Running your business can be exciting, liberating and profitable. However, many business owners also experience a level of stress that non business owners experience. There are trade offs that come from being in charge.
Long hours, missed vacations and deadlines may take a toll on your physical and emotional health, affecting relations with your employees, family and friends in the process. There strategies for keeping the stress from overwhelming you. Here are some questions to ask yourself in getting a handle on managing the stress.
What is causing the stress?
Is it some aspect of the business like marketing, customer relations, bookkeeping, sales calls or difficult customers causing you to stay up at night? When you identify what is draining you of energy and causing the anxiety, you can begin to brainstorm solutions. Until you are clear about that, you won't know where to begin. Ask yourself is this something I can control? If it is not something you can do anything about, then you need to find ways to make peace with the reality of that part of your business.
When was the last time I took time for myself?
When we own our own business, we must step outside ourselves and almost look at our self as a business asset. Just as you wouldn't let your car go without regular maintenance, neither should you let yourself get tired and overworked. Taking time for recreation, and connecting with family and friends will keep you refreshed and ready for the rigors of your business. Without this, you will become isolated and stale.
What health routines do I need to implement or get back to?
Do you have a regular exercise routine? When was the last time you saw the dentist, optometrist, if you are a woman, had your annual routine exams? Are you eating a variety of healthful foods? All of these things contribute to your overall health and safeguard against the inevitable stress. Your body must be in top condition.
Can someone else do this?
Entrepreneurs are by nature, talented, "Can Do" types of individuals. Often we can do everything better than anyone else. You need to ask yourself, "Is this the best, most efficient use of my time? "Can I take a leadership role and have someone else in my business do some of the work that has been causing stress?" If you are just starting out, this may be the time to hire or outsource the thing that is causing stress.
Am I just bored?
Sometimes, we just get bored with our business, just as people do with any job. Try looking for new ways to bring the old excitement into your business. Perhaps it is a new way of delivering services or by adding or dropping a product. New is exciting, old and stale drains us.
What experts can I bring in to help?
There are many resources these days for entrepreneurs. Some people make it their business to keep the small business owner IN business and stress free. Consultants, coaches, counselors, health professionals, and alternative medicine practitioners are there to support you. You don't have to do it all yourself. You can hire people long or short term to get you over the stress and keep you and your business prospering and joyful.
Louise Abbott is a business coach and owner of Creative Resources Coaching. Louise teaches entrepreneurs and self employed professionals to increase revenues with proven marketing and innovative business practices. Louise consults one on one and has groups and workshops. Her Platinum Inner Circle Mastermind/Coaching group teaches advance marketing and business techniques. Her Gold Level Coaching and VIP Intensive Days are geared for the Entrepreneur who wants personal attention. Louise is the past president of the Tucson Coaches Alliance and on the board of the Leading Edge Chapter of Business Network International. You can access more articles and information at her website http://www.crcoaching.com _________ Effectively brand your business in 2010. Unearth Your Brand Excellence is a powerful preparatory course to building a brand foundation for your business to set yourself apart from other businesses who seemingly offer the same products and services. In addition, the program is specifically designed to give you the tools to effectively communicate your unique brand promise. **Additional BONUS when you sign up for the E-Course! Are you ready for brand excellence? More information, visit www.lisahromada.com/ |
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