To Grow Your Business, You Have To Love Your Business
I recently saw a Facebook post about how difficult it can be to be a business owner. Without a doubt, running a business can be a tough challenge and usually tougher than anyone would have thought it would be, when you got into it. That said, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life if you choose to stay in love with it.
Stay in love with your business? Yes, that is what I said.
Just like in a relationship, it can be easy to fall out of love with your business. Sometimes it is too demanding, too tough, doesn’t seem to be giving back, lacks interest. Really there are countless reasons you can fall out of love with your business, but just like with any relationship, there are things you can do to keep that passion burning. Here are a couple things that you can do to rekindle the romance.
- Remind yourself of the good stuff – Make a list of the good stuff associated with your business. Things like being in control of what you do or don’t do, having the freedom to take some time off, not having to be accountable to a boss, the people on your team, etc. Make a list of the things you’re grateful for in your business and what you would miss out on if you weren’t doing it. Review and add to it often.
- Make a list of what you have learned – There is a saying that running a business is like getting a MBA on the streets. There are things that you didn’t even know you didn’t know until you opened your doors, but now you do. Don’t sweep this under the carpet. Without a doubt you are smarter today than when you first got into business, and you are continuing to learn as you go. Recognize how far you have come.
- Work on your business, not just in it – If you remember, before you started, you were making all kinds of plans and imagining what your future would hold. You were excited and in love with your business. When you are only working in your business, it is easy to lose sight of what you wanted to accomplish. If you find you always put this type of thing last, reach out to a coach or business advisor; someone who will make you accountable is work “on” your business rather than getting lost in the busy of running it.
- Join a networking group – You are not alone. No matter how alone you might feel in a moment, there are other business owners out there who have been exactly where you are and have likely had to overcome many of the challenges you are currently facing. Getting out and talking with others, not only helps to give you perspective, but it gives you a chance to share your own wisdom. It will re-energize you and help you to see things differently.
- Question your beliefs about your role – Just because you have always done something in your business, doesn’t mean you need to keep doing it. If there are tasks and jobs you simply hate doing, figure out how you can have someone else do them. If it is a question of money, ask yourself whether if you got to do the things you love, would you actually have the ability to make the revenue that would pay for someone else to take on the tasks you hate.
The reason most business owners start to hate their business is because they end up feeling stuck. This doesn’t have to be the case. You got into business so that you could take back control of your time and your effort. Fall back in love with your business by recapturing the freedom and flexibility that comes with owning a business and your business will fall back in love with you!
Summer is always a great time to incorporate a bit of fun into your workplace. Where you can, try to get outside and away from the desks and phones so that you get to enjoy each other as a team and you get to know each other better as people. Now get out there and have some fun!
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