The Studio Source.com

What do you do in a slump?

If you make work that relies on the sales cycle that peaks in mid-December, you’ve likely got some time on your hands right now. What are you doing with it?

Seeing your income drop is scary business, even if it’s a seasonal lull. Somewhere in the back of your mind, nestled in the midst of recession headlines, you wonder if maybe this time sales won’t rebound like they used to.

The economy goes up, the economy goes down. All of this has happened before, and all of this will happen again.

You could worry.

Or you could plan.

You can do both, and chances are you will, but focus on the planning part. Don’t just hang on and wait for the slump to pass—make the most of your down time to build on what you already have.

Raise your profile
If you didn’t take a good look at your website at the start of the year, do it now. What can you do to make it better? How can you use it to interact with your audience more?

Use the opportunity to find a new blog or two to comment on. Scour social media outlets for new people to connect with.

If people are spending less today, don’t pull back on your marketing. Use every free or low-cost tool that works for you to get—and stay— in their consciousness. They’ll be more likely to remember you tomorrow.

Get Creative
If you’re busy selling, you don’t have time to make new work. Harness the stress and use the down time well. How many of us experience a surge of creativity that is directly proportionate to the amount of angst in our psyche? There’s no point in wasting a good bout of Sturm und Drang—put it to work for you.

You don’t have to make something to sell. You don’t even have to show it to anybody. Take every ounce of frustration and fear and pour it into something you do for yourself. Don’t second guess or edit, just give yourself over to the process. Allow yourself some unselfconscious freedom and see where it takes you.

Get out of your own way
You’re not the only one who struggles with worry when there’s down time. If you’re stuck in a rut, do something for somebody else to help you get out of your own head. It doesn’t have to be monumental, just earn a few Boy Scout points. Clear some dust-collecting books off your shelf and donate them to the library. Clean out your closet—it does wonders for clearing your head. Give the clothes you never wear to goodwill. Take somebody’s dog for a walk.

Invite some friends over for coffee. Better yet, see if you can round up a few guitars and maybe a harmonica. Have a campfire night with or without the fire.

If all else fails, go to Plan B
If you feel like your back is really against the wall, think about how you can raise some quick cash. Maybe you have a seconds sale. Maybe you move out some old inventory. You could look into picking up some freelance or contract work, or do some tutoring.

You don’t want to become one of those people who complains for the sake of complaining. It’s not good for the creative brain. You don’t want to become paralyzed, either. Time is a gift. Use it well.

Over to you: What’s your best advice on coping with down time? How do you deal with a slump? Do you get stuck? Or do you fight your way through?