Did you know that many of internet references to word, “niche” deal with biological and physical sciences? Nature has been niche building for years! Take example of humming bird. Over years, its beak has been modified to pollinate certain flowers. The cardinal flower has a long tube which has adapted to humming bird’s long beak. This flower went so far as to make itself a color not appealing to bees. The humming bird and cardinal flower have discovered a niche where they can survive crowded world of birds and flowers. Or what of tiny bird that eat insects off skin of giant hippopotamus? The bird picks bugs from hippo’s skin and is provided with food. The hippo is rid of pesky bugs. Nature has again provided a wonderful survival niche. In last month’s issue of The Small Business Tool Box, I addressed topic of small business niche building. I believe niche building is fastest and only way to take your business to next level. In this month’s issue, we will continue exploring how small businesses face same survival issues found in natural order of things. What is nature teaching us about small business niche building?

What is Small Business Niche Building? Niche building in a small business starts by narrowing your focus. By creating a narrower business focus, you actually increase number of customers rather than decrease number of customers. Within this narrower business focus, you become an expert. You develop or obtain expertise for this narrow business focus. You become recognized as authority in your area. When you have created narrow focus and developed expertise to match your focus, you begin to attract customers—instead of chasing them. Do you think heart surgeons of world are out chasing clients? When your niche has been developed, you find you are no longer competing on price.

You work hard, and all of your energy goes into making things run smoothly and helping your employer look good in every way. You’ve got lists and even lists of lists. You know where everything is, when everything is due, who’s behind, what’s ahead, and how to fix fax machine. You are office god/goddess, and you deserve a standing ovation!

But there are days—admit it now—when you feel like you are barely holding it together. Oh, you try not to show it. You put on that tight little smile and say, “No problem” or “Consider it done!” How perky of you.

In recognition of your service and soul, here are some science-based tips to help you take care of yourself while being unsung hero/heroine.

Five Real World Ways to Deal With Frustration At The Office:

1)Breathe. Yes, yes, you’ve heard this before. The trick is remembering to do it. Here’s an idea: Keep a balloon (not inflated) by your telephone. Every time you hang up, blow up that balloon. For extra fun, let go and watch it shoot around your office. Better yet, have a mutual balloon moment with your co-workers. Laughing = Breathing, so consider it therapeutic.