When the Power Goes Out:

How to Use Unexpected Downtime to Move Your Business Forward

Here I sit, pen and paper in hand, surrounded by an eerie quiet only broken by the mechanical sound of generators through the trees.

The power is out, and in today’s world, that can feel crippling. We are so deeply reliant on all things electronic that a sudden blackout can send our carefully organized routines into chaos and the reality of our dependency sinks in.

Rodger and I live on the outskirts of town. We rely on a well, so no power = no well pump = no water. 

We both work from home, so no power = no internet = no connection to the outside world. To make matters worse, my ailing computer battery lasts a mere 20 minutes, reminding me it’s long overdue for a replacement.

So, we too break the silence and power up our generator to keep the essentials running: the fridge, a few lights, and the pump for water. The modern conveniences that make our workday seamless suddenly become available again, but I chose to stay in the dark.

So here I sit, illuminated by one light, pen and paper in hand, trying to figure out what I can accomplish today without overloading our small, limited grid.

Faced with this unexpected interruption, I had several options:

• I could choose to relax, maybe read a book or play a game.
• I could scroll through my phone, mindlessly watching hurricane updates or funny pet videos.
• I could organize my spice cabinet, rearrange a few closets, or tidy up my office. All productive things, but none of them would move the needle in my business.

So, what did I decide to do?

Despite the circumstances, I chose to take intentional action. I decided to get back to basics and write. I grabbed my pen and paper and committed to getting ahead on our marketing content for the upcoming quarter that I had been creatively avoiding for some time. In fact, the day before, my assistant prompted me for more content.

Here’s the thing: it shouldn’t take a hurricane and a power outage to force us to focus. We shouldn’t need a natural disaster to clear our mental clutter and push us to prioritize the actions that truly matter. So, there I was, with fewer distractions, able to be more present and making deliberate progress.

This situation got me thinking about how easy it is to let distractions—especially electronic ones—dictate our day-to-day work. It’s all too common to get caught up in emails, notifications, and meetings that keep us busy but not always productive.

So, what would happen if we took the power outage as a life lesson? If you suddenly had no access to your electronics or your usual resources, what would you focus on? (What DID you focus on?) More importantly, what should you focus on?

For me, writing content was my natural next step. But for you, it could be something different. The next time you are faced with unexpected downtime, here are a few high-impact actions you might consider:

Write or Revise Core Business Materials

Whether it’s drafting a new case study, writing a white paper, or rewriting your mission, vision, and core values, there’s always a need to refresh and refine the foundation of your business.

Our new Growth & Success Journal is perfect for this. Chapter One will focus you in and make you think.

Revisit Your Business Plan

Take a close look at your business structure, goals, and vision. Are they still aligned with where you want to go? Is there a new revenue stream, product, or service that’s been on your mind but hasn’t had your full attention?

Evaluate Your Time Management

Consider how you’re spending your work hours. Are there inefficiencies in your day that are holding you back? A power outage might just highlight the difference between being busy and being productive. (whole section on this in the Growth & Success Journal as well.)

Strategize for the Future

Take this opportunity to map out your next 90 days or even create a three-year strategy. What needs to happen now to ensure long-term success?

I do a Rolling-90 plan to stay on track!

Read the Business Books You’ve Been Meaning to Get To

We all have that stack of business growth or leadership books waiting and calling to us. This is the perfect time to dive in and gather insights that could transform the way you operate.

Reorganize Your Office for Maximum Efficiency

Perhaps you could use some physical decluttering. A clear, organized space can boost your productivity and creativity. Maybe it’s time to get rid of distractions, both physical and digital.

Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Take the time to document and formalize processes. Whether it’s onboarding, client communication, or workflow management, SOPs can save you time and streamline operations.

Refine Your Marketing Strategy

Use the downtime to review and revamp your social media or marketing strategies. Are your messages still resonating with your audience? Do you have a content plan for the next quarter?

We live in a world where we’re constantly plugged in. But sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is disconnect and focus on what matters. Even if it takes a power outage or hurricane to force that shift in perspective, there’s always something valuable in pausing, reassessing, and moving forward with intentionality.

For those of us who experience downtime—whether it’s a day or two due to a storm, or an hour without Wi-Fi—let’s use it wisely. Instead of defaulting to busywork, scrolling through social media, or fretting over things we can’t control, let’s prioritize the activities that drive our businesses forward.

And when the power comes back on? Let’s take this lesson with us: we don’t need a crisis to focus. We can choose intentional action every day.

In the words of productivity guru Peter Drucker, “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.” So, the next time you’re faced with a disruption, ask yourself: What’s the most effective thing I can do right now?

Remember, it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most.

What will you focus on the next time the power goes out? How can you create space in your day-to-day life to focus on what moves your business forward without waiting for a crisis to clear the way?