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. 

In fact, you might wish to consider a bevy of other business-coaching columns in these categories:  Planning, Operations, Marketing/Sales, Finance and HR.

30 Time Management, Stress Reducing Skills

 

Updated May 10, 2010

OK, so you didn’t get a bailout, but Goldman Sachs faces a fraud investigation and paid $20 billion in bonuses just one year after taxpayers rescued the firm with a massive cash transfusion. If you’re a Main Street businessperson, the firm’s behavior is likely to contribute to your stress factors.

Moreover, published reports indicate the firm now disingenuously tries to justify its bonus program by claiming it didn’t need the taxpayer bailout. You might recall it was engineered by former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, a Goldman Sachs alum. Where is their moral compass you wonder?

And you might not be convinced the U.S. is embarking on an economic recovery. Many economists are calling it a jobless recovery, but with respect for their opinions, the phrase is actually an oxymoron.

The economy will continue to be difficult with many economic stress factors.

They include:

• Tight credit
• Layoffs
• Rapacious behavior by many credit card companies
• Natural disasters
• Home foreclosures
• Bankruptcies
• Health care costs
• Declining profit
• College tuition

And such factors make businesses reluctant to take bold measures to invest in their future with needed equipment, marketing and training their workers. It’s time for performance solutions.

Start by reducing stress and saving time. Why?

Executives and workers, alike, feel powerless over most of stress factors. Indeed, the 2007 American Psychological Association study, “Stress in America,” had some startling conclusions (www.apa.org). The study is relevant years later.

For example, 74 percent cited work stress, 73 percent had money worries and 66 percent complained about their workloads.

Pressure turns into stress for many.

Trauma in your personal life can affect your business and career. Short of psychotherapy or meditation, time-management skills are a solution.

Here are 30 ways to reduce stress:

1. Identify your stress factors and take steps to eliminate them. Whether it is nasty surprise letter from the IRS, credit-card company predatory behavior, or a complaint from your best customer, do what you can to solve the problem quickly so you can move forward.  Paraphrasing a philosophy of former President Gerald Ford, clear the table and move forward.
2. Know your capabilities and limitations. Don’t take on too much.
3. Find a trustworthy person with whom you can vent and give you empathetic feedback when asked.
4. Understand when you need to say “no.”
5. Get refreshed by taking regular breaks, vacations, recreation and exercise. And when you can, a simple walk will work wonders.
6. Set time limits and goals for meetings.
7. Review your long range goals. Frequently during your work day, ask yourself: “Is this helping me to reach my goals?”
8. Record and analyze how you spend your time.
9. Make sure the first hour of every day is the most productive. Tackle the hardest task first. The rest of the day will seem like a walk in the park.
10. Practice excellence in every responsibility. Do the very best you can and you will prevent regrets.
11. Do everything gently. As famed entertainer Hoagy Carmichael once said, “Slower motion gets you there faster.”
12. Remember:  If you don’t take the time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
13. Instead of “post-it notes”, put all the necessary folders away in the appropriate file drawers. Once the clutter is off your desk, the “to do” list serves as the master organizer.
14. Look for progress – not perfection.
15. Plan your time. Make your “to do” list by Friday for the following week. If you’re in sales, have your list ready by Thursday.
16. Review the next day’s schedule before going home each night.
17. Prioritize your work: A, B, or C. Your A duties get done first – immediately.
18. Learn how to structure your e-mail system for maximum efficiency.
19. Eat the right foods for sustained energy.
20. Get enough sleep. If you feel tired by mid-day, ask your doctor for a sleep study. Insomnia and sleep apnea routinely lead to high blood pressure and even strokes.
21. Make your work fun.
22. Learn from baseball player Ichiro and do stretching exercises.
23. Listen to the right music. For many successful people that means classical music.
24. Look around to help someone who is less fortunate. Volunteerism is gratifying.
25. Learn breathing techniques.
26. If you commute to work, consider mass transit and take a good book to read.
27. Review inspiring thoughts, such as “No matter what, there are no big deals.” Taking the emotional sting out of your reactions to events will help. Learn to respond, not react.
28. Develop positive affirmations about yourself, keep your notes handy, frequently review them and rehearse them in front of the mirror.
29. Remember, the remedy for depression is action.
30. Become more active socially. Yes, that’s a time management skill. If you are not alone, you are not lonely. Loneliness contributes to stress.

Get busy and you’ll soon feel ready to take on the world and head toward to profits. Start investing in your future with needed equipment, marketing and training of workers. And talk with your public officials about policies that will improve the nation’s economic health and create jobs.

From the Coach’s Corner, for related career tips, here is another Biz Column:

10 Strategies to Overcome Stress and Energize Your Career