How do you approach things in business when you're stagnating (or when the numbers are declining)?
Most of the time, when I'm working on my own, I miss the feeling I'm not alone in the difficult moments, especially when I'm stagnating or the results tend to decline.
When you have a co-founder, it's a little better.
Maybe there are support groups for solo-founders (like build in public)
Or there are meetups, online networking/calls, where you get advice.
Or do you solve it with a partial "step back"
Where do you look for support and redirection? (Personally, I wouldn't want to slip into talking to ChatGPT.) :D
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I've cultivated a few "friends" on LI that I feel like I can turn to for support in times like this. I do have a co-founder, but he's also my husband so I don't always want to turn to him. I'm also in a few closed social media groups (Whatsapp and FB), where there are people who understand what I'm going through.
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@samantha_hulkower_paperin That is cool to know that there is this kind of support. If some of those communities can be joined also by others, feel free to share :)
Although I don't have real business experience yet,if I were in that situation,my first priority would be talking directly with my users-especially setting 1-on-1 meeting with people who use my product deeply.I believe the user feedback is often the most honest and effective way to recalibrate both the product and business model.
At the same time,i would also reflect on wether the issue may come from my marketing or operational approach. In moments like that,community would probably be where i turn for help.I like them because everyone there feels like a "close-stranger"-we don't have any direct interests tided to each other,but people are still willing to lend a hand.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@siqi_huang1 you are pretty direct, and I like it. I usually am not so straightforward, but that is why you probably get results pretty quickly.
I reaffirm myself with positive speech. Seek help from closed communities that I have cultivated over the years.
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@ajinsunny but are those secret? Can we become a part of those communities somehow?
@busmark_w_nika not secret :) just close family friends :)
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@ajinsunny aaa, okay. You can adopt me if you want :D
Haha, it's an interesting topic. I, at least, dedicate myself to reading and researching these kinds of cases, books like Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, and those of that type, which I find quite motivating.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@flowti TBH, I used to read them in my 18 and early 20s, but deciced to more act than read :D
I’d separate “support” from “redirection,” because the same group is not always good at both.
For support, a small recurring peer group is usually better than a huge community: 3–5 people who know the emotional pattern of building and won’t overreact to one bad week. For redirection, I’d go outside that circle and look for evidence: recent customer/prospect calls, churn reasons, onboarding recordings, search/support logs — anywhere the market is already telling you what changed.
The dangerous middle is asking a supportive room to diagnose the business from vibes. They can keep you steady, but the numbers usually need a colder source of truth.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@jim_jeffers Interesting approach, but probably right. "Sober eyes" will more likely tell you the truth :)
You always ask such good questions.
When I feel stuck or like momentum is dropping, I usually step back from that project for a bit and shift my attention to grading papers, making lesson plans, or building something useful for my classroom.
I use my coding skills in planning, class presentations, and almost everything else I do. Honestly, I can’t imagine a day without coding something. Getting small wins doing work I love helps me keep a positive attitude.
YouTube SaaS and founder videos have also been a big help. They often help me spot their proven strategies, rethink my approach, and see where I need to improve.
For me, support comes from learning, taking a reset, and then getting back to work with a clearer plan.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@dstr88 Diversity in activities and jobs probably works well here :) I also try to have more things to work on, but sometimes it is overwhelming. :)