Don't let inflation fears slow you down, now is the time to think big

The opinions expressed by entrepreneurs contributors are their own.

As a media relations consultant, I have presented many stories to journalists on the effects of inflation. Inflation and rising prices are issues that concern everyone and impact everyone. Without a doubt, now is the time to look at where every penny goes, entrepreneur or not.

It's not just inflation; we are all living in a new and strange reality where there is an incentive to do more, buy more and play more. With this desire comes depressing price increases and the tragedies we see daily abroad and in our communities.

However, as an owner, you are responsible for looking beyond the anxiety-provoking details and are responsible for seeking out opportunities. Whenever a significant change occurs in your industry, it's time to read the situation for what it is: a huge opportunity for growth and redirection.

Related: 9 Ways to Overcome Fear and Realize Your True Potential

Build a new model

Lately, I was drawn to a quote from Buckminster Fuller: "You never change things by fighting existing reality. To change something, build a new pattern that makes the existing pattern obsolete."

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Now is the time to make the switch. Use this "do more" energy to fuel positive change and build a new pattern. Whether you've been in business for a while or are part of "The Great Resignation" and looking to start a new business, take a minute to think about your goals and priorities.

The first step is to review your finances. Is there anything you can cut or eliminate from your finances? Are all the resources you used intended to improve your business? If not, it's time to let them go.

But remember that cutting spending isn't the strongest and only reaction to change. Getting new income is. Find the balance between reducing costs and conserving what you need to be successful.

The same goes for your operations. Do you have machinery, supplies – even an office – that you pay for and get nothing out of? You now have permission to cut these operations.

Start thinking big when your internal operations are where you want them to be. Are you really where you want to be? What do you need to change to achieve your goals?

Making Changes Creates Unexpected Improvements

When we asked ourselves these questions, my company decided to revamp our brand message and refine our new business targets. We did some by ourselves and some by contractors because we were too close to the story and wanted to remain objective.

Our changes weren't huge, but they made a big difference. We've simplified the aesthetics of our website and online brand so we can quickly create more engaging content. Before the change, we had to do a lot of groundwork to get everything to fit and align with our marketing materials.

We were bogged down with updating an old website that wasn't working to our strengths, so we changed it. We kept the pages and content we needed and emptied the rest. We now have an easy-to-use logo, color scheme and messages for simple situations.

Our changes have allowed us to speed up our work, eliminate bottlenecks, and continue to deliver thoughtful content. Our changes surprised us and improved our perception while communicating to our market who we really were and what types of people we help.

Related: 10 Truths for Successful Change

Use outside help and resources

During this period, we as owners need outside help. With some encouragement and coaching, we can create a new narrative. Not only will outside help clarify who we are to our customers, but it will also allow us to tell a story more easily. Maintaining authenticity was key to me when making edits, so I kept that in mind when making any decisions, even if it involved outside help.

It's critical to develop a narrative, make sure it's accurate, and that your business consistently embodies it in every decision. For us, that meant more personal marketing. It might be something else for you, but it's...