A good friend of mine asked me recently how my business was going and when I replied that I am extremely busy, she congratulated me, saying how great to be earning lots of money. A fellow self-employed business colleague asked me the same question, got the same response and we both commiserated with each other, consoling ourselves that, in the current economic climate, we are having to work harder, smarter and ‘think outside the box’, in order to try to make a living; having opted out of the world of receiving a regular pay-packet.
So this month I make no apologies for concentrating on those of you who own your own business and at times, feel quite despondent.
I’m often asked how I manage to stay so positive and the answer is quite simple; I don’t! I also have a coaching mentor who I can turn to for inspiration and support and, when the mood takes a downwards spiral, I look to others to inspire me in the form of friends, colleagues, books, CDs, newsletters and articles.
The following steps have been adapted from an excellent ebook written by James Martin. (An American life coach, not the chef!). It is written with coaches in mind, but I feel it can be applied to anyone working for themselves and I’m hoping you will find some degree of encouragement to inspire you when those moments of doubt occur.
For those of you who are not self-employed, these steps are equally as relevant to you when considering how to plan for your future, either personally or in the workplace.
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Thoughts for the month:
It takes hard work, resourcefulness, perseverance and courage to succeed.
Tommy Hilfiger
Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.
Publilus Syrus
If you lie with dogs, you will get fleas.
Anthony Robbins
Like to contribute ...?
I am interested in all feedback and comments to this newsletter.
I also welcome any offers of collaboration or inclusion of promotional articles.
To discuss any contribution please contact me through the channels below.
My contact details
Pavlenka Small
Small Steps to Success
Tel : 01206 299073
pav@smallsteps2success.co.uk
 Email contact form here
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Small Steps to .....
Taking your business to the next level
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Step One : Operate by setting goals for a 3 month period
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It is critical we know our long term aims and purpose as this will keep us and our clients motivated through the highs and lows.
Plan ahead and ask yourself what steps you can take today, tomorrow, one week from now, one month from now and beyond, that will ensure you steadily progress towards your ultimate vision.
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Step Two : Treat your customers/clients like royalty
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The saying that ‘the customer is king’ is even more relevant during an economic decline, when small businesses are trying to secure and maintain business and beat their competitor’s to it!
Treat your customers like royalty—deliver more than they expect and be consistent, efficient and professional at all times. Why not offer some kind of reward for your valued customers as an incentive to keep using your company?
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Step Three : Play to your strengths
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Are you losing energy and effectiveness in your business by working on aspects that are not your forte or passion?
You have three resources:- time, money and energy-in varying amounts and at different times. Decide how you best want to use your resources- doing what you enjoy and that you are good at- and pay others to do what THEY love and are strongest at.
For example, do you want to know HOW to design a website or simply just HAVE a website? Do you want to know HOW to design the graphics or just HAVE the graphics?!
Make a list of what you feel you excel at and then find a way you can play to these strengths.
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Step Four : Develop strategies for when you become overwhelmed
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We all know that ‘swimming in treacle’ feeling which sometimes seems to hit us for no apparent reason. The stresses, demands and pressures of working for one’s self all take their toll on our ability to feel we are ‘getting there’, whatever this might mean to the individual.
So be kind to yourself, praise yourself for what you have achieved and don’t fall into the ‘I should’ frame of mind. This is when that little inner voice says;-’I should be contacting those people/ writing that article/ sending out that job quote etc but your heart isn’t in it. Do something else instead and re-visit the task when you are feeling more able to do it.
(Of course this doesn’t mean you allow yourself to procrastinate and avoid it altogether!)
Find support in the form of a friend, mentor or (dare I suggest!) coach and develop your own support team with people who will encourage and empower you to move forwards.
James Martin says: ‘who you spend time with is who you become…..we are a direct reflection of the people we spend time with’ and this certainly holds some truth..
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Step 5 : Step into your own personal power
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Ask yourself what is going on that you choose to eliminate from you experience. I dislike cold-calling companies and prefer to discuss face-to-face how prospective clients will benefit by investing in my services. So I attend networking events and meet people in person.
Decide on your action steps to go forward and commit to staying the course.
Make a point of finding enjoyment and fulfilment along your journey as opposed to concentrating on the destination!
Ask yourself: ’What do I know that I’m not applying or doing?’
I use a lot of sayings and quotes in my role as alife coach so here’s one for you:-
Plan it, schedule it and make it happen!
And finally……
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Step 6 - Persist to the end !
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If you can identify with any of the above ...
Why not invest the cost of a phone call so you can discover more during a complimentary coaching session.
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Until next month,
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Small Steps to Success October 2009 Newsletter.
Pavlenka Small. Steps to Success. 2 Elm Cottages. Mission Lane. East Bergholt. Colchester. Essex. CO7 6XH.
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