Some say that starting a business is like starting a new relationship – at first, you work tirelessly and you enjoy all the time you spend with your business. But after a while, the gloss can rub off somewhat, the relationship feels a little stale, the day-to-day tasks can feel monotonous and dreary.
When the honeymoon period is well-and-truly over and you find it difficult to move forward, here are CRM’s top suggestions for rekindling your enthusiasm and falling back in love with your business:
Remember the good times
Why did you begin your exciting enterprise in the first place? You wanted to create a product or service that was new and in-demand. Make a list of the pros and cons of your business and remind yourself that the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Delegate and outsource
There are tasks that become tiresome after a while and they’re not the best use of your time either. If these tasks don’t require your personal attention, pass them on to an employee or virtual assistant and use your time more wisely on what makes you happy.
Explore and streamline
Discovering new markets, growing your team and developing new product or service ideas invigorates your relationship with your business. So too can finding new ways to do the same things better. Take a step back and look objectively at which processes could be improved.
Work ‘on’ as well as ‘in’ your business
Don’t get bogged down in the mundane. It’s important to make time for planning and goal setting to create a roadmap for your business. Schedule time weekly, monthly and annually to review your master plan and check you’re still on track.
Network your way out of the slump
If you’re stuck in a rut, one of the best ways to get out of it is to meet others and take inspiration from them. A problem shared is a problem halved and the chances are there will be someone who has been through the same tough times as you and is happy to share their experiences.
Refresh your image
Perhaps your website could do with an update, is all the detail online still correct and relevant? And could your social media presence do with an uplift? There are plenty of marketing experts that can offer advice on making the most of your business online.
Boost your skillset
Even those at the top should always be learning and improving. If there is a gap in your skills, why not take an evening class or attend a workshop to improve this area? New skills bring a fresh approach to the business.
Ask an expert
If you have reached the end of your list of actions to put the love back into your business relationship, seek the advice of a business coach or advisor. He or she can help you work out where your business is stagnating and how to reinvigorate it.
Tony Hobbs, Managing Director at CRM Oxford, has years of experience helping clients with business planning and development: “I get a great sense of satisfaction from opening a client’s eyes to new opportunities and giving their business a real boost.”
If you’re stuck in a rut and want to fall in love with your business again, why not give CRM the chance to delve under the skin of your business and help it to reach its full potential? Call the experts on 01865 379272.
