If you're not going to work every day and feeling the love, it's time to find out why.
Buyers aren't buying, banks aren't lending, clients aren't paying their bills, companies are laying off in record numbers. Now for the bad news--you aren't loving getting up and going to work in the morning.
Every relationship has its highs and lows, so how do you bring the "romance" back into your entrepreneurial life?
What are the qualities of a good romance?
Commitment. One of the most important assessments to make in this financial climate is whether your business warrants additional equity and effort. If your clear-eyed, benchmark assessment indicates you have what it takes to make it through the next two or three years, it's time you made a commitment to take your "relationship" to the next level.
When my former business partner and I reviewed our benchmarks, cash position, place in the marketplace and the skill sets we needed to keep our business going long enough for it to take hold, we had to face the fact that too many of the answers were "no." The company was our direct-sales company, inside-n-out, "clothes you can't wait to put on." Thus began the painful and complex process of closing our business. I hope your answers are "yes."
Once you've made the positive commitment to keep the romance going, all the positive qualities can kick in.
Being present. Being present means being attentive to the needs of your business. Are you giving it the time it deserves? When you talk about it, are you using positive terms? Are you keeping up the standards of appearance? Does every e-mail, newsletter, letter, package and phone call reflect your pride in your business?
Communication. Talk to your customers. Do you know what they need and want? Truly listening creates a profound connection, which is so important when we are all in a state of anxiety. Remember that you are doing business with other human beings who probably are going through the same struggles you are. Their responses will often make your day. If your goal is to lighten the moment for each person you interact with--whether employee or vendor or customer--you'll find that the positive feelings come back to you. Problems or concerns will be solved much more quickly if you "walk in their shoes" and find your commonalities. A kind word or warm thank you will be a gift to both of you.
Appreciation. We all love to feel special. As Deborah Norville points out in her book, Thank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You, scientists are doing studies to find out what we After 55s have known forever: A heartfelt, sincere thank you is always appreciated. Is there some little thing you can do to let your employee or customer know how much you appreciate his or her efforts? A three-line, handwritten thank-you note costs less than a dollar, including the stamp, but it makes an indelible impression.
Spice. There's always room for the delight of the "positive unexpected." What unexpected, fun idea can you bring to your business this week? If you send out a newsletter, how about starting a Craziest Thing That Happened Last Week contest. Sharing laughter is a great way to bring back the spice.
