Small businesses are used to sticking close to their roots and developing a customer base around their areas of operation. Digital technology is giving SMEs the opportunity to increase their reach, become more mobile and even relocate, although these do not work for every line of business.

As in many other aspects of our lives, the COVID19 pandemic has forced us to revisit many established models. The pandemic has shaken up many businesses, transformed others and forced many to overhaul to survive and grow. One such story is that of Nupur Santra.

Nupur’s husband and his brothers were manufacturers of besan or chickpea flour, and motichoor laddus. While the business covered their financial needs, it could not survive the downturn caused by the lockdown announced by the government in March 2020.

The brothers had to separate their income sources. At the same time, Nupur’s parents needed geriatric care. Taking the decision to relocate was not difficult, but starting the business all over again, that too in the pandemic’s shadow, was.

Nupur and her husband first listed the positives. With a loan from Village Financial Services, Nupur set up a small manufacturing unit at her parents’ place. Earlier, the business had been a common set-up.

The next step was to get customers in the new locality. Fortunately, the quality of their products got them plenty of new customers. When we spoke, the sales figures had risen enough to bring back the confidence in their voices and enable them to clear some debts.

Nupur’s story is a perfect example of how rational thinking helps small entrepreneurs overcome their hurdles. Business, as with every other sphere of life, has its own sinusoidal motion. For an entrepreneur, some days promise a bright future, while other days have clouds on the horizon. We should not be ruled by emotions. Instead, we should structure our plans from a logical perspective.

I also ask my customers to list the positives before they start thinking of the hurdles. This approach helps create a positive mind-set and boosts confidence, with which the negatives seem to have a much lower impact.

Uncertainty is a part of life. There is no denying that the pandemic has created unprecedented uncertainty. All the more reason to get back the confidence of moving forward with a bigger boost. Sitting back and brooding can never be an option!