7 Tips for Staying Excited About Your Business
Every business has good and bad times. And every business owner goes through times when they are excited about their business and times when they are not. For Baby Boomers who have been in business for many years, this phenomenon is always at work.
We all run in cycles, both emotional, physical, financial, and social. And we’re all going through a down financial time, which can lower emotional and physical energy. If the recent depressing economic news and tougher business times has you down, here are some suggestions to help you out of your slump and re-excite your passion for your business.
1. Think about why you started this business in the first place. I read recently that one of the best indicators of the success of a business is the reasons for starting. I’m sure one of your reasons was money, but you could get a better return on your money from a CD right now, or a good high-grade bond. So, why did you start the business anyway? Spend some time listing all the reasons you wanted to start your business. I’m guessing your reasons include a passion for this business. My whole business career, I have been passionate about helping people start their businesses and make them successful. Some self-reflection might help you focus on your passion again.
2. Talk to customers/patients/clients. Just when I think I am not making a difference, someone comes to my office or calls me or sends me a note to say, “Thank you.” It’s a great shot in the arm. Every day for a week, take a minute and call a long time customer, just to let the person know you value their business.
3. Take a vacation. Everyone needs a break. One of the best ways to get re-energized is to get away for a while. I know you are saying that you can’t possibly get away. Try it anyway. Farmers who have milk cows have to be there every day, but even they can find someone to take over for a week or two. A weekend won’t do it; you need time to unwind and get your head into a different space. A week or two and you’ll come back refreshed and ready to go back to work.
4. Attend a seminar or convention. Another good way to get re-energized is to attend a seminar and learn something new. You’ll come back with lots of ideas for your business and a list of contacts to work on.
5. Start exercising. There’s nothing better to stimulate your thought processes than exercise. I used to listen to books while I walked, sometimes motivational Tony Robbins stuff, sometimes good mystery or thriller books. This was great, especially the motivational stuff, but now I leave behind the iPod and I just think. I walk every day and I always end my walk with a new idea for a blog post (like this one) and a re-commitment to my blogs. Even a short time away from the business to do something physical can help. Even in December.
6. Celebrate Something. Make it unexpected and fun. Involve your staff in the planning process. A chiropractor I know like to shake things up when she senses that she and her staff are getting bored and tired. They plan an event, invite patients, and by the time they are done, they have a new excitement about the practice.
7. Try Something New. Brainstorm a new product or service you can offer. Try a new advertising slogan. Go to a new place for your holiday party, or do a children’s party instead. Not only will the process of thinking of something new get you and your staff excited, your customers/clients/patients will be re-energized as well. And that can be very good for business.
8. Take time to laugh. One of the most influential books in my life was by Norman Cousins, called Anatomy of an Illness. Cousins learned that he had a terminal disease, but rather than give in he decided to fight it with laughter. He started watching old comedies, like the Marx Brothers, and he found it alleviated the pain and he was able to concentrate on healing. Interesting book. Remember Laughter is the Best Medicine, from Reader’s Digest? It’s true.
I know I ended up with 8 tips, but just thinking about all these great ideas gave me even more than I planned. I hope these tips help. I’m going to go watch the Three Stooges.