What Holds You Back?

We all know people for whom things just seem to work out. They walk through life with every door opening and everyone loves them. Unfortunately, most of us have traits and quirks that need to be addressed in order for us to move forward with life and experience the kind of success both personally and professionally that we really want.

Maybe, like many people you are pushy and brash, perhaps you are overconfident and appear to most people like you are bulletproof. All of which can be very annoying and can actually turn others away from you. Equally problematic are those people who let others run over them, or who pretend problems don’t exist and just ignore them hoping they will go away. Still others are pushovers, letting the whole world run over them and then there are those that are just too nurturing or not nurturing enough.

Most of us don’t view these traits as things that would actually hold us back from success. We often don’t see those really “nice” people as being held back with niceness. But sometimes being a pushover, doesn’t let people take you seriously.

So what do you do if you think there is a consistent trait in your life that may be holding you back. The first step is admitting that this is an issue in your life. Talk to friends you trust and let them verify that you may be having a problem. Once you have decide you have a problem think about ways to over come the issue. For instance, if you are pushy and people feel like they have to do what you want all the time, start by putting yourself in their position and begin to let others speak more and make decisions. Or if you are someone who is too nice, start by making some decisions on things the way you want them done. Stop letting others push you around.

We all have things that hold us back, some more than others, but to be truly successful maybe it is time to examine those things that we can change and make the changes. So what’s holding you back, maybe its time to fix it!

Making Valuable Connections

Everyone is looking for some quick way to get in front of people and lots of them.  Whatever your business is you likely need to meet  a lot of people to make it work.  You then have to convince them that you are the best person to supply their need for your product.  The more people, the more money that you make.  So the question is “how to I meet lots of people”?  The answer, get out there!

There are no short cuts to exposure.  If you have lots of money, which most small business owners are short of, you can run some ads on TV or Radio and create some exposure.  You can also run ads in your local newspaper, but if money is at a premium there are no substitutes for making contacts and connections.

So how do small business owners create a loyal client base.  It is quite simple, you need to put yourself in front of them.  For all those folks who want to start a business and wait for customers to come to them, you need to understand that unless they meet you they won’t know you exist.  So where do you meet them.

Networking groups, community events, church events, associations, volunteer situations, where ever there are other people, you need to be there and you need to let people know what your business is all about.  Don’t just get out there, start speaking and spreading your expertise around.

Making connections is about creating a reputation of excellence and adding value to everyone that you encounter.  It is not simply going from group to group giving your 30 second commercial, but rather it is about meeting people and trying to add value to their lives first.

So if you are looking for a quick way to really get noticed, without spending a lot of money, try being the resident expert at every group you visit.  Getting noticed takes time and energy, but once people start noticing you, your business will start blooming as well.

Motivation Secrets

We all have times in our business or work life when we don’t feel motivated to keep going. In fact staying motivated is one of the top reasons people hire coaches.  My clients tell me all the time that they have trouble staying motivated.

Let me tell you a little secret about motivation.  It is a feeling.  If we don’t feel motivated we don’t do anything.  But like all feelings it is often stirred by action.  We make a phone call and suddenly we feel like making another.  We have a good sales lead and suddenly we are off to a good start.

An even bigger secret about motivation is that you can control your own motivation levels.  You see, since motivation is a feeling and feelings are usually follow actions, you can take some actions to stay motived.  Motivation is 10% inspiration (friend, coach, book, CD) and 90% action.  If you discipline yourself to take that first action the motivation to do more just comes.

Creating disciplines in our schedule that keep you moving forward will also keep you motivated.  Always have a full schedule of the activities you need to do to get business.  I need to meet lots of people, so between existing clients I schedule lunches, coffees, social events, speaking engagement and so on, just so the the discipline of moving forward keeps me motivated.

Are you sitting on the couch right now? Take the first step by doing the activity you need to do to propel your business forward.  Staying motivated is not a passive activity, it is a discipline and you can control how disciplined you stay.

Roots and Branches

Recently, I read a short article about the value and role of the roots and branches to the many beautiful trees we see each day.  I don’t know about you, but I love trees.  They provide shade in our hot Texas summers and add to the beauty around my house.  We live in a neighborhood full of trails with beautiful trees planted along the roads and walk ways.  It is refreshing to go for a long walk in the evening and just enjoy them as they wave in the wind.

But trees are also a metaphor of life and business.  We all enjoy the lovely branches with leaves waving in the gentle breezes of a summer day.  We give little thought to the root systems that are involved in keeping that 15-foot tree upright in the strongest of storms.  If we think of our businesses in those terms, we have to ask ourselves how deep are the roots that keep that business growing and thriving.

Just like a tree, our businesses have a public persona (leaves and branches) and the world sees the carefully constructed image or brand we have developed for ourselves and our business.  But how strong a wind your business can withstand depends a lot on the roots your have developed as your business has grown.

Has your business built a strong root system to withstand the next economic hurricane that blows through?  Do you have good products and services that people can afford?  Do you have a strong business plan that does not leave you over extended?  Do your customers like you enough to refer you?  Have you created those business relationships and alliances that can keep you going when times get tough?  Have you remained true to your purpose?

Laying a sound foundation (roots) for your business is one of the most important steps to ensure the longevity and growth of your business.  Many businesses just “take off” and because this is true they don’t take root to withstand economic storms.  Take time to establish solid systems and sound business practices to ensure your long-term existence as a business-owner.

Use Your Down Time Wisely!

Well the long-lazy days of summer are more or less over, along with the end of summer slump many of us feel in our businesses.  I have always found that a couple of weeks before school starts that my business often slumps. Parents suddenly get engrossed in getting those last minute appointments done with their children and getting supplies and clothes ready to get the children on the right track for the fall.  This can make for a very slow time for some businesses.

Instead of panicking, start gearing up for the fall.  Plan some seminars, parties, networking events or anything that will generate interest in a new season.  If possible try to concentrate on a different segment of your market.  You may find that when Moms and Dads have little time to listen to you, maybe you can concentrate on a different group, like seniors or empty-nesters.  Whatever your product or service is, know all your market segments and when the best time is to market to them.

Another trick is to think about the seasons that lie just beyond the start of school.  Think Christmas specials and other opportunities to interest people in your business once the children are safely in school and parents begin to turn to the next big thing in their lives.

Not every business experiences this particular down time, but all business goes through slumps from time-to-time.  The key is not to panic and worry, but to plan for when the slump turns around and be ready to hit the ground running.  Take note of what kinds of activities that create business during down times and be ready to re-create them when necessary.

We all have down times, what makes successful people stand out and remain on top is they are prepared to handle those times and they don’t panic unnecessarily.  As with everything, the old adage, “use your time wisely” is appropriate to this discussion.  Being proactive, instead of reactive, is key to staying calm and positive while others panic.