With all the negative news about the economy and world events, it can be easy to get stressed out – fast. But as an entrepreneur, it’s more important than ever to stay calm and think clearly.
As a fellow small business owner, I’m dealing with many of the same stressors you are, and here are my three tips for staying focused and relaxed:
1. Breathe.
When I was younger, I used to go nuts when people said, “take a deep breathe.” After all, who has time to stop when their are approaching deadlines, phone calls to make and e-mails to answer?
Well, that was the wrong way to think. If you start to get anxious, stop everything you are doing. Stand up. Close your eyes, and take a breathe.
As you inhale, think about breathing in positive thoughts. As you exhale, think about breathing out everything negative.
This may sound too “new age” for some of you, but just try it. It is a fast way to calm down and collect your thoughts.
2. Look Ahead.
As an entrepreneur, it’s important to have a plan for the future and anticipate industry trends, customer actions and how your budget will reflect these changes.
If you have some “emergency” funds set aside, you will be less anxious knowing that you have something to help you when things get out of control.
And if you don’t have any emergency funds right now, look at your budget and figure out how you can start saving just a few dollars each month. It may be a small thing like making your coffee at home rather than buying it on the way to the office. But little things like this can really add up fast.
3. Keep Your Eyes Open.
Now is not the time to avoid the news and go through life “with blinders on.” As difficult as it may be, it’s important to keep track of the financial market, world news and trends that may have an effect on your business.
Know what is going on around you. Then, you can take actions and avoid small issues from turning into huge problems (this is especially true when talking to the media about company crises).
By being aware of what is going on in the world and planning for negative situations, you can make smarter decisions…choices that can keep your business alive and flourishing for many years to come.
If you have suggestions to share with other small business owners, please post them below, or contact me at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’m here to help you boost sales with free public relations and copywriting information! Thanks!
