We’re burning out. Here’s how you can minimize its effects on you and your business.

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To state the obvious: It’s not been a great year, and we’re feeling its full effects. Exhaustion from the pandemic has set in just as we enter a winter in which cases are already skyrocketing, putting many communities back into lockdown. But there are steps you can take to reduce the impact of burnout on both yourself and your employees. While this Wall Street Journal article focuses on helping your workers, there are takeaways for business owners, as well.

It’s crucial that you take time for yourself and step away from the day-to-day work. It may seem counterintuitive to take a break when so much is on the line, but it’s that exact space that will allow you to think creatively on solutions and come back ready to tackle the challenges. 

Check in with a counselor or a mental health professional. The benefits you’ve established for your employees are there for you, as well, and there are more digital options than ever before to give you the flexibility you need.

How have you managed burnout during the pandemic? What stress-relieving measures work for you and do you have any advice for other entrepreneurs?

Latest Developments

• Small businesses are taking Google to task for its advertising practices, arguing that they can only gain prominence on the site if they spend money on Google ads.
• Also on the tech front, the European Union is charging Amazon for antitrust violations by using the data of its third-party sellers to create its own products. The e-commerce giant is facing similar allegations in the United States.
• Going into an office is more dangerous than you might think. The CDC is recommending businesses allow workers to work from home whenever possible, citing a new study that shows working in an office can double a person’s chances of catching the virus.
• This entrepreneur launched her concert-based business just before the start of the pandemic. The music industry largely shut down, but rather than close up shop, she found a new path forward.
• Eateries and bars in New York and other areas bracing for a cold winter have erected outdoor tents and various enclosures to protect patrons from the elements, but health officials are questioning their safety.
• With the cold comes snow and the start of ski season. Vermont has managed to keep its COVID-19 case count lower than much of the country and has this plan for opening its slopes, which drive much of the state’s economy.
• Amazon is expanding its distribution plans with a new program that would serve rural communities.
• Canada has established a new program to encourage its businesses to enter international markets by providing funding for travel costs and other expenses.

Conversations For You

• Restaurateur David Chang made Momofuku into a global brand. The industry is facing its toughest challenge in decades and Chang is determined to help it get back on its feet. He shares what the future will hold for eateries and how owners can survive now.
• A marketing professional is sharing the common pitfalls small businesses make in trying to reach consumers and provides some solutions with other marketing gurus weighing in. I also interviewed marketing expert Laura Mignott during this week’s episode of Together in Business on how firms can reach potential consumers this holiday season:

Resources

• Pocatello, Idaho has established a grant program for small businesses and nonprofits to receive up to $10,000 in grants to cover qualified expenses.
• Three Pennsylvania counties have new loan programs that are available to small businesses. See all the details here.
• Applications for grants for businesses in Todd County, Minn. are due Friday, Nov. 13.
• Larger businesses in New Mexico are eligible for grants of up to $15,000. Those with 51-100 employees can now apply for the aid.
• Bars and restaurants in Fort Collins, Colo. can apply for grants of up to $5,000 with the city’s third phase of funding for small businesses.

Something Good

• What is more adorable than a chipmunk eating walnuts at a mini restaurant? Nothing. Enjoy.