New Year 2020.5 Continued
Maybe you have spent years faithfully running your business. You know being an employee is not the right fit for you but with the changes in the past 6-months, you now find yourself questioning whether this is the right business for you.
Don’t panic, this is a good question to be asking and this a good time to be asking it.
No one works harder than a business owner, and often for less money than their employees. You assume all the risk, the sleepless nights, the decisions, and the unknowns. So, it is important to be sure you are running a business that you are happy to stay up nights for.
Once upon a time, about 25 years and at least a dozen businesses ago, I said, “I don’t want to own a business.
I have worked for small businesses and they work way too hard.”
As you can see, you are not alone. No one loves their business all the time. Some days suck and sometimes those days are months long. Your passion will dim at times. So, what is it that gets you going again? What lights that spark for you?
To have the energy required to get it all done, you need to have a passion for something in your business. This passion may shift, and move, and waiver at times. If you are going to work hard, take the risks, and go all-in, then love what you do.
It could be a passion for the business itself, the product or service you offer, the clients you serve, or the quality of life you get from the business. The following are some thoughts and questions to help you pinpoint your passion.
Have you ever found yourself up at 4:00 am because you have a great idea and you just cannot wait to dig in? What is it that keeps you up nights because you are so excited about an idea or a project that you just cannot stop working on the challenge in front of you? When you are running a business, you wear multiple hats. What is it that you love about having a business? What part of running a business excites you?
Running a business is not the same as doing what you love to do. Consider the hair stylist who loves their clients but struggles to focus on the business details. The chef who loves creating in the kitchen, not in the office. These businesses are fully dependent on the owner, and that owner is dependent on being able to personally produce their product.
Dig deeper. Why are you running a business instead of working as an independent, or for someone else? Why take all the risk for no greater potential return?
Why this business? Do you have a passion for this business? Does this business provide you with the quality of life you are looking for; if not, does it have the potential to do so with some shifts?
If not this then, what? Leaving a business behind is not a personal failure. When moving on is done for the right reasons it is a smart business decision.
If you are ready to move on to more success, here are some vital questions to ask yourself.
What is your super-power?
What Is your most recent B.F.O. (Blinding Flash of the Obvious)? What did you realize, or see, in a different light recently?
Imagine you have your dream team in place and thousands of dollars to invest in your business; what would you do with it?
Re-Focus on Your Future
Remember 6 months ago when all you wanted was a little bit of time to reevaluate and see if you were on the right path for the next chapter? Well this is that opportunity, do not waste it. Now is the time to look at what is working for you and what is not. Time to stop wandering, get re-focused, do something new, and find an intentional direction for your business and your life. With this self-declared new year (2020.5), you get a fresh start!
You have so many options.
You may choose to continue the same path you have been on, that’s a win, now do it.
You may find you need to make a 3% pivot in a new direction and start implementation, that’s a win, now do it.
You may find you are ready for a full 90% shift, something new and different, that’s a win, now do it.
They key word here is YOU. It is up to you to determine the direction for your business. Take advantage of this opportunity for a fresh idea, a new direction, or a re-commitment to your passion.
Here’s How to Start Today
You don’t have to go it alone. Consider bringing in a professional business coach to help you effectively sort out the next steps. I am prepared to start those next steps with you.
Contact me at www.PerformancePartnersCoaching.com and schedule a complimentary strategy session today. Let’s talk about what’s working and what needs to change as you and your business get a fresh start.
You can learn more about Performance Partners Coaching at