<p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It was early January and I felt pretty unhappy and unmotivated with my business. I had managed to survive the northwest snowpocalypse, but what I hadn't managed to do was get more business. I had offered free teleclasses in December as well as some public speaking, but even with all that effort there were no new clients. I could blame it on the holidays or the weather, but regardless of who or what I blamed the lack of business on, it didn't change the reality that there was no new business. I was feeling really unmotivated and questioned whether it was really a good to be trying to make my self-employments into a reality. I was ready to give up.</p> <p>If you've ever felt something similar, then you already know that feeling a slump like this can be much deadlier to a business than any snowstorm or holiday season. Lack of motivation can lead to apathy, which can lead to depression, which then leads to the dark side of business, namely losing interest in sustaining a consistent effort to grow your business. Fortunately, I recognized what I was feeling and got myself re-motivated by re-doing my website, signing up for a seminar on how to close sales (Something I've been weak at), and got myself out the door and to networking events. Doing all of that helped motivate me again because it forced me to decide if I was going to continue sulking or actually get out there and get some business.</p> <p>It is easy, with the depressing economic news, to consider just giving up. But it's important you don't. Staying consistent with your business, will in the short and long run benefit you because it will help you get through a rough economic time and also provide the foundation for a thriving business during better economic times. So what can you do to keep yourself motivated and focused on building your business during an economic downturn?</p> <p>Going out to networking events is important because that's where you meet potential clients and also where you learn what other people need or are looking for. And even if you can't meet that need, maybe you know someone who can. Keep a list of the people you meet and their needs, so that if you meet someone you can connect those people together. This will not only keep you focused on networking and meeting people, but will generate good will toward you, which will pay off down the line, because people do remember when you look out for them and will start thinking of you as well. It's also a great way to demonstrate your skills and professionalism, because it shows people that you are listening and that you know how to connect them to what they need.</p> <p>Another reason to network is that it does get you out of your place and into environment where you are interacting with other people. It's easy in trying times such as these to get focused on what you don't have or what you think you need to worry about. Getting out and getting involved in your community won't necessarily make everything better, but it does keep you active and it can lead to some good connections, which can always turn into business.</p> <p>In other words, stop paying attention to the media. Go on a media fast. When we read about people losing jobs, or related economic issues, it can be easy to get caught up in the media hype. What you read or look at is something you are feeding attention to. While you certainly should maintain some awareness of the economy in general, it's also important to take a break and focus on what you can do for your business. You likely don't have the resources to solve all the economic problems, but you do have your business and also you have yourself. Work with your resources to make your life and others better. It's a small action, but if enough people do it we can make changes happen, and that does matter.</p> <p>Exchange services with people. I recently met a sales coach who offered to teach me some skills in return for some of my skills. We're both benefitting from this partnership. She feels more confident about her message and I feel more confident about my sales process. Exchanging services can be useful at any time, but it is especially useful in the current economic climate, because if you aren't getting business, but can identify the weak link in your process and get some help, you may find that business starts coming in. Additionally exchanging services gives you a chance to demonstrate what you do and get some feedback as well as a good recommendation.</p> <p>Taking classes can also be useful for helping you learn a new skill or process that can help you get more business. Getting certified in a particular skill can attract the interest of people that want that skill. Taking a class also keeps you focused on evolving your skills. Plus it can be useful to keep your mind off of the economy. Taking a class also introduces you to other people as well, which lets you grow your network.</p> <p>Stay focused on how you want your business to grow. Make goals and develop plans to make those goals happen. Take action to follow those plans. Staying focused keeps you on track and your attention and intention on what is most important: Making your business into a success for yourself and the clients you serve. If you make a consistent effort and stay focused, your business will succeed, even in an economic client such as this.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> 2009-02-12T05:07:52Z -11.5233 581 3158 true 1 14192 how-to-keep-yourself-motivated-in-this-economic-slump 2 2009-02-14T21:44:30Z 2009-02-14T21:44:30Z

Feeling unmotivated about your business. This article focuses on finding ways to keep yourself motivated toward success.

0 2009-02-24T09:49:18Z