Ups and downs of running a business
The ups and downs of running a business
This week I’ve had a couple of conversations with business owners where we’ve shared our thoughts about the ups and downs of running a business – especially a new business.
Like me, some of the business owners I’ve been talking to have previously been employed in a large organisation – where days and weeks can feel pretty similar (and suddenly years have gone by!)
The rollercoaster ride that is running your own business
I don’t have that groundhog day feeling any more!
When I talk about running a business I even wave my hands about – trying to convey this high-frequency wave of emotions…
Is that just me?!
I find it really is a rollercoaster ride and the highs and lows are close together – I can experience both in the course of a day or even a morning!
The ups and downs of running a business
Celebrate your successes
In a guest blog 10 ways to look after yourself in business, I recommended:
Celebrate every success along the way, however small – don’t let the moment pass.
Take time to reflect on how far you’ve already come and what you’ve already achieved.
Even if it’s as simple as getting a post shared, a proposal accepted, a new contract signed – do you take the time to pat yourself on the back, give a little fist pump!?
You are not alone
I find it important to have like-minded people to share the high (and low) moments with.
Working on your own can be a bit of a shock to the system, particularly if you have recently left employment where you were surrounded with people to chat to, to congratulate you on your successes and have a bit of banter with…
It may also be hard to talk to family and friends as they might not ‘get it’, might not understand the rollercoaster ride that is running your own business. They might feel you’re showing off or perhaps you don’t want to worry them with the day-to-day uncertainty!
Luckily, I’ve found that networking keeps me connected with other business owners, like-minded individuals, to share the highs and lows, tips – and have coffee with :)
A listening ear
As a coach I love hearing about my clients’ successes (whether it’s members of the Macclesfield Women in Business Coaching Group or 1:1 coaching clients)! It’s great to receive a text or an email or a Facebook message hearing how well something has gone, to help celebrate little wins.
(I’m also there to support them through the lows and to help them find a way forward…)
I love what I do and am proud to have the opportunity to help other business owners to think more clearly, set tighter goals and to grow – to support them through the ups and downs of running a business.
How are you finding the ups and downs of running a business?
Please let me know your thoughts by adding your comments below…
To find out how I can help you reflect on how far you’ve come, recognise how much you’ve achieved and manage the ups and downs of running a business, please get in touch via the contact form or call me on +44 7526 740486.
Best wishes!
Sian
Thanks for the great points! Celebrating your success is something we really need to remember to do before we move on to the next thing.
Thanks Kasia! It can be easy to forget! Sian
Yes! Celebrating successes (and continuing to remember them) is something I’m working on. I find that I move on so quickly to the next thing that I have yet to accomplish that it’s easy to feel like you haven’t had many successes, when the opposite is true. I’ve even thought of starting a success jar and writing my wins on bits of paper so I can read through them each month as a reminder of my awesomeness :) Thanks for the reminder!
Great idea about the success jar Brigid! Looking at it (or them perhaps!) at the end of the year as well would be amazing! Love this! Thanks! Sian
Great Blog Sian as someone who has been self employed for 16 years I wish I had more support in the early stages it was at times lonely and challenging especially the fact mobility and health issues meant all energy was on my business. I have changed business direction recently which is like starting from scratch this time round I have some support
Thanks Eileen for sharing your experience. It can be lonely in business! Great to hear that you have support this time round with your new business direction! Sian
Its good to read other peoples blogs. I am a new coach and am just setting out on my journey, and finding that there is lots of support out their which is really helpful. And yes I find that there are many highs and lows but the key is to stay positive and seek help in others when you need it.
Thanks Hannah. Seeking help and making use of support that is available is so important! Please feel free to add a link to your blog :) Sian
Great post Sian and some fab advice that really resonated with me too x
Thanks Nina! Sian