Strategies put ownership challenges in perspective

If you are a small-business owner, the good news is that you know your vocational purpose in life. You have a mission and a passion to achieve your objectives. Take comfort in the fact that you can effectively handle your business, or you wouldn’t be at this place in your life at this point in time. No one else can do what you do the way you do it. It’s important to remember, however, that your business also should be a source of enjoyment, and to make sure that’s the case, consider implementing strategies to help maintain balance.

The weight of responsibility

It can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders when you have to manage employee problems, maintain existing accounts and secure new business. The buck stops with you. You are responsible for the amount of money available for your employees’ salaries, directly impacting their qualities of life.

When sales are high, you find yourself stressed trying to make it all happen. When sales are low, you are stressed trying to acquire additional sales. Customer problems with your goods or services are inevitable, but that fact does not make conflict management any easier.

Stop and create a grateful inventory during those periods when the challenges outweigh the satisfaction of being a small-business owner. It is so easy to take for granted your company, clients, employees, revenue, goods and services. Watch for, focus on and enjoy the small moments each day when you feel happiness. You cannot become discouraged. You have to stay strong. If you give up, who will help your customers in the quality manner to which they are accustomed?

Avoid system overload

At times, you simply won’t care much about anything related to your business. This happens when you are just too tired. Stay focused on why you started your business in the first place. Remember your initial desires and goals.

Keep your passion in the forefront of your thoughts. If your mind is tired, find a way to give it a break. Even if you leave your business for a few minutes each day and do something you enjoy, you will recharge your batteries.

At the end of each day, spend 15 minutes in review. What aspects of your day were hard on you? Was it necessary for those situations to happen? Could you have handled any of the circumstances better? You will clearly see what you did right, as well as the areas of opportunity ahead of you.

If you find that you worried about what might have happened or what may happen, let it go. Only worry about what you actually see, and then take immediate and appropriate action.

Worry is an emotion that signals a need for you to do something. Write down everything from your daily review in order to release the stress from your mind and so that you can watch your personal and professional growth unfold over time.

Running the show

Several behaviors are essential for small-business owners.

• Speak up when there’s a problem. Whether it’s a personnel issue or a problem with a potential client, you are free to say whatever needs to be said. But don’t lie – tell the truth. When you lie to someone else, you are lying to yourself. Remember that strong, respectful relationships are the heart and soul of a successful organization.

• Choose your own path. Don’t tolerate anyone who tries to run your life. Live assertively.

Do not choose behaviors based upon what you believe others think you should be doing. Do not perform to get the approval of others. Act according to your own belief system.

• Show no weakness. Fear no one and nothing, but if you do, face your fears. Check out each negative thought for the facts, so you can be sure your behaviors remain based upon truth and not feelings. Appreciate and don’t abuse your health, which is inevitable if you choose to work long hours and be exposed to continuous stress.

So many benefits come with small-business ownership. Don’t let the bumps in the road spoil your happiness and the times of exhilaration as an entrepreneur. And definitely don’t allow the bumps to grow into mountains, leading you to close or sell your company. Hang tough and reap your well-deserved and rightfully earned rewards.

Lynne Haggerman, M.S., is president/owner of Haggerman & Associates, a firm specializing in management training, retained search, outplacement and human resource consulting. She can be reached at lynne@haggermanandassociates.com.