As a business owner, you need to invest in training and resources that allow you to have not just a service or product, but also the marketing and support and know-how around that to make money with what you do.
However, there are other important ways to invest in your work that are generally overlooked:
- relaxing
- physical movement
- creative practices
Why are these important?
As a sensitive business owner, it’s important to remember that the core of your business and your work is YOU. If you are not functioning, not happy, not feeling good, then this will become obvious in your work.
It’s different if you work for a boss, at a big company. You can come to work tired and crabby, hang out at the water cooler, secretly watch funny cat videos throughout the day and then go home. You can’t do it every day, but even in a pretty intense job, you can get away with those “whatever” days.
In your own business though, things are very different. Everything you do, all of your work, is an extension of your energy. Whatever you send out into the world that day (by how you are being) has an impact. This may sound really woo-woo, but you can compare it to dating. Typing some documents for the boss while you’re feeling crappy? Whatever. You’ll get it done. Going on a date while you’re feeling crappy… uhm, problem. Especially if it’s a first date!
In your own business, you’ll have a lot of first dates: new clients, new exposure, and delivering important services to people who specifically chose you.
So besides business training, you need you-training. You can’t afford to stuff down your feelings or get stuck in a rut. Being happy, healthy and vibrant is part of what will make you attractive to potential clients. After all, why would they buy “you” if “you” is all “blegh, whatever”?
So what do you do on those blegh, whatever days?
Maybe watching cat videos is just the thing. Chances are though that you’ll need to dig a little deeper. If you’re overworked then take some time off a.s.a.p. Don’t wait until you can take a 3 week vacation. See if you can squeeze in an hour of R&R stat. Is there something you can put on hold so you can relax a bit and get some of your mojo back? If so, do it.
Re-evaluate your life-work balance. Are you having enough fun? Do you have enough things scheduled throughout your week that will give you a pick-me-up? (Time with friends, work-outs, dancing in the kitchen, spending time outdoors, creative pursuits etc…)
Don’t let yourself get stuck in a rut. Keep your energy moving. If a sweaty work-out doesn’t fix it, then you may need to sit with some deep icky feelings that are surfacing. It happens. Don’t let them pile up (you’ll just end up dragging them with you wherever you go).
What are the things that nourish you? Are you doing enough of them to keep you happy and healthy?
If you’re feeling yucky and working hard to get new clients…you’re probably better off doing something fun (non-work related). I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been out and about having fun and then when I got back, bam – a new client inquiry, some new sales etc. (Yay!)
Of course, there needs to be a way for people to find you. If you’re just starting out, you’ll need to put in more work to help people connect with you. However, if you’ve done the work to reach out and let people know about your services, but you’re not hearing back and you’re feeling stressed… go have fun. Take time to shift your vibe. You might be surprised at what you find when you check your email a few hours later.
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