There often comes a time in business when a sense of overwhelm can start to creep in—whether that’s due to explosive growth or a lack of time and resources. Even with business going well, you can still be left scrambling if you don’t have the right processes in place or adequate staffing to help alleviate some of the burden.
As business leaders, the members of Young Entrepreneur Council have faced many periods of chaos in their careers. Here, they share what helped them overcome these feelings of overwhelm and how you can regain order during a chaotic time in your business, no matter what the reason.
1. Determine The Root Cause
The first thing you should do when you sense chaos is figure out the root cause. In some cases, the cause isn’t bad. For example, let’s say your business is growing quickly, and you need to hire more employees to fill roles. The thing is, if you don’t take the time to figure out what’s causing the problem, you’re essentially battling against something you don’t understand. An honest assessment is necessary for handling the situation and regaining order during chaotic times. – Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights
2. Write It Out
Go back to the basics: Write it out! I find that when the chaos is at its peak, this is when I most need to take a moment to breathe, sit down and make a to-do list. Once the list is done, prioritize and delegate. Trying to do everything on your own, especially when stress and tension start clouding your mind, is a one-way ticket to burnout and potentially more unnecessary hiccups down the road. There is truly a solution for everything; sometimes all it takes to find the ideal one is to pause for a moment, take things one bite at a time and rely on your team to help you get through it. – Magnus Simonarson, Consultwebs
3. Find The Right Partner
A good partnership is the most empowering thing that an entrepreneur can get, especially when things become overwhelming. I would suggest looking for opportunities with accelerators, industry funds or some other source where you get to partner with others to grow your business. In this way, you can continue to focus on what you are good at while your partner undertakes the other activities keeping you from being the best you can be. For example, I might focus on building the best product I can while my partners handle the marketing. In this way, both of us get the best out of each other. – Blair Williams, MemberPress
4. Establish A Scalable Infrastructure
Drawing from my experience, I would advise business leaders facing chaotic periods, especially during explosive growth, to focus intensely on establishing a scalable infrastructure. You need to put systems in place that work now and can also accommodate further expansion. Standardized processes are a must; they keep everyone on the same page and things running smoothly. Everyone knows that communication is key, so don’t forget about creating clear work lanes. Everyone on your team should know exactly what they’re supposed to do, which not only helps avoid mix-ups but also makes sure no task falls by the wayside. Plus, it keeps the peace and ensures everyone’s pushing in the same direction. Taking these steps helps bring back some calm and sets you up for ongoing success. – Jennifer A Barnes, Optima Office, Inc.
5. Maintain Transparent Communication
Transparent communication is the key to regaining order during a chaotic time in business. You should keep all concerned stakeholders informed and clearly communicate the action plan with your team. When the odds are not in your favor, you may have to make some tough decisions. For example, when you’re growing rapidly and there’s a high influx of business, you may have to ask your team to go the extra mile. Or, when you don’t have access to certain resources, you may have to ask your employees to make do with what you have. Keeping everyone in the loop and communicating your goals clearly will help you control the situation better and minimize the possibility of potential backlash. – Chris Klosowski, Easy Digital Downloads
6. Focus On What Truly Matters
Maintaining order during chaotic times is crucial. My advice is to streamline processes and focus on the most impactful tasks. Assess what’s driving the chaos and prioritize projects that align with your long-term goals. Delegate responsibilities to capable team members and consider outsourcing non-core functions. Effective time management and leveraging technology can also help. By concentrating on what truly matters and optimizing your operations, you’ll regain control and ensure sustainable growth. This approach fosters a more organized, efficient business, allowing you to navigate both rapid expansion and resource limitations effectively. – Alfredo Atanacio, Uassist.ME
7. Stay Calm And Confident
My advice is simple: Stay calm and lead confidently during times of chaos. Why? Because emotions can be contagious and spread throughout your organization. A calm demeanor reassures your team, stabilizes the atmosphere and facilitates more precise decision-making. – Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
8. Take A Step Back, Then Prioritize
To regain equilibrium, it’s essential to distance yourself, even briefly. A short vacation or weekend away can provide much-needed perspective. Next, prioritize. Every pressing issue isn’t of equal importance. List out tasks and challenges, then categorize them by urgency and significance. This not only streamlines efforts but also ensures that critical operations aren’t sidelined. I always say, “In chaos lies opportunity.” By stepping back and prioritizing, you can transform a tumultuous moment into a strategic advantage, navigating challenges with clarity and purpose. – Julia Rodgers, HelloPrenup
9. Learn To Say ‘No’
My advice would be to learn to say “no.” If you want to regain order during chaotic times, it’s very important to understand your limitations and be willing to say no to projects, requests or commitments that are not aligned with your priorities. This will help you protect your time and energy during chaotic times. – Andrew Munro, AffiliateWP
10. Seek Expert Counsel
During a chaotic time, be it explosive growth or lack of time and resources, you may want to consider seeking expert counsel. This means reaching out to industry experts or mentors to find viable solutions. Learning from the experiences of others goes a long way and helps you devise efficient strategies. Consulting industry experts may give you a fresh perspective with respect to what you already have in mind and facilitate your access to valuable insights that may help you come up with effective ways to deal with the situation. – Jared Atchison, WPForms
