Running a small business can be like riding the world’s craziest
roller coaster. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, big climbs and long
drops. But there are three simple lessons that we encourage you to implement
each day to make the ride much easier.
Celebrate the small
victories.
No matter what you are going through today, there will be
victories. Maybe you gained a new customer or a great testimonial from a happy
client. Maybe you reached a milestone anniversary or maybe you just increased
your followers on Twitter. Whatever the victories, be sure to celebrate them
every day. Celebrating the small victories helps you concentrate on the
positive things happening in your business and not dwell on the challenges. If
you, as the business leader, focus on the positives, that will resonate
throughout your team and to your customers. At the end of each day, make a list
of the victories and celebrate them.
Learn from the
missteps.
There will be
missteps. You will make mistakes in
business. Thomas Edison famously said “I
have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
As long as you learn from the missteps you are moving
forward. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. If they become missteps,
you are learning and progressing. Don’t dwell on the misstep, dwell on what you
learned from it and move on.
Sing in the mud.
Along with the wild roller coaster ride there will be times
that you feel overwhelmed. There may be staffing issues or cash flow challenges
or clients who may not be the best fit for your company. You may seemingly have
more work to do than hours in the day.
Admiral William H. McRaven, United States Navy Admiral
and Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command delivered the 2014
commencement address at the University of Texas at Austin. His speech included ten
important life lessons he learned in SEAL training. They are all applicable, but
one stood out as very appropriate for entrepreneurs who are feeling overwhelmed
“If you want to change the world, start
singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.” Please click here to watch that section of
his address, or click here to watch
the full speech – you will be glad you did.
Being an entrepreneur can be overwhelming and can sometimes
feel like it is taking you on a crazier ride than you expected. These three
simple steps will help you stay focused on the positives, keep learning the
ways that won’t work until you find those that do, and keep singing even when
you feel overcome.
What important life lessons can you share with your fellow
entrepreneurs?
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Kerry Brooks is Co-owner of ProfessionalEdge Associates, offering a wide range of marketing, event planning and other support services to businesses that want to increase their success, but aren't in a position to add to their staff. Learn more at www.gettheprofessionaledge.com.
Kerry Brooks is Co-owner of ProfessionalEdge Associates, offering a wide range of marketing, event planning and other support services to businesses that want to increase their success, but aren't in a position to add to their staff. Learn more at www.gettheprofessionaledge.com.
