To heat things up, I’m dishing some serious relationship… I mean business… advice! From blissful beginnings to the importance of communication, this whole “owning a business” thing probably isn’t as foreign to you as you might think! 😉
It’s totally okay to make the first move
You can’t just wait around waiting for the perfect one to come along. You have to put yourself out there, figure out the qualities you’re looking for, weigh your options and know that you’re ready to take on the commitment. Once you’ve been flirting with the idea of starting your own business for quite some time and you feel ready to make the first move, we need to address…
The blissful beginning
Just like the beginning of a new relationship, the initial startup of a business is often filled with magic and passion. It’s all you can think about. You see potential in every angle. Butterflies are in your stomach. You can’t seem to talk about anything else and you’re frequently caught daydreaming about your future together.
With this excitement also comes a fair share of terror and anxiety – you wonder what will come next, if things will work out, and if you’re doing everything right. Before you devote your entire world to your business, you need to make sure you do your homework and lay everything out on the table. Despite the power of puppy love, don’t dive in full force, play the game a bit and place moves strategically. Obsessed and clingy is not the best way to start your relationship, or your business. Being a control freak isn’t your best bet either.
This month I’m giving our Gem Nation VIPs email templates to pitching effective collaborations, a guide to developing a humanized connection with customers, tips on how to nourish the personal relationships in your life (and create new ones) while conquering the demands of entrepreneurship, and most importantly, I’ll be educating you on how maintain a positive relationship with YOURSELF.
Timing is important
Even though you might click with a certain idea or direction immediately, other variables may make it difficult to realistically pursue at the moment. For example, having a full time job, going through a recent breakup, or dealing with unstable financial circumstances. It’s okay to date around, but don’t spend too much time on anything you can’t fully commit to. Trying to force something that either party may not be ready for never works out.
Are you in it for the right reasons?
When the bliss starts to get a bit bumpy, revisit your intention. Is this something you rushed into because you feel incomplete and unfulfilled? Or, is this truly something you want with your entire heart? Honesty with yourself and your business will ensure you’re building a strong and stable foundation. Many people start a business thinking they’ll be able to work fabulous, flexible hours, cut their own paycheck and live happily ever after. While living this kind of dream is certainly attainable, it’s not something that comes easy, it take A LOT of hard work and dedication.
You get out what you put into it
The more time and energy you invest, the more it will thrive. Sure money may be a factor, but there is so much more to invest in. Maintenance also comes in here. This is a long term thing. You have to work at it every single day. Some days will be great and others will feel like the end of the world and you’ll question every decision you’ve ever made. You have to go into it promising your business you are in this for better or for worse. You can’t pick and choose which days you feel like being a business owner.
Communication is key
Always keep the lines of communication open and frequently check in with all aspects of your business to take inventory of what’s working and what’s not. You don’t get to ignore your business, close yourself off or avoid the problems when your brand isn’t acting the way you want it to. When things aren’t exactly going your way, get to the root of the problem, determine possible solutions, solve the problem and move on. No holding grudges.
Everyone will give you their opinion
Whether or not you ask for it, everyone from your parents and friends to past flings and fellow business owners will flood you with their advice, wisdom, and two cents. It’s great to have resources to go to and opinions you value, but at the end of the day, you also have to be able to listen to your own heart. You absolutely need to believe in your concept regardless of if anyone else does. When people doubt you, it’s usually because you want to do something no one else has done before, thus to others, it seems unrealistic. Your passion and persistence will pay off, I promise!
Sometimes you grow apart
You need to make sure your business is fulfilling your needs. If you’ve exhausted all of your options and lost the spark, maybe it isn’t meant to be. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never find another love. Whatever you do, don’t settle. You deserve better than that. If your business or relationship is at a point where you can’t get it set in a positive direction, there is a good chance you are in need of a break (absence makes the heart grow fonder right?) or a even breakup. NOTE: you don’t get to have one of those torturous on-again off-again relationships with your business. You are only allotted one break or breakup. Select wisely and stick to your decision!
And there you have it! Love isn’t easy. It’s messy, stressful, frustrating, and exhausting. But, when you find “the one” everything you’ve been through will finally be worth it. =) <3