Remember how exciting the first couple of months starting your business was? How it was hard to sleep because your mind was bubbling over with ideas and you couldn’t wait to get up and start implementing them? Do you feel like that now? Or like many businesses that have been operating for a while are you struggling to find motivation? Keep reading because in part one of this two part series, I will be sharing ten tips that have kept me motivated for 18 years in my business AP Marketing Works. I know they will work for you.
Tip 1: Take a holiday
It’s amazing how time apart from your business can help you fall back in love with what you do. I am always surprised to find that I am ‘chomping at the bit’ to get back to work. Business owners need at least one decent holiday a year, so book yours today.
Tip 2: Set business goals
When was the last time you set some goals for your business? Having a clear purpose and direction in both life and work can help generate motivation. Being clear on why you are doing something is vital.
Tip 3: Get some business inspiration
Attending a business workshop, seminar, webinar or a networking event can provide you with new ideas that can generate new excitement towards your business. Attending a networking group on a regular basis can provide the much-needed shot of enthusiasm.
Tip 4: Reconnect with your passion
Review the things that you love about your business and the areas of running a business you don’t like. See if you can do more of the things you love and outsource some of the tasks that bring you down. Let’s be honest it’s really hard to get motivated to do things you really don’t want to do!
Tip 5: Remove negative influences in your life
Are you motivated yourself but find that you are surrounded by negative people or situations that bring you down? Is yes, you definitely need to remove these motivation zappers from your life. Part of being a successful business owner is to surround yourself with other people that have a ‘can-do’ attitude. There is nothing wrong with shedding a few negative friends or activities and choosing to spend more time with friends and family who boost your energy rather than deplete it.
Next month I will share five more tips on keep your passion for your business burning.
Ailsa Page, Small Business Marketing Expert and Director, AP Marketing Works
