Juli Oliver got into the business of professional organizing because it matched her high-energy personality. Since she launched her company, OrganizeNY, in 2005, she's had a steady stream of long-term clients. But by the end of 2009, in the depths of the recession, business was dropping fast and so was her morale. By January 2010, business had slowed 80% from the previous year.
"I never slow down or stop," says Oliver, 34. "Not having anything to keep me going was a very strange feeling. It was awful. [But] I knew I couldn't sit inside my home every day and mope around."
For Oliver, finding ways to socialize with other small-business owners was invaluable in changing her attitude, which helped her make a business comeback. Today, her revenues are back to pre-recession levels.
Here are five steps to get in the right mindset for a business turnaround.
Step 1: Be social, even if you don't feel like it.
Shutting yourself away from everyone is a common mistake too many business owners make when times are tough, says Debra Condren, a New York-based business psychologist and author of Ambition is Not a Dirty Word (Broadway, 2008). "Sometimes you can be your own worst underminer," Condren says. "You start feeling like a fraud."
When Oliver's business slowed down, she started going to more networking events for women and small business owners, while raising awareness of her business through social networks and daily-deals sites.
"[Business] started to pick up because I kept fighting the recession and I kept promoting myself and getting my name out there," she says.
If you don't have one already, create an advisory board you can consult about business challenges, says Condren.
"Talk to people who have been there and done it and fallen through the same hole," says Mark Parkinson, a Somerset U.K.-based business psychologist and author of Using Psychology in Business (Gower, 1999).
Step 2: Avoid naysayers and watch what you feed your mind.
It's easy to start and end your day watching the news, but beware of the negative messages you're getting from headlines, says Condren. She suggests limiting your news intake to once a day. "You want to stay current and skim the headlines, but stay away from the rest of it," she says.
Read something inspiring instead, ideally just before bed and right when you wake up. "The last thing you put into your mind before you go to sleep is what you are going to focus on," says Condren. She recommends books like the 1937 classic Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield (Warner Books, 2003) and The Luck Factor by Richard Wiseman (Miramax, 2004).
Step 3: Get up and move.
Exercise is one of the first things people skip when under pressure. But when we are feeling stressed our body produces noradrenaline, a stress hormone that can affect our attention and quality of thinking. Exercise spurs endorphins to counter the buildup of stress hormones in the body. "Literally, your brain does work better if you exercise. The quality of your thinking is improved," says Parkinson.
Even if you can't make it to the gym, you can still find small ways to incorporate exercise into your day. Condren suggests taking a few flights of stairs instead of the elevator or simply walking around the block to get your blood pumping and help clear your mind.
Step 4: Keep learning and stay on top of industry trends.
While solving day-to-day problems can be all-consuming, taking the time to learn about new aspects of business is an important way to stay focused on solutions -- not just your problems. Condren suggests starting simple, like reading an article related to an area of business that's been giving you trouble, taking a half-day workshop or attending an industry conference.
If you don't have the time or money to spend at a conference, consider online educational videos. Not only can they get you thinking about your business in new ways, they can help you stay current in your industry. "Instead of watching the news while you're cooking your dinner that evening, listen to a home-study course," Condren says. "You have to stay current, or you will feel left behind."
Step 5: Be your own cheerleader.
Studies have shown we remember uncompleted tasks better than we remember what we've accomplished. But even if you're faced with a never-ending to-do list, Condren says it's important to remember everything you've already accomplished. For example, if a client sends over a complimentary note or you close a major deal, print out the email or document and put it in a file you can turn to when you're feeling discouraged. Also, update your resume, even if no one else sees it, as a reminder of your achievements.
It's tapping back into your passion for the business that will ultimately help turn it around, says Parkinson. "You've got to remember all that positive stuff that got you fired up in the first place," he says. "It's like falling in love. You've got to remember what it's like and then you might want to do it again."
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Comments:
Thank you for those five great tips! I am a great believer in Napolean Hill and I will get the other expert advice recommended. Re Networking: I belong to a great networking group, would like to join another. I am starting to 'network' where my client base is socializing and/or working. I was networking with just cheerleaders and those who were in the same boat literally and although that feels good and is motivational it doesn't increase my client base or 'get my name out there'. Regarding excercising, I walk most mornings and I get great ideas while pounding the pavement! Staying on top of industry trends is so vital; It keeps us in the expert realm! Love the 'love you file' and updating your resume. It would be a good idea to keep those updates posted on all your profiles as well! Other great reads are Jim Collins and Jeffrey Gitomer!
Thank you Jane. Re Be your own Cheerleader with the suggestion of making a file of "good news". I stopped everything I was doing, printed off copies of everything that was positive from newspaper articles to recommendations from customers and put them in a file which has a BIG HAPPY FACE on the front of it. I feel much better thanks. Tom www.numenko.com
very niche and motivative article
Thanx for sharing such a motivating blog Jane and we're expecting more of you in the future!
great article
Very nice article, I have just launched my own business, after waiting (or maybe giving into excuses) for years. Today, I found that my local bank whose motto is Small Business is having nothing to do with startups. Arrggg. I could be mad, or I can just focus, and be even more determined. Eventually, I will get the funding and I love this article. Thanks. Zaria & Bella's llc
Your mindset is more important than anyone really imagines when it comes to business. In my work as a spiritual healer, I help business owners and sales people all the time to clear the cause of their unconscious negative thoughts and beliefs that are sabotaging their results. Once we clear the cause, there is more flow, clients, income, and ease.
Avinash - These 5 steps are enough for you to stay ahead , irrespective of any situation you are faced with.. great article
Excellent articles. In this economy you should create a mailing list of comebacks that we can subscribe to each day. Maria http://www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com
I love the blogger but they are few now WHY I thank you Firozali A.Mulla DBA
These are great things for small businesses to keep in mind. It can be tough out there especially when business is slow - entrepreneurs need to find ways to keep the energy up so they inspire not only themselves but also the people around them (staff, customers etc). http://twodogsandastartup.wordpress.com/
Excellent article! I shared your knowledge on my website http://WomanInLeadership.com. I added links to your information. Thank you!
While this article addresses a few interesting points, I believe its all about image. If I walked around with a look of despair, it would immediately radiate. I present the image that "life is good and so is business", although times may be tough. It has helped me maintain a steady clientele base, sometimes up and sometimes down, but never totally 'out'. Good luck!
That was good stuff!!!
Great article, if most small business owners put these 5 tips in place the local economy would gain a large boost.
Ok...I live in Savannah,Ga..work at a golf course,off early,have time to be on-line,well I am...hava web-site,with zamzuu,just have not worked it....do you just tell anyone,about it..hope they go to your web-site....? Billy did see were you put the name of web-sit on the back of my truck...?
I wish I could have found & read this great piece of advice, among others, a few years earlier, it would have helped to save my business, restart it successfully, and definitely prevent a great deal of hardship.
WOW, what a good article. I never thought of it this way, but just staying emotionally steady during the hard times is very challenging, and certainly will effect our businesses in a negative way. These 5 suggestions are excellent, but I would add another to number 2. Stay away from negative people, as well as the media.
I'm glad I read this. It helps to get out of the rut of same 'ole way of marketing & meeting people. Thanks!
Great advice...amazing what a little PMA can do!
Yes I also believe in the suggestion of the subconsious, it is crucial what you are putting. If you put good stuff than good stuff comes out.
Mighty motivating and helpful words!!!
Great advice for any Small Business Owner. I especially like Step #1 there are so many ways to be social both online and offline. It doesn't cost the business owner too much and with the right Social Media Strategy it can be quite effective
Great article, I am huge believer in #s 3 and 4, I [sometimes have to force to] get up every morning a couple hours before the sun does just to knock out a quick workout and then do some much needed reading. I find that paying attention to (Blogs like this) articles I can really get some great industry and [inspirational] info.
Important stuff there - thanks for writing I'd add - don't take it all too seriously! Life is about more than business, and if your business leaves no room for the rest of your life to take place, then adjust priorities immediately. Just remember, in the end, it's all going to be ok, the sun always rises, the tide always comes in again.When you keep a good perspective, you have much better control over your business troubles, and can see solutions that were previously unclear.