3 Ways to Minimize Stress While Launching a Growing Business

The pandemic has been especially hard on women, including female entrepreneurs and business owners. But whether they’re growing an existing business or launching a new startup in the midst of COVID-19, there are some things female entrepreneurs can do to minimize stress and anxiety while working toward their business goals. The handmade jewelry designers at SWCreations share three of these tips and strategies in the sections below!

1. Utilize Online Resources

If you’re launching a new startup during the pandemic, various online resources can help you from start to finish. Check out the SCORE Association for a complete list of startup resources, including the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC), Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and Women on Business. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is another great resource to keep at your disposal as you write a business plan, choose a legal structure, register a business name, and apply for any necessary licenses and permits.

If you’ll be forming a legal business entity, some of the more common business structures to choose from include limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and corporations. But since specific formation requirements, processes, and filing fees vary by state, it’s important to review your local rules and regulations before getting started. And before registering your chosen business name with the appropriate agencies, you’ll also need to verify whether your desired name is already in use. 

In addition to utilizing these online resources, it’s important to seek entrepreneurial advice from an accountant, banker, attorney, and/or business mentor when launching a business The best mentoring programs for female entrepreneurs include 37 Angels, Astia, and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).

2. Advertise on Social Media

Regardless of whether your brick-and-mortar business has closed to the public amidst COVID-19 — or you’re struggling to reach your customers online during the pandemic — social media can help you to reach your business goals without adding to the stress you’re already experiencing.

Your Facebook and Instagram accounts, for instance, can be used to build an email list, search for new leads, promote your products and services, and engage with your customers — even if other types of advertising aren’t in the budget at this time. Plus, learning social media marketing is easy and affordable with online resources like HubSpot, Social Media Explorer (SME), and Social Media Examiner.

3. Outsource or Delegate

When you’re busy running (or starting) a business, you may not have the time, energy, skills, or resources to personally handle every responsibility that comes your way — and your business, home life, or emotional well-being may suffer because of it. However, this is where it pays to have (or learn) effective delegation skills.

If you employ others, simply delegate the tasks you no longer have the bandwidth for — or outsource some of your work to freelancers and independent contractors. A few freelancers to consider include:

• Virtual assistants.
• Writers and bloggers.
• Social media assistants.
• Marketing specialists.
• Web designers and developers. 

To find freelancers for your small business, check out websites like Upwork, FlexJobs, LinkedIn, and Indeed. If you need help paying your employees and/or freelancers during the pandemic, you may be able to benefit from the LISC Small Business Relief Grant, GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund, Eileen Fisher Grant Program, or Amber Grant Program. Plenty of resources are available to female entrepreneurs — you just have to look for them!

Final Words

In addition to utilizing online resources, advertising on social media, and delegating or outsourcing tasks to employees or freelancers, remember to practice self-care while launching or growing your business during the pandemic. Make time for exercise, nutrition, sleep, and hobbies — and don’t be afraid to step away from your computer for some much-needed “me time”.

Female entrepreneurs are used to doing it all, but you shouldn’t stretch yourself too thin — especially in the age of COVID-19. By taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health, you’ll be better able to take care of the business you’ve worked so tirelessly to create!

Are you looking to fill your jewelry box with handmade beaded bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and anklets — all while supporting a small family-owned business? Shop online at SWCreations Handmade Jewelry! 1-720-432-4367; 1-866-789-2323

Sources:

Woman on computer image via Pexels
Social Media image via Pixabay

Author: Julie Morris