9 Things to do when business is slow and you feel like your hard work isn’t paying off
♥ SHARING IS CARING! ♥
I ain’t gona to lie, as I sit in this current season, I look at the work that I have put in and the output and I feel discouraged and disappointed. I know for a fact that God has called me to serve Him in the marketplace, to use my voice, my gifts and my offers to bless His people. But there comes a time in every entrepreneur’s journey when things slow down, sales aren’t coming in like before, engagement drops, and doubt starts creeping in. You have prayed, you have worked hard, and you have been faithful. Yet, despite all your efforts, it feels like nothing is moving. I cant help but wonder, Did I hear God right? Am I really called to this?
If that is where you are right now, take heart. You are not alone. I am right here with you and most importantly, God has not forgotten us. Business slowdowns are not a sign that you are failing or that God’s favor has lifted from your life. They are often seasons of refinement, testing, and repositioning. The world measures success in speed and results, but God is more interested in our faithfulness than our hustle. So I want to offer you few suggestions, how you can navigate the low and slow seasons in your business and you feel like your hard work isn’t paying off.
1.REMEMBER WHO CALLED YOU AND ASSIGNED YOU
If God led you to start this business, then you are not running it alone. Your business is not just a way to make money, it is an assignment. You have been called to serve in the marketplace, to operate with integrity, to be a light, and to steward resources for His glory. God is your CEO! Commit your plans to Him even when you are unsure of what is next, return to the One who gave you the vision in the first place. Reaffirm your trust in God’s timing and faithfulness, just because you can’t see movement doesn’t mean He isn’t working behind the scenes.
2. SHIFT YOUR FOCUS FROM OUTCOMES TO OBEDIENCE
It is easy to feel discouraged when you measure success purely by numbers: revenue, followers, sales. But God’s way is different, He looks at your heart, your diligence, and your obedience. Ask yourself:
- Am I still showing up in faith, even when I don’t see immediate results?
- Am I serving my audience with excellence and integrity, even when it feels unnoticed?
- Am I trusting God’s process, or am I relying solely on my own understanding?
Remember, our job is obedience, God’s job is the outcome. Keep doing what He has called you to do, even when you don’t see the full picture yet.
3. USE THIS SEASON TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH, NOT STRIVE
A slow season is an invitation to refocus, refine, and realign with God’s direction. Instead of panicking and hustling harder, ask Him:
- Lord, what are You teaching me in this season?
- Is there anything You want me to adjust in my business?
- How can I use this time to prepare for what’s next?
Perhaps this is a season for you to reevaluate your business model and seek divine strategy, strengthen your foundation (your systems, processes, or branding), deepen your relationship with God and sharpen your discernment, and finally pour into your community, nurture relationships, and serve without an agenda. Not all growth is visible. Sometimes, God slows things down to set you up for something bigger.
4. KEEP PLANTING, EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T SEE A HARVEST
The Kingdom of God operates on seed time and harvest (Genesis 8:22). Many times, we expect an immediate return on our efforts, but just like a farmer, we must trust the unseen process. Your faithfulness today is planting seeds that will bear fruit in due time. You are not behind. You are being prepared. Galatians 6:9 reminds us to not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Do not quit before your breakthrough, keep sowing, keep trusting, and keep believing that God is aligning the right people, opportunities, and resources in His perfect timing.
5. SEEK GOD’S PROVISION, NOT JUST PRODUCTIVITY
When business is slow, it is tempting to rely on our own strength to fix things. But God is your ultimate provider. Your income, customers, and success do not come from your effort alone but from His hand. Instead of anxiously trying to control everything, shift your focus to God’s supernatural provision, do these things instead:
- Pray over your business and finances, trusting that He will provide what you need,
- Ask for divine wisdom to navigate this season with clarity and peace,
- Rest in the truth that God’s resources are unlimited, your business is not your source, He is! Keep seeking the kingdom it will be added unto you in due season.
6. DON’T ISOLATE INSTEAD SURROUND YOURSELF WITH FAITH-FILLED ENCOURAGEMENT
The enemy loves to use slow seasons to whisper lies like “You are not good enough. You should quit. No one cares about what you are doing.” You need to guard your heart and mind during these moments by surrounding yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and pray with you. You have to speak life over your business, declare God’s promises, not your fears and stay in the Word and keep your faith anchored in His truth. Remember, you are not alone, many Kingdom entrepreneurs have walked this path, and you will come through this stronger, wiser, and more prepared for what is ahead.
7. KEEP WALKING BY FAITH, GOD WILL REWARD YOU IN DUE TIME
If business is slow right now, do not let discouragement take root. This is just a chapter, not the final story. Move forward in faith, even if it is just one small step at a time, one foot in front of the next. Because here is the truth: God finishes what He starts, if He called you to this, He will sustain you through it.
8. BE OPEN TO NEW REVELATION
Sometimes, when things slow down, it is because God is trying to shift your perspective or give you a fresh revelation. Could it be that He is calling you to pivot in a new direction, expand or narrow your focus or maybe explore an opportunity you have been avoiding? God is always doing a new things in our lives. Even as business is slow, ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and insight. He may be opening doors you haven’t even considered yet. Stay prayerful, pay attention to new ideas, and be willing to follow where He leads.
9. HE WANTS TO HEAL OR POINT OUT AN AREA THAT NEEDS YOUR ATTENTION
A slowdown in business isn’t always about the business itself, it can also be about you. God may be using this season to heal or point out an area of your life that needs His touch. Reflect on the following prompts:
- Is there unresolved hurt, fear, or limiting beliefs affecting how I show up?
- Have I been neglecting my spiritual, emotional, or physical well-being?
- Is God inviting me into deeper trust, rest, or surrender?
Sometimes, we are so focused on pushing forward that we don’t realize there are wounds we are carrying or areas where we need healing. I have already shared about how God has been calling me to rest and wholeness as I build the business He has given me. God loves us too much to let us build something that will crush us. If He is pressing pause, it may be because He wants to strengthen you before taking you to the next level. Use this season to allow God to work in you, so that when the doors open, you will be ready to step through them in wholeness.
Xo,
Ange
Ange Ingabire
SHOP MY OFFERS & RESOURCES FOR ASPIRING CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS
45-MINUTE STRATEGY CALL
This 45-minute clarity and strategy session is designed to move you from uncertainty to a clear vision for your business, unlocking your unique path to success! This intensive session is tailored to address your kingdom business needs and aspirations, offering personalized advice that resonates with the creative and feminine spirit in you.
THE ULTIMATE E-COMMERCE BUSINESS PLANNER
This all-inclusive planner is a wealth of resources of 70+ expertly designed templates that will guide you through every step of your entrepreneurial journey.
THE IRRESISTIBLY & PROFITABLE OFFER KIT
One of the key factors in building a successful online brand is having a product or offer that sells. The Irresistibly Profitable Offer Kit equips you with the tools and resources to achieve maximum profitability and certainty about your product choice and creation.
THE CLIENT MAGNET & SALES MASTERY KIT
To thrive as an online brand, you need to master the art of sales. The Client Magnet & Sales Mastery Kit provides proven techniques, templates, and resources to boost your sales efforts.
THE BRAND BUILDING KIT
In a crowded digital marketplace, it’s crucial to create a brand that resonates with your dream customers. The Brand Building Kit empowers you to craft a unique and compelling brand.
THE DIGITAL MARKETING KIT
The Digital Marketing Kit equips you with the knowledge and tools to engage your dream customers effectively. Optimize your online presence, achieve your marketing goals, and gain the recognition and credibility your brand deserves.
THE E-COMMERCE WEBSITE BUILDER & LAUNCH KIT
Have everything you need to create a professional-looking website that is optimized for sales. You will get access to templates, design tips, and step-by-step instructions on how to launch your site.
THE BUSINESS LAUNCH SUCCESS KIT
Starting your journey as an entrepreneur requires careful planning and execution. The Business Launch Success Kit provides essential tools, training, and resources to turn your vision into a thriving reality.
THE CREATIVE STARTUP SUITE (FULL SET OF BIZ KITS)
A unique and systematic collection of tools and resources for the aspiring creative entrepreneur. It include video trainings, made for you guides, workbooks, scripts and editable templates that you can use to build your online brand from scratch and start making money in the next quarter!
THE ASPIRING BLOGGER TOOLKIT
Blogging should be a joyful expression of your passions and expertise, not a source of stress. But the truth is, starting a blog can feel daunting, like where do you begin? This is where The Aspiring Blogger toolkit comes in! By providing you a clear roadmap for your next steps.
THE PODCAST STARTER KIT
Establish yourself as an authority in your niche with the Podcast Started Kit, I have assembled a comprehensive collection of resources to guide you through every step of your podcasting journey.
THE YOUTUBER LAUNCHPAD
From understanding the jargon to mastering the technical aspects, the initial steps to starting a YouTube Channel can feel daunting for a beginner. The Launchpad addresses these pain points directly, offering you a streamlined path to creating a professional and impactful YouTube presence.
THE CONTENT CREATOR POWERPACK
Your all-in-one solution to kickstart your content creation journey.
It is designed specifically for aspiring influencers and content creators, it is comprehensive bundle that provides you with everything you need to turn your passion into a thriving online presence; whether you want to start a blog, a podcast or youtube channel.
THE SEO SUCCESS SUITE
The SEO Success Suite is a practical toolkit designed to make SEO simpler, more manageable, and, yes, even enjoyable! I have designed the SEO success suite to take you from feeling stuck and frustrated to confident and in control of your online presence.
© 2023 ANGE INGABIRE