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Tips for Handling Business Setbacks

Handling business setbacks: build a crisis team, stay honest with customers and staff, cut overhead wisely and keep your best customers close.

Sales Transformation Group Contractor Sales Training & Coaching
3 min read

Originally published March 17, 2022. Updated September 2026 with a summary, next steps and answers to common questions.

Resurfacing in business after a major loss, natural disaster or a similar problem is not easy. However, setbacks are an inevitable part of the business world. You cannot expect to run a business without facing a few setbacks every now then.

However, it becomes a bit difficult for most businessmen to handle these setbacks with their business properly. Let us discuss some tips that can help you next time you face business setbacks in your company.

Tips for Dealing with a Business Setback

Following are some tips to bear in mind the next time you come across a business setback.

Create a Crisis Management Team

You cannot expect to manage a business setback on your own, regardless of how experienced you are. There is no harm in reaching out for the required assistance to deal with a setback. However, many people do not understand this. 

The first step to dealing with a business setback is formulating a crisis management team. The team should include competent individuals who can tackle the problem at hand efficiently. 

Remember, that it can be anyone from your company, or from outside it, depending on their skills. Start by tapping into professional contacts to create a crisis management team if you do not already have one.

Be In Touch with Customers and Employees

The key to running a professional business is facing problems head-on. You shouldn’t be afraid to share bad news with your team, company, or customers, if the time calls for it. 

On the other hand, hiding details, keeping these people in the dark can endanger your reputation as a professional too. 

You should know when and how you should discuss a business setback with the related individuals. Keep in mind that these professionals may not always have a positive reaction, but this honesty will reward you in the long run. Focus on keeping them up to date even when you do not have all the answers for it.

Reduce Overhead

Knowing where your company is having problems is the first step to reducing business issues. For instance, you can negotiate better prices for your supplies. You wouldn’t want to cut down on employee costs to manage your finances. 

While that seems like an easy way to save money, it is not always the best way to do this. Instead, try performing a holistic cost analysis to get a clearer image of where you can optimize costs.

Retain Old Customers 

A common mistake that most businesses make when they are in turmoil is letting go of their customers. However, established, older customers are your company’s number 1 asset.

In fact, most companies get nearly 80% of their business from only 20% of their customer base. This loyal customer base is what will help you bounce back from business setbacks, and resurface victoriously.

You should also consider investing a little more in your customer marketing campaigns, ensuring you have sufficient products, updates, add-ons, or specific features that would help attract more customers.

It is okay if you do not know where to begin. You can always take things in steps. For instance, start by assessing which parts of your business are the most and the least profitable.

Try to cut costs on what is not bringing the right results, and invest in what works for your company. These easy steps will have you back in business in no time.

Become a Victor not a Victim

Your attitude towards business setbacks is vital. Try your level best to avoid blames when something goes south. Instead, adopt a thankful attitude, learn from your mistakes, and avoid them in the future.

It will not only help you look more mature but will also help retain the focus that most business setbacks make owners lose.

Bottom Line

Handling business setbacks can be a massive challenge for any business owner. However, you can always become a victor by focusing on your existing customers, reducing overhead, being transparent with your customers, and creating a crisis management team. These simple steps will help you deal with business setbacks quite effectively.

What do I do when business takes a hit?

What is the first step in handling a business setback?
The post recommends forming a crisis management team. No owner should try to manage a major setback alone, however experienced they are. The team should include capable people who can tackle the specific problem, and they can come from inside or outside the company depending on their skills. Start with your professional contacts if you do not have one.
Should you tell customers about a business setback?
Yes, when the situation calls for it. Hiding details and keeping people in the dark can damage your reputation. Know when and how to share the news with your team, company and customers. They may not react well at first, but honesty pays off over time. Keep them updated even when you do not yet have every answer.
How do you cut costs after a setback without hurting the business?
Instead of cutting employee costs first, do a holistic cost analysis to see where you can optimize. Negotiate better prices on supplies, assess which parts of the business are most and least profitable, cut back on what is not working and invest in what is. Keep investing in existing customers, since they help you recover.