Staying the course in rough times

Businesses operations have times when it makes you want to stop and just say, “I give up”. You are not alone if you have gotten to that point. Many business owners can attest to having those moments, some on a daily basis. It is no different than working for someone and having a rough day. As a developing business these trying times can be overwhelming. But you’re not alone in what you’re going through.

Seasons companies have those moments, daily. The difference between you and them is that the owners no longer have to deal with it because they stayed the course and got the company to a point where they hired people to help designate certain jobs to. This helps to offset the tasks that you are currently dealing with now. Though it may seem tough, you are providing a service and some day employment opportunities for your community if you can outlast the rough times.

The trying times can come in so many ways; not getting enough or any clients for days, seeing activity but no conversion, not making what you think you should or what your marketing outlook predicted, and so much more. It does not take much to seem like things are falling apart because of the pressures already associated with running a business. What you have to remember is that it is rewarding and a great feeling to own a business but it comes with a lot of getting by.

One thing you can do for yourself to help with tough times is to take a moment to reflect on why you started a business in the first place, envision what it is you want to accomplish, envision accomplishing your goals, reflect on what it is that attracted you to the business, and consider the alternative; would it be any better working for someone else as opposed to owning your own? The answers will not be the same for everyone just as owning a business is not for everyone. Some people would prefer structured environments rather than structuring environments.

Taking time to enjoy a good break is an effective strategy for dealing with the stress of business. It may not be an entire week away, which rarely happens. It may just be an hour, even fifteen minutes just to breath before getting back on the horse. Take the time away from business activity and see if it helps to clear your head of what it is you are going through at the moment. Most times it is one breakdown that causes people to walk away from their business because it may seem like a mountain at the time when all it is is simply a momentary breakdown.

Remember, you started your business for a reason, you had a goal, you had a vision and out of that formed a mission (i.e. your business & plans). Use moments of reflective critical thinking to justify what it is you want to do and why. Many businesses that fail could have been saved by simply pulling back. But because of the inability of the owner to correctly assess the reasons for stressful situations the fire in them dwindled until the business had a “closed” sign on the front door. Simply take the stresses and give them a clean sweep. Enjoy your moments.