When running a startup, you might be prepared for all kinds of business risks, but there are some unforeseen circumstances that can really, truly blindside you. A perfect example is the sudden accident or injury that lays you on your back, the repercussions of which can be felt for weeks, if not months. But what do you do with your business when that happens?
Know Your Limits
First of all, if you have to stop running the business for a while, then so be it. Closing up shop for a week or two until you’re back on your feet might be a necessary evil. A mixture of careful exercise and rest can help you recover all the sooner, but you shouldn’t return to work until you’re ready. If you’re able to still manage the business, at least know what you can and cannot do. If you push yourself, you’re only more likely to exacerbate things and give yourself more time off.
Share the Load
What about the things that you cannot do? The answer is to delegate and outsource as much as you need to. Outsourcing websites make it easy to find remote workers that can help you pick up the slack. It might cost a little more than usual, but you can minimize the loss of revenue, at least.
Don’t Get Buried Beneath the Costs
You’re going to have the costs of your own care to worry about, and an injury might cost you some business. If that injury isn’t your fault, why should you be the one to pay for it? A personal injury lawyer can help you not only see the costs handled on your behalf but can also give you a modicum of closure. Otherwise, that injury might remain on your mind longer than you would like.
Have a Financial Crisis Plan
If you’re handling extra costs and you’re not able to maintain your revenue stream as effectively as possible, it’s going to affect how much money you take home from the business. As such, if you don’t already have an emergency fund and plan ready, you should learn how to budget and save as soon as possible. Cut costs where you can so it’s easier to get through this without dragging debt on the other side.
Don’t Let It Get to You
Physical injuries can contribute to mental and emotional issues like stress and depression, as well. We might feel frustration at our loss of complete independence, or guilt from having to take so much time off work. Stress-reduction strategies such as meditation and mindfulness can help you keep your balance and ensure a complete recovery emotionally, not just physically.
There’s no doubt that an injury can slow down your business growth, even put it on hold for a while. However, it’s always more important to make sure you take care of yourself. The quickest way to get up and running again is to make a full recovery, not to soldier on when you’re less productive, less motivated, and in more pain.
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