Business as usual was a policy adopted by the British Government during the early years of the World War 1. Its fundamental belief was that in order to maintain a stable and functioning country, activities must continue in the same manner as before the war. The British government wanted the citizens to continue their daily and business activities as it was before the war broke out. This, they believed, won’t give the enemies the victory that they sought.

Winston Churchill who made the statement or the Prime Minister in office then wasn’t saying the people should ignore the negative effect of the brutal war—it was difficult to ignore—, but obliged the people to be strong and hopeful. This was a way of telling them to strife and run their daily and business activities as best as they could as if nothing was happening. This of course is the appropriate way to handle tough time—to run your daily and business routine as if nothing is happening.

Tough Times according to economists is a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activities are reduced. This is caused by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters. It is a downturn in an economy; it is associated with high unemployment, slowing gross domestic product, and high inflation. The definition could be scary, but how to breeze through it is very important. Of course, we should expect tough time and should be prepare to navigate through it. Here are some tips that can help you breeze through tough times in any economy. 

Tip #1-The business as usual mentality: It will cost you more talking about how bad it is. Such will drain your energy, time and keep you idle. It will make you to be constantly afraid and leave you with a negative disposition. So, stop talking about how bad it is; focus your energy on business as usual. Proceed as if nothing is happening. This is not living in denial; it is way of looking at the fact, and working hard against the odds. It is the optimistic spirit that will keep you going. So, plan your daily routine, set goals and take necessary actions to achieve them as usual.  

Tip #2-Create additional streams of income: Dig out all your skills, polish and start selling them. You cannot leverage on a single source of income when you have other skills lying dormant in you. Harness and sell your hidden skills for a fee. If you think you don’t have one; go acquire one and sell it. During tough times, you need to increase your productivity and income by leveraging on extra skills.

Tip #3-Strengthen your professional network: Again, go out there and network with other professionals. Create solid partnership with them. You cannot succeed as an island; expand your network and do projects with people in your network. Remember to focus on projects that will yield income.   

Tip #4-Downsize: This may not sound good, but it is necessary. In tough times, it is necessary to downsize. Cut off unnecessary spending; reduce your overhead and spontaneous spending. Your focus should be on how to make more by spending less. The surest way to do this is by tracking your daily expenses and income. Then focus on what is bringing money into your pocket and not what is taking it out.

Tip #5-Eliminate and avoid debt: When your income isn’t stable, you may not be able to service your debt. So, at this point, it is important not to get into more debt. Rather, find a strategy of getting out of debt. Avoid debt like a plague. This period isn’t the best time to get into debt; it is the best time to stay away from it.

Tip #6-Leverage on a stable economy: If your country’s economy is going through tough time, then leverage on another country’s economy. Thanks to the Internet, you can be in Nigeria and do business in China, United States or far away Australia. Look for the opportunity to leverage on a stable economy and then sell whatever—product, service or skill—to them.