I had big plans for this year but now I feel nervous as hell. Help!

Dear Aunty B,

Please tell me what a small digital business should be doing. I had big plans for this year but now I feel nervous as hell.

First the floods and then people stopped spending. And now all the awful news from Japan and the Middle East makes me feel really uncertain that people are going to spend less, business confidence is going to plummet and that we could be in for a really bad year!

Do I put all expansion plans on hold? And do I start to work on worst-case scenarios? I feel paralysed. I am so upset by the start to this year that I have stopped listening to the news and find all I can listen to is awful elevator music which is soothing but driving my husband and children around the twist.

Lou,
Brisbane

Dear Lou,

Here is what you are going to do. You are going to shake off that feeling of lack of control and get moving. You can’t do anything about the awful things happening elsewhere so stop ruminating on them, make a donation and pull yourself together.

Next, you are going to really, really understand that the Australian economy is humming along nicely. It is! This is actually a time to feel positive, especially in your industry. Don’t put your expansion plans on hold. Instead make sure your strategy is rock solid and go out and hire. Interest rates won’t be going anywhere until later this year and it is a good time to raise money in your sector. Read our Futurist’s view on how things are going.

So turn off that elevator music and put on some really loud rock and roll followed by a spot of Beethoven. Then go for a long jog and start planning!

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

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Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now!