I realise I have been putting off this second blog post with a multitude of excuses. I started down a few paths, but didn't finish the posts. I kept putting it off, waiting for a "good moment" to create the most perfect, defining article worthy of being second (after my introductory first).
Then I picked up Steven Pressfield's book, The War of Art- and it hit me. He says:
"There's a secret that real writers know that wannabe writers don't, and the secret is this: It's not the writing part that's hard. What's hard is sitting down to write. What keeps us from sitting down is Resistance."
Now that you have set up your business - you have written your business and marketing plans, and you have printed your business cards - are you doing what needs to be done? Or do you find yourself making excuses; checking and rechecking email, seeing who's on Facebook, doing some more "Planning"? Are you really working on getting to your potential customers?
Many one-person startups and micro-businesses get stuck at this stage. The Fear of Reality sets in; we actually now are "in the market" and have to do the work of "marketing" - yikes!
Here are a few tips that may help:
Face the Resistance - be aware of the Resistance that you may feel; recognise that it is normal for almost everyone. It is the Adversary that is going to strengthen you - provided you don't give in to it.
Take Actions - you've presumably done the goal-setting; forget the goals for a moment (or better, for several months), and list achievable actions you can do daily. It is the small daily actions you take that are going to mould the shape of your business.
Be People Oriented - remember that a business is really a conversation with society; just as trading in village markets used to be. Start that conversation with your friends, colleagues, anyone you meet. Share the passion and the story of your business; your customers will be intrigued and attracted to it.
There we go. I sat down with an intention to write. I wasn't sure how the words would come out. But I was determined to do My Work; that is, to encourage you and hopefully inspire you to become more effective in your business. Now it is your turn to do the same.
Please share your feelings in the comments box below!
Photo: koka_sexton/Flickr Creative Commons
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The takeaway comment here was the bit that read "remember that a business is really a conversation with society; just as trading in village markets used to be." I had never thought of it in those terms before. Keep up the good work - I look forward to reading blog #3 and will hunt out blog #1
Thanks Lorraine! Next blog post coming up!