreneurs Survive During A Pandemic

With lockdown coming to an end in the UK but the restrictions of the pandemic still in full force, we have heard of many businesses this month falling fowl of current Covid measures. With big brands like the Arcadia group collapsing into Administration this week and Debenhams appearing to follow the same path after 242 years in retail. The current economic climate is tough on many businesses and business owners, but entrepreneurs and small business owners continue to fight the good fight with the focus on not only surviving but thriving even in times of adversity.

So I reached out to my community of entrepreneurs to ask them how they are surviving during this pandemic and their top tips for survival for others trying to follow suit.

1)     Embrace Change

Whilst there are many factors to consider in these difficult times; one of the keys to survival, I believe, as an entrepreneur in lockdown, is to embrace change. As a result of evolving external factors, we need to evolve too, by showing up as our best selves in the face of adversity, prepared to embrace change head on. First, we should start by re-visiting our ‘Why,’ then ask critical questions of ourselves and our businesses such as: What is our overall goal in life and business? How can we remain relevant? How can we adapt our business model to the current climate? What new collaborations can we take forward? Ultimately, change presents challenges, but it can also produce opportunities. Shifting our mindset from problem focussed to solution centred, will help our businesses navigate through these stormy waters and survive the battle of lockdown and beyond. Cassandra Kalunga Executive Career Coach, PATH London

2)     Leverage your time! 

There are only so many hours in a day! Avoid trying to do everything by yourself. Delegate. One way to leverage your time is to hire a Virtual Assistant, for specific tasks. Allowing you to work less and focus on parts of your business that requires most of your attention. Roneish Myers, Finance Coach, Founder of MoneyHeave   

Plan your working days, and remember it’s okay to take a break. Avoid letting days go to waste by planning your days by the hour. As well as planning tasks, also factor in wellness and selfcare. Include your mealtimes and some meditation to keep you energised and less stressed. Also, take rest days in order to avoid mental breakdowns and burn outs. Nikkita Tew – Founder of Young Spender

Know what hours in the day that you work best and stick to doing the most important work during those hours. For me, I work best in the morning, so I make sure to wake up extra early each day and work on the creative side of my business for a few hours. In the afternoon/evening time when my energy levels are low, I will do work that doesn’t require too much energy or brainpower, like admin or scheduling Instagram posts. Knowing how you work best will ensure that you navigate lockdown like a pro!  Katherine Christopher, Director, K Christopher Interiors 

3)     The three R’s – Routine, Refresh, Reboot

Ensure you stick to a routine to keep you motivated & using your time efficiently, setting aside time for yourself such as exercise or meditation. Refresh your body & mind, analyse your business, and educate yourself further – read, train, listen to podcasts but most importantly rest when needed. Finally, reboot your business to cater to the adapting market using the knowledge you have gained. Aaron Queeley So Clean So Fresh Cleaning Company 

4)     Do not fall victim to the hyper productivity trap! 

We often feel compelled to do more with the time we have. My top tip for survival would be to take time to remove tasks that are no longer relevant or aligned to your goals. Take a critical look at your projects and tasks, ask yourself the question: is each project still relevant? then make the best rational decision about where to allocate your time and resources. Letricia Black founding CEO of Understanding Girls Like You (U.G.L.Y Tribe) 

5)     Be a Problem Solver!

During this time, you need to get creative and you must become a problem solver. Surrounding yourself with strong, positive minds will help you to look towards finding solutions and focusing on what you CAN do, rather than what you can’t. When you do achieve something, or meet a goal, remember to acknowledge and celebrate this. The wins, however big or small, help to build momentum towards the end goal. Busi Chamboko, Skin Specialist, Second Skin Therapy

6)     Get a Mentor and a Business Network

After a year and a half as a solopreneur, figuring things out myself with the socially distanced moral support and cheering on from family and friends, I felt that in order to grow my business, I needed to tap into knowledge from other more experienced entrepreneurs. My top tip is to join a business network program especially during lockdown when we have suddenly become more isolated. After a single call with my business mentor Bianca, I had negotiated and won a contract at a higher price and the practical advice given to grow the business have been invaluable. As well as having access to a business expert, another bonus has been connecting with the other entrepreneurs within the network of varying levels of experience, being connected with others who are still motivated and growing their businesses during lockdown has been inspiring, if they are doing it and having continued success, so can you. Selina Flavius, is the founder of the financial coaching platform Black Girl Finance, she is also a speaker and author of Black Girl Finance – Let’s Talk Money 

7)     Create a Routine

Creating a structure gives us comfort and security. As creatures of habit we thrive off having a routine in place. It may seem a bit difficult to begin with, but if you can find a routine that works for you and stick to it for a minimum of 30 days, you will be on your way to creating consistency, better time management and healthier habits. Plan your week on a Sunday and try breaking up the day into 30 or 60 minute blocks, ensuring you have a healthy balance for both work and self-care. Selina Patricia, Business Coach 

8)     Guard your mind

Maintaining and optimising your mental health is vital if you want to thrive, not just survive during lockdown. It is therefore essential that you choose to be diligent about what you read, what you listen to and the conversations you engage in; this is key in maintaining a positive mindset and keeping your momentum throughout this period. We know that bad news sells, so seek balance and variety for these inputs to encourage a healthy perspective. Dr. Belle Kassner MBChB, MRCGP Primary Healthcare Consultant, Public Speaker, GP

9)     Don’t be too hard on yourself

Complete a mini-personal audit daily. Take 5-10 minutes to acknowledge anything you have done successfully today and any challenges you have overcome and jot them down in a journal. This always helps me to look at the bigger picture. Nicole Walters, Wellekin

10)  Do Something For Your Personal Development

Doing something for personal development during lockdown is a great help. Whether that’s learning a new language, listening to different podcasts or taking up exercise. In short try to find something that will keep you mentally stimulated, engaged and wanting to learn more. Jennifer Patrice Celebrant

Take your new ‘spare time’ aka work commute time, time you would have been out on the weekend, and use it to upskill whenever there is a lockdown, quarantine or period of isolation. I always say if I don’t know how to do something I’ll Google it, YouTube it, or find an expert to outsource it. We all have these at our disposal, an hour a day can make a profound difference. Kayleigh Benoit BIND London Founder

11)   Be Transparent About Challenges

Be transparent when challenges occur, delays and mistakes may happen. Share the problem early, most people will try to help or at the very least appreciate your honesty and give you time to rectify the problem. You are not alone. Vimbai Mukori Founder VIEM Store 

12)  Join a Community

My top tip on how to survive lockdown as an entrepreneur has to be joining a mentoring community with other likeminded individuals. As mentees we are collectively supporting each other to maintain a positive and focused mindset regardless of the hurdles we may face. We are here to win! Tereena Malaika, Interior Content Creator 

13)  Schedule enjoyment  

I remind myself that that Entrepreneurship is a part of and not my entire life and being an Entrepreneur is an element of my identity but is not all that I am. It is important that I enjoy the life that I have been privileged to have and engage in activities which connect me to my authentic self. Therefore, within my schedule I include time for enjoyment by doing at least one thing I enjoy every single day. Make the decision to do something enjoyable daily! Life is for living! Tosin Mason, Founder of Azriah Zuri

14)  Always remember your why

When times gets tough during lockdown or imposter syndrome sets in, write a list of 20 reasons ‘Why’ you started your business, this will help give you clarity to keep going when you feel like giving up. Carlene Phillips, KIDS LIFE CLOTHING  

15)  Don’t Stop Moving

During lockdown, it can get difficult to think positively and you may consider throwing in the towel. Ignore that negativity and keep going! It’s better to change your pace or switch up your routine than to give up entirely. Corinne Ugbomah, Founder & Photographer for CU Outside Photography

16)  Get outside !

A change of scenery and fresh air can help channel the required mental clarity and creative juices to help you thrive. Ensure to make outdoor time part of your routine; whether you run, jog or sit on a park bench to plan your next best move. Vanessa Ullam , Crescent Kids

17)   Prioritise Health

Your health is everything so don’t forget to look after your basic needs: eat well, keep hydrated, do some exercise, get enough sleep and take computer breaks. Maintain a routine so you have some constancy, but don’t forget to schedule some quality time to practice self-care; be it meditation, exercise, listening to music, or picking up the phone to a friend! This strategy never fails and will keep you going. Natalie Joseph – Founder and Creative Director of Natalie Joseph Lingerie 

Keep Calm and Carry On – Even in the Chaos! It’s important to create your own calm within the chaos. The media is saturated with so much gloom and people “cancelling 2020” that it can have a negative effect on the psyche. The year is going to pass anyway, what will be said about what you’ve done with your time? Be conscious of what it is you consume, and if needs must, assess your time line and give your following a purge. Wunmi Lawanson, ZeeZeeFlair

19)  Develop your Network

Use this time to perfect your networking skills via LinkedIn. Connect with new people or engage with your current connections. With most people isolating, keeping in contact with others is essential for your mental health as well as beneficial for business. Don’t just send messages though, try and pick up the phone or have a Zoom call to get some human interaction. Once you’re out of lockdown, you’ll have a more engaged, larger network that you’ll be better connected to. Kayleigh Oliver, Founder & CEO of Junction 5 Studios

20)  Utilise Positive Affirmations

Focus on personal development. Write your goals down every day. 

When you wake up in the morning listen to 15 minutes of positive affirmations or personal development. Whether you believe in the law of attraction, that positive or negative thoughts will bring positive or negative results in life.Or from a faith perspective – “As a man thinketh so is he. “

Remi Curtis, CEO & Founder of Motherland Treats