Writing YOUR happy ending! Publishing and small business in a pandemic

Pandemic Publishing and Other Business Ventures: Finding Your Happy Ending
Thoughts from a narrative therapist...
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It’s no secret that publishing in a pandemic can be tricky. Like most industries, the world of books has taken a heavy hit since March of 2020. Where I initially anticipated an increase in sales with readers on quarantine, I didn’t predict just how long the pandemic would last and impact the industry and market overall. Yet, because of changes I was able to make as a small business owner of an indie publishing company, things are still on track. They can be for you too. The good news? We business owners hold the pen.
Writing means twists and turns. The best plots always come with an unsuspected climax scene or conflict. Owning a small business is no different. Those who were able to quickly adapt to customer-focused ways of operating such as working online and from home, adjusting delivery options and services, and more, may still get their happy ending. But that doesn’t mean the journey was easy or that it won’t involve more twists and turns as we go.
If you are a small business owner, I challenge you to ask yourself if you are thinking beyond your original plan in order to not only expand your brand but also your customer service base. Have you thought of digital options?  Multiple income streams? Are you open to changing or getting more creative about the services and offerings you provide? In what ways are those things sustainable?
When I first asked myself these questions, I wasn’t without doubt. There were many days where I watched sales decline and even considered pausing my publishing company. But that analogy of a grand plot twist and viewing the pandemic as a tangible antagonist I was determined to beat is what kept me going and striving to keep writing my own story.
What is your story? What brought you to open a business in the first place? How can you work in this climate to keep this epic saga going? Even ask yourself who the hero in your story is. Maybe it’s your customers, who keep coming back and do all they can to support you. I know that for me, my readers are more important and appreciated than ever. What are you doing to show that appreciation?
The road to success is paved with many obstacles and no one could have ever predicted a pandemic to slow us down. The good news is that this is not the end of our stories if we don’t choose to end them here. Instead, with creative thinking, networking, and even the ability to stay open minded, there is still a chance to keep doors open if only online.
As a business owner, I know the difficulties and struggles that come with watching those numbers crash, finding funding to supplement low sales, and even keeping people on payroll. At the same time, because I’ve chosen to view this as a plot twist and only temporary, I’ve managed to stay afloat and am now looking back smiling at many of those stumbling blocks. I challenge you to do the same.
This pandemic has changed the publishing industry but so many more too. Many of these changes will stay with us and aren’t so bad. By looking at the bright side, I’ve learned new skills, found new connections, and am now excited about upcoming announcements and plans. You can be too. How? Simple. Start here:

1. Make a list of ideas that connect to your original goal, mission and business plan.
2. Consider ways to implement these ideas as an extension of your brand.
3. Research digital and other online media and software that can help in serving your customers. Ask how these things can be tied back to that original plan.
4. Consider using social media in a new way. This pandemic has taught us that we are not alone. Most business owners are struggling and now is not the time to go it alone. Join support groups for business owners where collaborations and support are free and readily available.
5. Be honest. If you’ve done your job right, your customers already trust you. If so, be transparent about the impact the pandemic is having on your company. You would be surprised how understanding customers can be. If you have delays or other issues because of the virus, don’t make excuses. Instead, give your customers the benefit of the doubt with honest answers. My bet is that they will be understanding and only want to support you more.
6. Remember that this isn’t permanent. If you can’t operate in a pandemic, you don’t have to permanently shut your doors. There’s nothing wrong with a ‘we’ll be back’ message to your customers. If this is the case for you, don’t feel bad about it. It’s no reflection of you or your hard work. You are simply waiting to write that next chapter.

 
While I could go on for a three-series novel about the ways to stay hopeful in spite of challenging circumstances, I’ll leave it there for now. We are in this together and can get through it together with creative thinking, networking, and thinking outside the margins. Try viewing your current situation as a challenge or plot twist and stay hopeful about that happy ending. Remember – it’s your business. You write the story and hold the key to those final words. Keep that happy ending in mind.
 
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Erin George is a USA Today bestselling author with more than 100 fiction titles to her name. She writes under the pen names EL George and Erin Lee and is the founder and chief creator at Crazy Ink Publishing, LLC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public affairs journalism, a masters in group systemic psychology, and works as a ghost writer for both fiction and nonfiction authors and agencies as well as is a crisis clinician. More information about her work can be found at www.crazyink.org and www.authorerinlee.com