How do you feel when people ask how your business is doing?
If you tend to clamp up and wonder how in the world to answer such a loaded question succinctly — and in a way you feel good about — today's email is for you!
Below I'm sharing 3 different responses to have in your back pocket for when someone asks you this question.
1. The first response is for acquaintances you like but don't necessarily feel comfortable going deep with — like people you went to high school with and run into at the grocery store in your hometown.
In this scenario, I recommend keeping your answer short and sweet.
For example, they might say, "I saw on Instagram that you're a ____ now! How's that going?"
You could say: "It's been _____ (fun/interesting/a hard year/quite the adventure/amazing — whatever feels good to you)!"
Followed by any details you want to share, like something you're in the process of creating.
You can leave it at that and then ask them what they're up to as well. No need to fill them in on all the ups and downs (unless you want to!).
2. The next response is for conversations with anyone you experience as judgmental, negative, and/or critical.
In this case, I recommend keeping your response even shorter, and then shifting the focus back to them.
This can look like "It's good! How's (something in their life) going?"
That said, if anyone ever asks in a way that diminishes what you do — like "How's that little business of yours going?" — you can also stand up for yourself in whatever way feels best to you!
3. Last but certainly not least, if you trust the person you're speaking to (and their ability to respond in a supportive way), I recommend sharing from the heart and letting them in on your most unfiltered answer.
This might look like being open about how well things are going for you — or, on the flip side, letting them know what current challenges you're facing.
For the people who truly support you and care about your happiness, sharing vulnerably is a gateway to deeper connection because you create space for them to open up more too.
No matter what kinds of conversations you find yourself in this holiday season, I hope these suggestions help you feel more confident answering questions about your business.
When in doubt, trust your instincts around how much to share in the moment, and remember: at the end of the day, you don't need to impress any of these people.
You're brave enough to pursue what you love for a living, and you have so much to be proud of 💗
xoxo
Megan
P.S. If your honest answer to "How's business going?" is something along the lines of "I'm feeling pretty stressed and overwhelmed at the moment," I would love to help you turn things around ASAP.
From our very first session, we'll get you out of your head, feeling clear and confident about next steps, and showing up for your business with the kind of renewed energy that generates an increase in sales without adding more to your already-full plate.
I'm currently offering free 1:1 coaching sessions for a limited time, where you can get a taste of what it’s like to work together with no strings attached.
Unlike a normal consultation, we'll spend the entire time doing pure coaching, and I'll help you get unstuck in a specific area and shift your energy in under an hour together.
