I don't know about you but my plan is to be in the styling business for as long as I can work. Being in the industry for almost twenty years, I've had my ups and downs and my share of rough waters—be it personal crises or professional setbacks. A common knee-jerk reaction in these situations is to consider shutting down operations. However, experience has taught me that putting your business on a “slow burn” during such times is often a wiser strategy.



Understanding Slow Burn

Putting your business on "slow burn" means reducing its operations to a minimal, sustainable level without completely shutting down. This approach allows you to maintain client relationships and a base level of activity so that ramping back up becomes easier when you're ready. This strategy is about keeping the embers glowing, rather than letting the fire die out completely.



Why Choose Slow Burn?

Preserves Client Relationships: Even minimal engagement can keep the bond with your clients alive. Simple newsletters, occasional social media updates, or brief check-in emails show that you are still active and value them.



Maintains Brand Visibility: Completely disappearing from your professional scene can lead to out-of-sight, out-of-mind scenarios. Keeping your brand visible, even minimally, helps you remain in the loop.



Eases Re-entry: Restarting from scratch is much harder than scaling up from a reduced operation. By keeping the basics running, you ease the transition back to full speed when you’re ready.



Tips for Implementing Slow Burn in Your Business

1. Automate What You Can

Email Marketing: Tools like Mailchimp or Mailerlite can automate your email marketing. Schedule regular updates or newsletters to keep your audience informed without needing daily input.

Social Media: Platforms like Hootsuite or Buffer allow you to schedule posts well in advance. This way, your social media presence can continue with minimal oversight.

2. Delegate Responsibilities

If you’re a solo entrepreneur, this might be the time to consider part-time help. Delegating tasks such as client follow-ups, basic inquiries, or content creation can keep things running without your constant attention. Even virtual assistants can be a cost-effective support system.

3. Simplify Your Offerings

Reducing the range of services you offer temporarily can decrease your workload significantly. Focus on a few high-demand services that require less of your personal bandwidth.

4. Maintain Client Communication

Keep your clients updated about your situation without oversharing. A simple explanation that you are scaling back temporarily but are still available for them builds trust and understanding.

Offer exclusive slots or services tailored to their needs during your slow burn phase. This approach not only keeps the relationship alive but also provides a revenue stream.

5. Use Down Time Effectively

Utilize quieter periods for planning, training, or refining your business strategy. Online courses, webinars, and workshops can enhance your skills and services, preparing you for a stronger comeback.

6. Set Clear Boundaries

It’s important to define what slow burn means for you. Determine how many hours a week you will dedicate to your business and stick to it. This helps manage client expectations and your personal energy levels.

7. Prepare for Scaling Up

Have a clear plan for returning to normal operations. What triggers will indicate that it’s time to ramp up? What resources will you need? Planning ahead makes the transition smoother.

8. Maintain Self-Care

Ultimately, the slow burn approach is about sustainability, and that includes your personal well-being. Ensure you’re taking enough time for yourself, which is crucial during demanding periods.

As someone who once deleted an entire email list while taking a break (a decision I regretted!), I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your business on a slow burn during challenging times. This strategy ensures that you keep your professional embers alive, ready to ignite when you are back to full capacity.

​By adopting these practices, you safeguard not only your business future but also your mental and emotional health. Remember, the goal is to reduce the strain without extinguishing your passion. Your future self—and your business—will thank you for it.