Small Business and Morale Problems

Startup Sunday

Working as a freelance writer and entrepreneur, I spend a lot of time alone. At any given moment in the workday, you'll most likely to find me in my home office typing away or talking on the phone with a client or interview subject.

I miss the newsroom. I miss being surrounded by that buzz of activity. Most of all, I miss the lift that I get from physical proximity with other journalists who, like me, are trying to get to the truth about something while also providing an income for their families.

Morale is one of the toughest challenges for small business owners. By definition you are striking out on your own and trying something new. There will be good days and there will be bad days. You need to give yourself permission to have those bad days without deciding you aren't cut out to run a small business. As Sonia Simone wrote recently on her Remarkable Communications blog, it's okay not to be a badass.

For me, there are two parts to keeping up my morale as a small business owner. I surround myself with positive-minded people and every day I do something good for myself and for the world. That's right. Every. Day.

Small Business Morale Coaches

We all have those friends who love to complain about the latest offense or annoyance. Those are not the people to talk to when you're having a bad day.

Instead, create a list of the friends, colleagues and relatives who lift your spirits -- you know, the people who always look on the bright side of life and remember your past triumphs. Think of them as your small business morale coaches, even if they know nothing about entrepreneurship.

You can talk to these people on a regular basis (I have a twice-monthly Skype call with my friend Julie) or simply call on them when you're down in the dumps.

Doing Something Good

The second step in boosting your morale as a small business is to do something good for yourself and the world. I pick one of each every day, but you could stick to a less frequent schedule if you like.

That way, even if nothing in your business goes right -- if your clients are annoying and you fail to close a sale and none of your outstanding invoices are paid -- there will be one good thing you can hold onto.

Here are some ideas of something good for yourself:

• A vigorous workout
• Meeting a friend for lunch
• Cleaning your closet
• One-on-one time with your child
• Getting a hair cut

And doing good for the world can be as simple as:

• Giving blood
• Stopping by an elderly neighbor's house to chat
• Giving an acquaintance (or stranger) a heartfelt compliment
• Mentoring someone less experienced in your field
• Picking up trash

You get the idea. Sometimes a break from the slog of work -- in a positive direction -- is just what you need to boost your morale and refocus your small business goals.

What's on your list?

Comments

[Peggy]

I like the idea of doing at least one good thing each day, no matter how work goes! It might help to break down big tasks into smaller ones, too. The pile of clutter in my living room has been mocking me for months, but if I throw away five pieces of trash from it a day, I hope eventually to conquer the pile.

[the entrepreneurial mother™]

I see your list, and raise it with these:
* pick up a travel brochure and dream
* go to the movies and get lost for 2 hours
* book yourself in to learn something new (as I did on the weekend)
* find like-minded people to hang around with, or at least to go and have a coffee/wine
* create your own thriving hub
As we know, there is always a trade off for whatever arrangements we make. After all, there's no such thing as a free lunch!

the entrepreneurial mother™