Guest Blog by Karen Wessels, co-founder and COO of VA Connect
Business can be tough – maybe you’re having a rough day, things aren’t going your way, a client is giving you a hard time, a staff member didn’t pitch for work again, deadlines are looming and projects aren’t being signed off.
In between all of this you need to be in control, be the face of calm amidst the storm, the driving force to keep the team motivated, and the consummate professional in front of clients. All the while you’re fighting fires in the background.
So how do you keep motivated while all of this is going on?
Remember why you started this business in the first place
There was a particular moment when all your passion and skills met and you knew in your heart that this would make a great business. And so you set off on your path to start this amazing journey. You gained great traction, clients started trickling in and your team grew. More than likely your business started with something that you loved, and you were able to share that excitement and passion with everyone you met. Go back to that place mentally where it all clicked into place for you, and rekindle that flame. Renew that passion and let it become your driving force once again.
Be focused and set clear goals
It can be tough to keep up the intensity and level of commitment you first had when you started your business, if you don’t know what goals you are working towards. In order to remain focused you need to set clear achievable goals for yourself. Make your goals measurable, with relevant timeframes. Break these goals down into smaller tasks so that you’ll keep motivated by the tangible progress that you see. And keep your goals handy at all times. Check in on a regular basis to monitor your own progress and to ensure that you make headway.
You are stronger than you think
I know most of us tend to underestimate our inner strength and our capacity to do things. You know you are stronger than you think. Remind yourself daily of your achievements, your personal accomplishments. You will rise to the occasion - you have previously and you know you will again. Give yourself credit where credit is due.
Celebrate the small wins
I’m often guilty of this one. Acknowledge all that you have achieved and be sure to celebrate all the small wins. I often find myself looking inside the proverbial moving train and getting frustrated that I’m not getting anywhere. Then I’m gently reminded to look outside the window at the moving landscape, only to realise how far I’ve come and how much I have actually achieved.
Find your mantra
Is there a quote or saying that lifts your spirits when you hear or read it? One of my favourites is “there are no problems, only solutions”. Another good one is “this too shall pass”. Find your mantra, a saying that works for you, that uplifts your resolve, no matter what and repeat it to yourself when you’re feeling down. It’s amazing what a small set of words can do for the mind.
Karen Wessels is the co-founder and COO of VA Connect, a South African virtual assistant platform that provides outsourced administrative support. Prior to establishing VA Connect, Karen spent over 10 years in different sales, marketing & admin support roles. Having worked with MDs, SMEs and professionals, she is very familiar with managing different workloads within tight deadlines. This has equipped her with the invaluable skills required to run a successful VA business. Follow Karen on her Personal Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+
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