The recession is starting to hit for real. Jobs don’t come in like they used to, customers hesitate or postpone, and your costs keep running as usual. You’re still responsible for the same things – tools, vehicles, invoices – but with less income to cover it. Many in the industry are in the same situation, but that doesn’t make it easier.
Right now, it’s not about growth or expansion. It’s about staying afloat. And to do that, you need to shift focus – from long-term planning to short-term control. From scaling up to tightening down. It takes a different mindset, and a different way of working.
So what can you actually do to get through this without losing control?
Start by reviewing your expenses. Cut anything that isn’t directly helping you deliver work. It’s not about scraping by – it’s about removing what doesn’t add value.
Next, take action. Don’t wait for new customers to find you. Reach out to past clients. Offer concrete services that are easy to say yes to. Don’t talk about “renovations” – talk about repairs, adjustments, maintenance.
Your pricing matters. Don’t lower your rates to chase jobs. Instead, explain the value clearly. Show what the customer gets. Keep your quotes simple and predictable. No surprises. That builds trust.
If you need extra hands, bring in subcontractors instead of hiring. Lower your risk. Stick to local jobs where people already know your name. Reduce travel time and fuel costs.
And above all – stay on top of your cash flow. It’s more important than profit right now. Track what’s coming in and going out every week. Use simple tools that help, not ones that create more admin.
This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things, in the right order. That’s what gets you through this.
If you do find yourself needing to hire, even during a downturn, it’s crucial to keep recruitment costs down. Zynca is a tool that helps you do exactly that – providing you with a professional recruitment page, a career site, and a simple system to manage candidates. It’s designed for small businesses that want to hire smarter, without unnecessary hassle or expense.
