15 Ways To Turn Your Failing Small Business Around (And Achieve Your Dreams)

MAKE MONEY - ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Salvage your business dreams with 15 proven comeback tactics for your struggling small venture.
Updated Sept. 21, 2023
Woman at a cash register

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Most small businesses encounter setbacks, especially in the launch phase. Obstacles such as low cash flow, operational issues, and a struggling economy can arise and be challenging to overcome.

You should actually expect these challenges if you have a small business. With preparation and the right strategies, you can dramatically increase your chances of success.

Here are 15 ways to reduce financial stress and turn your struggling small business around.

Join AARP and double your number of interviews within 60 days

Finding a new job is difficult. But join AARP today, and you’ll get access to skill-building courses, a free resume review, and AARP’s exclusive job board to help you stand out in the competitive job market.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today.”
  • Create your account by answering a few simple questions.
  • Start using AARP’s job search tools!

An AARP membership unlocks resources that could help you land the perfect role. Plus, you’ll get access to tools like The AARP Resume Advisor to supercharge your resume, cover letter, and even your LinkedIn profile.

AARP claims they can help double your number of interviews within 60 days, or they'll rewrite your resume for free.

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become a member now and supercharge your job search

Review your business plan

shurkin_son/Adobe owner of online store working

An effective business plan helps you establish the foundation of your company. It can include your mission statement, organizational structure, marketing strategy, and products or services.

If your small business is struggling, revisit your plan and assess what went wrong. Review your financial projections versus current financial data. 

You should also rethink your strategy to pay off debt, market to potential clients, and offer the best customer service.

Set SMART goals

waewkid/Adobe definition for smart goal

Setting goals can give you a clear direction and focus. Try setting SMART goals. These are:

  • Specific: Make goals precise and detailed, not vague.
  • Measurable: Establish a way to track and evaluate progress.
  • Achievable: Keep them realistic.
  • Relevant: Will accomplishing them actually improve your business?
  • Timely: Create a strict deadline.

An example of one of these might be “Increase monthly sales revenue by 10% in Q3 by launching an online marketing campaign.”

Get organized

Kirsten D/peopleimages.com/Adobe cafe entrepreneur or coworkers

A lack of organization can be disastrous for a small business. It can result in missed deadlines, poor customer service, and financial losses. When you’re organized, you'll likely be less stressed and may even save time and money.

You should look for ways to streamline operations. Implement systems for processing orders, filing paperwork, and managing customer relations. Schedule regular clean-ups of physical and digital spaces.

Earn money online by taking surveys

$40,000 might sound crazy … but with a company called Survey Junkie, it’s possible to get your share of it every day by taking their simple surveys.

While it might sound strange, these “market research” surveys are a known way to make extra cash online. Of course, they won’t make you rich … but if you have some extra free time, the money you earn could be enough to cover gas, groceries, coffee, and more!

Follow these simple steps to get your share of $40,000:

  1. Sign up for an account with Survey Junkie here
  2. Take surveys
  3. Repeat daily and get paid!

Sign up here and share your opinion on these companies with simple surveys. Survey Junkie has paid out over $25 million to date.

P.S.: You can cash out with as little as $5 through PayPal or bank transfer, or transfer to gift cards from a number of stores.

Get your share of $40,000 daily by signing up here


Redefine your pricing strategy

SOMKID/Adobe Digital transformation stock marketing concept

A pricing strategy ensures you’re charging an appropriate price for your products and services. It helps you balance generating profits while maintaining a competitive edge to attract customers.

Perform a cost analysis by calculating all direct and indirect costs of running your business. Research your competitors' prices, consider the value of your offerings, and then choose a price model that aligns with your business and customer needs.

Manage your cash flow

fizkes/Adobe accounting alone at home office

Cash flow refers to the circulation of money in and out of your business. In short, you need to receive more money than you spend on day-to-day operating expenses.

A cash-flow forecast can predict your future revenue and expenses. With this outlook, you can identify opportunities to increase cash inflow and reduce expenditures.

Sending timely invoices and calling customers with outstanding balances can also help you manage cash flow.

Reduce and prioritize expenses

Liubomir/Adobe works with documents and laptop

If your small business is struggling, you should minimize your expenses as much as possible.

Try decreasing utility usage to bring down your monthly bills. Downsizing to a smaller, more cost-effective location can also drastically reduce expenditures.

You might also try negotiating better prices with suppliers or consolidating orders for a bulk discount.

If you still can’t make ends meet, prioritize paying your most essential expenses.

Stay informed about industry changes

Yakobchuk Olena/Adobe ideas while going to make a drawing

Once you get your business up and running, staying informed about changes in your industry is crucial.

You should regularly monitor your competition to gain market insights, stay ahead of trends, and fine-tune your pricing strategy. New technology may also help your business run more efficiently and improve customer experience.

Staying informed will help you make good decisions to support your business's sustainability and growth.

Ask for help

mojo_cp/Adobe Business analyst calculating turnover figures

Acknowledging that your small business is failing and reaching out for help is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it may make the difference between success and failure.

An experienced business coach, mentor, or advisor can offer valuable insight and solutions to your most challenging problems.

If you’re struggling financially, government resources are available that provide free professional advice to small businesses.

Conduct a SWOT analysis

NINENII/Adobe financial adviser analyzing data

Performing a SWOT analysis on your business may help you recognize its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It's also helpful in gathering information to assist your business strategy and goals.

This knowledge can identify the aspects of your business that are working well and the areas that need improvement. It can also help you plan for new prospects and mitigate potential risks.

Get out of $10,000 or more in debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief is designed specifically to help you get out of credit card debt faster, without having to make drastic life changes. With National Debt Relief, you could pay off your credit card debt (with potentially way less interest) in one simple monthly payment.

How to get National Debt Relief to pay off your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can immediately assist you in paying off your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Improve customer experience

Deemerwha studio/Adobe review satisfaction feedback survey concept

Exceptional customer service will distinguish you from the competition, resulting in fewer complaints and refunds.

Customers who have an excellent experience with your business are likelier to become repeat customers and stay loyal to your brand. It also creates word-of-mouth marketing and positive referrals when those customers recommend you to their friends and family.

Automate repetitive tasks

shurkin_son/Adobe african american woman working from home

If you find yourself repeatedly doing a particular task, consider automating it. Automation can save time, increase efficiency, and cut costs.

Many tools and software are available to automate various aspects of your business, such as marketing, finance, and customer service.

You should choose automation tools that align with your business's needs and integrate with your existing systems.

Increase or improve marketing

Urupong/Adobe social media concept

Marketing is vital for small businesses. It can generate brand awareness and interest in your product or service.

Digital marketing is an excellent, low-cost option. Creating helpful content for readers of your blog and social media platforms can establish you as an industry expert and attract new customers.

You can also explore email marketing with targeted prospects or display ads on websites, apps, and social media.

Understand your target market

stokkete/Adobe women comparing grocery receipts

Understanding your target market allows you to allocate resources to the most promising prospects and craft relevant messages that resonate with them. You can also tailor your product and services to their needs.

To identify your target market, analyze your existing clientele and look for commonalities. You should also create a profile for your ideal customer. Include their demographics, shopping habits, goals, pain points, and motivations.

Explore new markets

Kannapat/Adobe online shopping and e-commerce concept

Targeting a potentially untapped market or niche may be worth consideration, but it requires careful planning and execution.

If you are successful, you can enjoy more customers, less competition, and higher profit margins.

This strategy can effectively turn around a small business, but it's crucial to conduct extensive research before allocating resources toward a new market.

Stay adaptable

Chanelle M/peopleimages.com/Adobe global network working on a 3d hologram

In a constantly changing world, you need to stay adaptable if you want your business to succeed.

Customer preferences, technology, employee relations, and much more will likely evolve over the lifespan of your business. You may also face financial distress in a challenging economy.

Embracing new ideas and innovations may make your business resilient against disruptions and help you get ahead financially.

Bottom line

WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe worker posing behind the counter

When you start a small business, you're likely to encounter problems along the way. Keeping a positive mindset is the most important thing you can do. 

Try to view obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow rather than hindrances that might derail your progress.

Your dream of a successful small business is still within your grasp if you put in the work, stay adaptable, and persist. Your hard work may turn your business around and grow your wealth.

Up to 5% Cash Back

Current Offer

Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details

Author Details

Carley Clark Carley Clark is a personal finance writer from Michigan. She graduated from Spring Arbor University with a bachelor's degree in business. After graduation, she worked in finance as a revenue auditor at a casino. Carley strives to write informative content that will help readers meet their financial goals.