Business Got You Down? Tips for a Morale Boost

 

If sales are discouraging and you feel like you’re on a treadmill going nowhere, it’s probably because you’re worried about the future. Trust me, you’re not alone. The trick is taking baby steps and not worrying about the future results. Instead, focus on the positive. Business success and strong sales stem are made possible by enthusiasm, and an attitude of service and gratitude.

This means not focusing on the proverbial “results department.” That department door might not open. So only focus on footwork and simply knocking on the “results department door.” Imagine knocking on one door and then moving quickly to knock on another.

Don’t wait for the doors to open because that’s what leads to despair. It’s true that a watched pot never boils.

Moreover, this is a good time to measure your progress – not your obstacles. Consider the acronym, GO, which stands for gratitude and options.

By way of explanation, sometimes discouragement is so bad a businessperson obsesses about what’s not working instead of relishing what is working. By focusing solely on the problems they become bigger. When that happens, it’s an endless cycle of despair. The person feels trapped.

Conversely, if a businessperson focuses on the positive, such an attitude of gratitude opens the person up to a childlike wonder and creates hope. Hope leads to options. So, with hope, anything is possible. Know that for each problem – I prefer the word challenge – there are 10 possible solutions for options.

But how can you get gratitude and options?

First create hope for growth. Examine the progress you have made and start a gratitude list. Pat yourself on the back for any footwork. Start by asking yourself, “Where, how, when, why and with whom have I made progress?” Write or type your answers. No progress is too small to list.

For some examples of progress to list, ask yourself these 10 sample questions:

1. What networking events, lunches or meetings have I attended?
2. What new acquaintances have I made?
3. What recognition or positive comments have been made by others about me?
4. What free publicity have I received either from my efforts or those of others?
5. Have I created a new Web site or marketing collateral?
6. Any new skills or knowledge?
7. Have I attracted any new clients or retained old clients?
8. Are there any companies or businesspersons indicating interest in my capabilities?
9. Have I done any pro bono or volunteer work?
10. Do I have a support system or mentor?

If you can’t give a positive answer to the 10 questions, then do what you have to do for the right answers. That’s just to get you started. Perhaps there are other pertinent questions you can ask.

Now, it’s time for a new vision for growth – here’s how:

1. Write out your vision plan. One page will do.
2. Set goals for footwork – not results.
3. Periodically, each day ask yourself, “Is what I’m doing right now, productive?” (Chances are it isn’t productive, so focus on what is.)
4. Keep records of your baby steps.
5. Honor your progress with gratitude and keep it going with affirmations.
6. Stay in close contact with your support system.
7. Get exercise, sleep and medical care when needed.
8. Practice stewardship of your assets. Focus on cleanliness and organization.
9. Focus on your favorite hobby and recreation.
10. Ask clients for feedback. If a client complains, don’t get defensive just take notes. When you’re complimented, ask for referrals to two people who might also appreciate what you have to offer.
11. Keep on practicing gratitude. Always handwrite a thank you note when someone considers buying or hiring you. Thank people for their business. In fact, in every e-mail, note, meeting or telephone conversation, remember 98 percent of the time a thank you is warranted.
12. Keep in mind the adage, “What goes around comes around.” Try to listen more and avoid treating others as though they’re invisible, and you will be accorded greater respect.
13. Keep smiling. A jovial Joe or Jane is an attraction to others.
14. Look around for someone else to help. This will help you smile.
15. As you succeed, carry this message to others.

As you go along and think of other pointers, add them to these suggestions.

Now, GO! Good luck!

From the Coach’s Corner, here are 30 Time Management, Stress Reducing Skills. 

“The best morale exist when you never hear the word mentioned. When you hear a lot of talk about it, it’s usually lousy.” 

-Dwight D. Eisenhower 

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Columnist Terry Corbell is also a business-performance consultant and profit professional. Click here to see his management services (many are available online). For a complimentary chat about your business situation or to schedule Terry Corbell as a speaker, why don’t you contact him today?