The highlight of my business diary is co-hosting the BiHZUB with Stu Morrison of Triplepoint Enterprise. Stu has a wealth of business knowledge born from years of experience but is also an accomplished compere which makes working with him on the stage very easy, and lots of fun.

This week we are sharing a very timely LinkedIn Post from Stu about how to manage your mindset and motivation when things do NOT feel like fun!

Anyone else experiencing slow sales? Running a small business can feel like riding a rollercoaster — except sometimes it feels like never-ending slow climbs and sudden big drops, usually with a big bill at the end of it! When sales are low and financial pressure is mounting, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and alone. But don’t despair and DO NOT IGNORE!

 Here are some tips to help you stay motivated and turn things around.

• Focus on your mindset. It’s natural to feel discouraged when business is tough but remember why you started. Reconnect with your big vision and passion, revisit previous successes, and use them to fuel you through tough times. Staying positive doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges, but rather tackling them with the confidence that you’ve got what it takes to succeed.

• Handling mounting pressure is key. It can feel like everything needs fixing at once, but prioritising what is most urgent helps you make progress without panicking. And remember, taking breaks is not a luxury — it’s a necessity! Burnout won’t help you or your business, so use  your support network; you’re not alone.

• Try shifting your perspective and revisiting your offerings. Is your marketing clear? Are your products solving the right problems for your customers? Experiment with a limited-time promotion or launch a referral program to generate more buzz. Iterate ideas fast and often—no one remembers what you did last week!

• For boosting enquiries and sales, ask yourself if you're reaching the right people. Social media ads, influencer collaborations, or attending local networking events can help you connect with new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from your current clients too—they might give you insights you haven’t considered!

Remember: Success doesn’t happen overnight and is rarely won without effort. Stay resilient, keep learning, and celebrate small wins along the way!

We hope Stu’s tried and tested tips will  help get you moving along and feeling positive again.

Only one thing to add, if you are ever feeling a bit blue or a bit stuck, it’s good to get out and meet new people! Especially if it’s at the BiZHUB, Aldershot or Bordon, where we prioritise friendship, fun and meaningful conversations.

Here are some testimonials from our members:

One of the biggest mistakes in business, I’ve come to realise, is "expecting fast sales". Take your time with sales, there are plenty of clues here from Stuart as to what might not be working and remember you must be patient to work through things.

Dave Nyss Real Learning Ltd

It's been a funny unpredictable year for sure and for so many reasons.
Hitting the 15 year milestone of the business recently made me reflect on what has gone well, what hasn't and what’s changed (in the business and in the market place).
It's given me a bit of focus on how and where to adapt things but I agree it is always a good idea to check back in with that vision and passion you had back then and not lose sight of it either.

Rob Fryer  Brandstorm Ltd

Really good tips Stuart. As I always remind myself, every No is just a step to the next Yes

 Keith Budden, Ensurety Ltd

Thanks for a reminder of how to stay on the track of  the rollercoaster!

Matt Konarzevski, Vision Web Design Ltd