What to do when you're not making the money you want?

[MihadAli]

I'm looking for other jobs, preferably writing ones, but having no luck to support the family until my business "takes off". I am willing to take anything at this point.

So my question to you all is what do you when you aren't making the money you want/need? If you apply and keep on getting a no, then what?

Thanks for the advice in advance.

[JakeThomas]

Hi Mihad,

Ahh, the every famous "down period". How long have you been in business for? I remember in the first few months after launching my business, I was working during the day in the actual business, doing bar work after hours and then labouring on the weekend. Fortunately, I only had to do that for a few months and now the business sustains me.

Perhaps you need to look at expanding your offerings, or trying a different way to approach your target market?

I noticed on your website that you provide assistance with speeches, why not write speeches? I've known plenty of people who are best men, maids of honour etc who need to write a speech and have no where to start. This could be a great market for you to tap into. This could also apply to corporate speech writing too.

- Jake

[MihadAli]

Hi Jake,

I love that @famous down period. Lucky you Jake! You mean write speeches instead of helping them finish it? I could do that, but then again there is the thing about it taking time to grow and it won't happen overnight realistically ( would be great if it did though). I really need something sooner.

[v2Media]

Hi Mihad,

Starting off is hard for almost everyone. For the first 2 months of my business, I worked as a cleaner at the local shopping centre. I wanted low-responsibility work so I could occupy my mind with business strategies. For most start-ups, a small part-time job is the only way.

The last down season I had was a few years back. The best tactic I use to improve cash flow over the Dec-Feb trough is by putting Nov-Dec clients on monthly payment plans. This spreads the cashflow more evenly over the trough season.

[Chris Bates]

I'm with Mark, low-responsibility jobs during the tough times.

I do some freelance coding work occasionally for a mate when times get tough. Earlier on I started cleaning someone's house once a fortnight for a little bit extra.

Whatever suits you I guess! I just prefer fill in jobs with no customer interaction, and preferably out of hours too.

[MihadAli]

Thanks Mark and Chris.

[Burgo]

Cleaning is one of the best part time jobs you can get, although I had a carpet cleaning business I experienced on a number of occassions downturns, so I would go and work with a local contract cleaner.
The last time I did this it was only supposed to be for a few weeks but ended up over four years and one of the advantages was I had my superannuation paid which eased my cash flow after the short downturn. Look for contractors who have office blocks that way you could end up cleaning the whole office block by yourself, then you can start and finish at your pace. Providing the job is done satisfactorily there will be no problem.

[MihadAli]

Thanks Burgo, I will look into that.

[Advanced Pet Sitting]

Hi Jake,

I love that @famous down period. Lucky you Jake! You mean write speeches instead of helping them finish it? I could do that, but then again there is the thing about it taking time to grow and it won't happen overnight realistically ( would be great if it did though). I really need something sooner.

Why don't you look around to find clients and write their business or networking presentations. This is another stream of income you can explore.

[MihadAli]

Thanks Monika. :-)