Dealing With Stress in Our Overworked LivesWritten by Janice D. Byer, MVA
As small business owners, we often take on more than we can handle. Wearing all hats running our businesses, as well as other commitments we have (i.e. volunteer work, family, etc.), can sometimes leave us feeling overworked, frustrated, and stressed out. Being under so much stress is not good for anyone and it can definitely have an effect on our businesses. So we need to alleviate some of our stress and find solutions for reasons that we are so overworked. 1.Take a step back from everything and decide which tasks are ‘needs’ and which tasks are ‘wants’. Which tasks are more important than others? We consider everything that we do in our lives, especially when running our businesses, as important. However, which tasks can you postpone long enough without producing a negative effect on ourselves and our success. Which tasks can wait? 2.Learn that you cannot say ‘yes’ to everything. For most people and for most businesses, saying no to anyone can be like pulling teeth. It can be very painful and have a lasting effect. But again, you need to think of yourself, your success, and your well-being. Decide which tasks you have been asked to do that can be better accomplished by someone else or that will have a negative effect on yourself and make a point to politely decline to assist. 3.Prioritize your life. In step #1 above, we learned to decide between ‘important’ and ‘can wait’ tasks. But, even important tasks can add up. So, you need to break down that list of important tasks even farther and prioritize them. In business, ensure that those tasks that will enhance your business and your reputation with your clients are first tasks on your list. 4.Focus on task at hand and not so much long-term outcome of task. All to often, as small business owners, our heads are working in overdrive as we imagine possibilities that can occur because of certain tasks that we do. Now, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t imagine outcome of accomplishing tasks and any rewards or ramifications that may result from it, but just don’t obsess or over-dream about it and make it your sole purpose in thriving.
| | Shameless Self-PromotionWritten by Janice D. Byer, MVA
Hi! My name is Janice Byer and I am owner of Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services (http://www.docutype.net). I am winner of several prestigious awards (information is on our website) and have a slew of happy customers, as testimonials on our site will attest to. My services are professional, creative and in demand. Now, wasn’t that easy? In one small paragraph, I have shamelessly self-promoted my business and it’s success. I’ll admit it, I am addicted to shameless self-promotion, and why not? Who better to promote myself and my business than me? And, opportunity to talk about your business should be root behind every marketing effort you undertake. Networking utilizes shameless self-promotion almost constantly. After all, when you visit a networking event, why are you there? To promote your business of course! And, when you are at a designated networking event, it is not time when you should hold back. Be shameless yet professional, and also be considerate of your fellow networkers. They are there for same reason you are. So, give them opportunity to shamelessly self-promote themselves. Networking is “right time” to shamelessly self-promote. But, there are times when it is not appropriate. There is a time and a place for everything, including promoting your business. For instance, if you are a member of a news or discussion group, there are generally rules against promoting your business, unless that is what list is for. So, don’t take advantage of captive audience or break rules. That can actually be bad for business. However, some lists have designated days of week or month when you can shamelessly tell world about what you do and what you have to offer. This is time to show them what you’ve got. Opportunities arise at various times when it is good to promote yourself and your business. For instance, I was with my daughter at library yesterday and woman there asked if I was excited about my daughter going into grade one and fact that she will be in school all day. This was perfect opportunity to tell her that I run my own home-based business and what I do.
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