Dear Quicksmith,
I've been at the helm of a series of companies over the years. I’ve been through many difficult periods but this feels different. I'm seriously worried about whether the company will survive. I'm desperately cutting costs and trying to find alternative revenue streams whilst trying to keep everyone around me hopeful and motivated, for a future I'm not sure is even going to come. I'm increasingly short tempered and I'm not sleeping well. I can't seem to stop spinning and I feel like I’m going under. What can I do?
Dani's Response
Uncertainty is one of life’s most stressful things, for anyone. Running an indie is full of it…ups and downs, ever-changing forward planning and forecasts going out the window on a regular basis. In these hard financial times everything is amplified and more volatile.
Heading a production company, not only do you have the responsibility of keeping it going, but where possible, in such a challenging market, we try to keep people employed even if it’s not in their usual role. At least then they have the option of doing something rather than nothing.
It’s time to be agile and say yes to work you might have said no to before, even if it doesn’t make you money…if it keeps the lights on and keeps people working just say yes.
For companies that have had to downsize, it’s all hands to the pump. No room for big egos and hierarchies. Just get on with it even if it’s doing things that are not traditionally your job.
If you have a bite from a broadcaster but they are umming and erring about money? Go find it somewhere else – distribution companies, brands, co pros with other channels. Find the money yourself and go back. Make it very hard for the broadcaster to say no!
Knowing so many talented people out of work, we have sometimes offered two people a job share. Not ideal for either person but better that they both have some kind of employment until things pick up.
I was told the other day about a very experienced producer who was so desperate for work they applied for a low level admin role in accountancy firm. They didn’t get the job because they only had a C in English. I can’t suggest lying about your grades but……
One of the hardest things is how to carry on smiling and be positive. It’s your job to keep everyone’s spirits up and be optimistic. Deep breath before you arrive at work….big smile, ‘morning!’. If you don’t do it nobody else will.
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