How to Survive the Quiet Times in Your Video Production Business
For anyone who has decided to build their own business, quiet times are inevitable. It’s part of the reality of being an entrepreneur. While these slow periods can feel unsettling, they present valuable opportunities for learning, growth, and business transformation.
The key is to not only survive these quiet times but to leverage them as a launching pad for long-term success. In this post, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you navigate slow periods, identify opportunities for improvement, and future-proof your video production business.
Understanding the Nature of Quiet Times
Every business experiences fluctuations. Inquiries slow down, the phone stops ringing, and your calendar suddenly has more gaps than bookings. Your expenses remain the same (or even increase), but the steady stream of projects isn’t coming through. What begins as mild concern can quickly turn into anxiety, impacting your confidence, focus, and overall mindset.
These moments can feel isolating, but they are part of the business cycle. More importantly, they offer an opportunity for reflection and recalibration. Instead of seeing them as a setback, view them as a moment to assess, refine, and position yourself for the next phase of growth.
1. Stop Fighting Against Reality—Accept and Adapt
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make during slow periods is resisting the reality of the situation. They may deny that things are slowing down or push themselves into frantic action without a clear plan.
A better approach is to take a step back and assess the situation rationally. What is the market telling you? What patterns are emerging? Instead of forcing your way forward with the same approach, recognize the need for adaptation.
A great analogy is Charles Darwin’s insight into survival: It’s not the strongest or the smartest that survive, but those who adapt best to change. The key to overcoming quiet times is adaptation, not just sheer perseverance.
2. Recognize the Mental Traps That Hold You Back
During quiet periods, your mind may slip into a scarcity mindset. Thoughts like, What if I never get another client? or Maybe I’m not cut out for this start to creep in. This is simply your mind operating in survival mode, also known as the “lizard brain”—a reaction designed to protect you but not necessarily to help you make sound business decisions.
Instead of letting fear dictate your decisions, shift into a visionary mindset. This is where creative problem-solving and strategic thinking happen. Rather than react with panic, take a step back and focus on proactive solutions.
3. Audit Your Business and Cut Unnecessary Expenses
One of the first practical steps you can take is to perform a financial audit. Identify areas where you can reduce costs without compromising the core of your business.
Are there subscriptions you’re paying for but not using?
Are there services you can temporarily pause?
Can you renegotiate rates with vendors or service providers?
Cutting costs strategically will help reduce financial pressure and extend your runway, giving you more breathing room to focus on business development.
4. Refine Your Offer and Improve Your Sales Process
Slow periods are the perfect time to assess your value proposition. If you’re struggling to attract clients, ask yourself:
Is my offer clearly defined?
Does my messaging speak directly to my ideal client’s pain points?
Am I showcasing my expertise effectively through case studies and testimonials?
Use this time to refine your website, update your showreel, or create a new landing page targeted at a specific niche. If you don’t have a structured sales process, develop one now. The clearer and more compelling your offer, the easier it will be to convert leads into paying clients when opportunities arise.
5. Reconnect With Past Clients and Leverage Your Network
Many production company owners focus on acquiring new clients while neglecting their existing relationships. However, past clients already trust you and are more likely to hire you again if you stay in touch.
Take this time to:
Send a friendly email checking in with past clients.
Share updates on your business or new services you’re offering.
Ask for testimonials or case studies to showcase past work.
Offer a special incentive for repeat business.
Your next big project might come from a client who hasn’t thought of hiring you again—until you remind them.
6. Create and Share Content to Stay Visible
When business is slow, it’s tempting to disappear and wait for things to pick up again. Instead, use this as an opportunity to build your online presence.
Post valuable insights on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Share behind-the-scenes footage or client success stories.
Write blog posts that showcase your expertise.
Record a short video offering tips for businesses using video marketing.
Consistently showing up keeps you top-of-mind for potential clients and positions you as an authority in your field.
7. Diversify Your Income Streams
If your business relies on one type of client or project, quiet times can hit harder. Consider expanding your services or tapping into new revenue streams:
Offer consulting – Many businesses need guidance on video strategy before they even get to production.
Subcontract with other production companies – If work is slow, offer your skills as a freelancer.
Expand into new industries – If corporate work is slow, could you explore real estate videos, training videos, or e-learning content?
Thinking creatively about how to generate revenue will make your business more resilient.
8. Track Key Metrics and Identify Patterns
If you don’t have a system for tracking inquiries, bookings, and revenue trends, now is the time to start. Having a dashboard with key business metrics helps you:
Identify seasonal patterns.
Spot trends before they become major problems.
Make data-driven decisions instead of reacting emotionally.
When you track your numbers, you can take proactive steps to adjust before a downturn becomes a crisis.
9. Use Fear as a Motivator, Not a Paralyzer
Fear can either cripple you or fuel you. Entrepreneurs who survive and thrive during tough times use fear as a tailwind—letting it push them into action rather than letting it freeze them in place.
If you’re feeling stuck, channel that energy into action:
Make a list of five outreach emails you can send today.
Create one valuable LinkedIn post to share with your network.
Reconnect with a past client.
Research a new niche you could target.
Work on improving your website.
Small actions compound over time. The key is to keep moving forward, even when things feel uncertain.
Final Thoughts: Building a Business That Can Withstand the Quiet Times
Surviving slow periods in business isn’t just about making it through—it’s about using them to refine, recalibrate, and strengthen your business for the future.
By accepting reality, adjusting your approach, staying proactive in marketing, and leveraging your network, you can not only survive the quiet times but emerge from them with a stronger, more resilient business.
And if you’re looking for guidance on building a sustainable, high-performing video production company, I offer coaching specifically designed to help business owners refine their marketing, improve their sales process, and create systems that drive consistent work.
Learn more at ryanspanger.com/coaching and take control of your business today.