We’re all in a state of disbelief at the current situation we find ourselves in, and those of us who are self employed, creatives and freelancers are among those hit the hardest by the vital measure and necessary restrictions in place.

We can’t just carry on as normal, business WILL be affected, but there are aspects that we can control.

My advice would be to take it a day at a time, and try to roll with the punches.

Planning date-wise at the moment will only lead to more frustrations, just accept that things will return to something like normal at some point in the not too distant future!

So while we’re all squirreled away in our houses, wondering what to do with ourselves, there are things you can be doing now to help your business, and get it ready and in top form for when this nightmare time is over.

This is not a full list by any means, but should keep you busy for a while!

Your inbox:

Go through your inbox(es) and have a good old clear out!

Unsubscribe to people that keep clogging up your inbox but you never read anyway.

Make folders within your inbox for anything you want to keep, so you know where to find things should you need them at a later date.

Read anything that you put on a back burner for a rainy day (THIS is your rainy day) then delete or file it.

Aim to clear out your inbox so you have an empty box each day and can keep it that way, I promise you’ll feel much better!

Updating Your Website:

Your website will always benefit from updates, search engines love updates and new content so you’re doing yourself a big favour!

Update any old content that’s no longer relevant.

Add new pictures and galleries

Are your contact details correct?

Are all your pages and links working?

Do you need to research and revisit keywords for the current climate - bearing in mind that people will now be searching for ‘delivery’, ‘online’ and ‘virtual’ services a lot more now!

If you haven’t got a website yet and need one creating, click here to see examples of the sites I create for clients just like you. See website examples

Sort Out Your Contacts:

You know all those contacts you’ve saved, the business cards you’ve kept and all the names and numbers you took down for future reference that have all been ‘stored’ safely somewhere .. ? Do something with them! Now is a perfect time to get this job done. Create yourself a basic database in an Excel Spreadsheet, or set up a CRM. This doesn’t have to be costly, or complicated. You just need a centralised location to keep your data securely. I use Less Annoying CRM and love the simplicity and integrations with my Google calendar, Mailchimp account etc. (If you click the link you'll get a free month with LACRM too!)

Create Content:

This is something that many people complain about not having time for - well now they have!

Make a plan for each social media platform you’re on, how many times and when you’ll post, what you’ll say, and design the posts. Then use the platforms scheduling facility to post them when you need the to go out. Voila! Job done and one less thing to worry about!

Canva is an amazing software program which can help you create your content. Find out more here:

Get Your Accounts In Order:

As we know the self assessment deadline has been set back, but that work will still need doing at some point. Use the time now to get up to date and ahead of the game by making sure your expenses are all listed, receipts are filed, mileage is recorded. You can set up a Quickbooks account or other accounting software that makes life easier for you if you haven’t already. It’ll be one less job to do in future and you can be really smug come tax return time!

Catch Up On Your Reading!:

Now is the time to read all those books you were thinking of, and Kindle currently have a 30 day FREE trial!

Above all, stay safe, respect the guidelines, and let’s all come out of the other side of this more organised and ready for business to BOOM!