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Stepping Stones to Managing Your BusinessBy Maureen Tazzioli of Rezults Matter There I stood, nervously waiting for my boss to call me into his office. I was moments away from making the most courageous decision of my career…I wanted to leave their employ, pursue my own business, and fulfill my life’s purpose. Through my own self improvement process, I began to see the connection between my personal happiness, and my business’ success. Now, having reached a comfortable level of success for myself, I offer to you the seven stepping stones I used to get me to where I am today. 1) Attitude as a Choice - Do you believe you have the right to choose your own attitude? Do you think your attitude affects your workplace environment? What does a positive attitude mean to you? I believe a positive attitude means working through difficult situations, while remaining optimistic that a positive solution can result in a timely fashion. This is different than just smiling all the time in an attempt to look happy. To help me stay positive, I begin each day by writing down three things I am grateful for in my life, and three characteristics I appreciate from those around me. Then, I keep this list with me, so I have a constant reminder of the goodness that surrounds me. In addition, I place inspirational quotes and beautiful scenic photographs on the walls of my business. It’s amazing how a little inspiration can have a positive impact. 2) Focus on the Present Situation - If you are focusing on the present situation, and it is difficult in nature, here are a few suggestions to keep in mind: (a) Leave all past events in the past. If a past event generated a negative outcome the first time around, chances are, it will offer no additional value to your current situation, so leave it in the past. If however, a valuable lesson from the past can be applied to your present situation, then take the time to implement the same positive steps. This will save you much time. (b) Calm your emotions. As people we can spend way too much time and energy trying to blame someone or something for our current difficulties. Try to have the courage to look for positive solutions regardless as to how it all started. If need be, take a few moments to gather your thoughts before you speak. (c) Resolve quickly. Limit the damage done by resolving difficult situations as quickly as possible. Keeping you and your business healthy is essential for success. So whenever possible, think wisely...speak carefully...resolve quickly. Your business’ success depends on you staying focused. 3) Listen to Your Inner Voice - Have you ever ignored your inner voice, your intuitive side? If so, what happened? I remember a time when I spent countless hours reading and researching all that I could. Anytime I felt that I came across a good idea, I wrote it on my ‘to do list’. Unfortunately, the more “to do lists” I generated, the more I seemed to ignore my inner voice, leaving with me feelings of confusion and frustration. Now, to keep me connected to my own inner voice, I take one hour each day for myself to read, exercise, meditate or pray. Nothing helps a business like the clarity of one’s inner voice. 4) Living and Working with Grace and Respect - Is there two characteristics you would like to improve in yourself? Do you think that once improved, you could attract that kind of person towards your business? When I finally listened to my inner voice, I realized that I wanted my business to attract gracious people who respected themselves and others. Therefore, I began to consciously work at improving myself so I could project the exact same characteristics I would appreciate seeing in my potential clients. Now, having enjoyed this process immensely, I continue to work at improving myself every month, choosing two different characteristics each time. 5) Set Your Goals Towards Your Vision - Having a good business plan can prove to be a benefit. But having a vision for your business can help you see your life’s purpose. By carrying a vision for my own business, I was able to see the steps I had to take in order to move myself and my business forward. Gaining this clarity allowed me to set realistic and measurable goals at a much faster rate. Staying focused on your own vision may assist you in setting your own goals. 6) Encourage Others to Excel - English poet, John Donne, once said, “No man is an island”...however, I believe, no business can be successful on its own. Every great business usually has a group of spectacular people encouraging and supporting it towards success. Now, think of your own business right now, and the level of encouragement and support you received along the way. If it proved to be of benefit, then try to do the same for someone else just starting. A little encouragement is sometimes all a person needs. 7) Putting Your Best Foot Forward - Even though nothing in life is guaranteed, we still have the right to put our best foot forward...in business...in life. If you are like me, life will never stop granting you opportunities to personally and professionally grow, so be sure to take as much time as you need to apply a positive attitude when working through your present situations. Listen to your inner voice with confidence as you work hard at improving those areas you wish to improve upon. Move yourself and your business towards your own vision, realizing that there is much support and encouragement surrounding you. Finally, always be proud of what you have accomplished. Put your best foot forward because you and your business can make a big difference. Maureen Tazzioli, keynote speaker & common sense thinker, helps businesses & individuals achieve positive results. Contact Maureen at mtazzioli@rezultsmatter.com or visit her at www.rezultsmatter.com |