Knocked down but not out and fighting to go the distance: Small business responses to an unfolding crisis in the initial impact period

This study explores in real time how small businesses adjust to an unfolding crisis the initial impact period and what kinds of actions they take. A weekly diary following a group entrepreneurs London over first couple months COVID-19 inspired lockdown across UK beginning March 23, 2020, found that were knocked down but not out by events. Small increasing their chances survival (going distance) 1) monitoring business functioning detecting risks (checking vitals), 2) initiating quick defensive moves absorb damages defend against additional (blocking), 3) undertaking more skilful avoid further (deflecting), 4) planning next move managing expectations (developing tactical awareness). While does literally represent fight, features boxers engage fight borrowed help explain responses.