Things don't always go our way. A project can go sideways, one mistake can seriously impact cash flow, or we can get hit with something crazy, like a pandemic or economic crisis. Some things we can plan for, and some we definitely cannot. But the old saying is true: It isn't about how we fall, it's about how we get back UP! Whether it's a small issue or a giant mess, here are my best tips for getting your business back on track when the wheels come off.

1. Stop for a Moment

That tip may sound counterintuitive, but it's an important step! Studies show that when something goes haywire, our brains need a minute to deal with it and adjust. Even small things can knock our equilibrium. Often we want to rush to a solution and just deal with any emotions or feelings later. But it's actually better to give yourself a moment - not a long one - to recognize what happened and to work through any anger or sadness. That makes you better equipped to move toward a solution! It's like you have to dump the bad baggage to make room for the better ideas!

2. Make a Plan

I don't know about you, but I ALWAYS feel better if I have some steps in place to help me move forward. If you're dealing with an issue in your project, you definitely want to show that you're the professional expert and that you have it all under control. So giving your client a well-thought-out plan will help get everything back on track. If it's a bigger issue in your business, like say cash flow, you want to have a plan that will give you concrete steps to controlling the problem. Sit down and examine every solution and idea you can to help you deal with the crisis at hand.

3. Put Processes and Systems in Place

It is NEVER too late to put a process or system in place. They'll help you avoid hitting the same challenge in the future, and they can help you head off problems BEFORE they happen. If the wheels fell off in your project, what can you do to make sure that doesn't happen again? Have checklists or a process set up so you don't make that mistake in another project! And if it's a cash flow or business problem, often it's because we didn't have a system set up like financial meetings, a client pipeline, or other key business practices. Don't put these important tasks on the back burner. Having systems in place can literally save your business!

4. Ask for Help!

OK, I know this is a tough one for too many of us. We see it as some sort of failure to ask for help, but we could not be more WRONG! Every single CEO out there has a board to lean on, or an executive coach, or a financial executive they can turn to. It isn't a sign of weakness, but instead a sign that you are committed to making your company a success! You can use a coach, reach out with a question in a business forum on Facebook, talk to a financial advisor, ask for a loan ... there are a lot of options for you! But you have to ask for that help!

Speaking of helping you, download my FREE Guide to 5 Essential Business Processes! That will get you going in the right direction for setting up some of those all-important systems!