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Should You Break Up With Your Business?
Are you in a Love-Hate Relationship With Your Business?
Since it is Valentine’s day, I thought it appropriate to tie in the holiday of LOVE to our businesses.
When we are in solo-practice, being in a partnership with our business is similar to being in a relationship with a person.
At the beginning of starting a business, you are in the honey-moon phase where life is all rosy, warm, and loving.
- You’re super excited to wake up in the morning and get going.
- You’re happy to spend lot’s of time and invest tons of energy to create a solid foundation.
- And, deep down you have an air of excitement of what’s to come from this new developing business, right?
But then, somewhere along the way, you might get a little burnt out, frustrated with the way ‘they’ are acting, disappointed in what “they” are not doing, and there are times when we are in such a deep funk that we are ready to throw in the towel.
Which phase are you at right now with your Business?
If you’re in the ‘I’m ready to break up with my business and get a ‘REAL’ job Phase, I’ve got a few suggestions for you to consider, before you throw in the towel!
(Think of me as your Business Cupid to bring the romance back!)
5 Tips To Revive The Romance In Your Business:
- Remind yourself WHY you started your business in the first place:
Was it for more freedom, more income, so you can call your own shots, make your own hours, do things the way you want to do them? Sometimes when we re-visit the initial reasons we went into business for ourselves, it helps us re-focus. - Focus on the good things (not just the bad):
Recognize that in any relationship, it will never be all cake and ice cream. Acknowledge the fact that there will be times when ‘stuff’ doesn’t go the way you think it should or want it to go. Focus on the positive aspects of being in business for yourself and weigh out the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’. - Bring back the Romance:
- Gather yourself some pretty flowers and place them in your office to perk things up.
- Invest in a new outfit to wear to work.
- Buy a new set of fancy sheets or a piece of equipment that will benefit both you and your clients.
- Gather some of your best clients and ask them to whisper sweet-nothings about how fabulous you are as a therapist in your ear. (OK, not really but you get my point!)
Sometimes just adding a few little touches of newness-goodness will bring back the joy of being in business.
- Take stock of what your business brings to you:
Do a serious inventory (at least once a year) to actually make a conscious decision to stay in the business relationship.Some people in business really should ‘break up’ with their biz.I encourage you to not feel as though you need to keep at it just because you started it. If you are feeling like you’ve created a ‘job’ that causes you more stress, gives you less freedom, and lower income when you weigh out how many hours you are working for the revenue it is bringing into your bank account, you may in fact decide this business is not for you (any more). - Recognize it may be time to move on & see other ‘people’:
Many relationships end and it is OK. Relationships (businesses) do run their course and sometimes they’ve been great but the owner simply wants out.Sometimes even the best businesses need to close as they are not fulfilling it’s purpose anymore. I think it is important to understand, you are not (nor is it) a failure to end or breakup with your business!Think of all the good times you had together, remember all the people you were able to connect with, and be joyful with the way it made your heart feel all pitter-patter in excitement. Those were good times!
(Word of caution: Don’t be too quick to end the relationship, as you know the grass may be greener on the other side, but you may have to kiss a lot of frogs until you find a great match.)
So, now it’s your turn. Add your comment below and tell us:
- Are you feeling ready to break up, and if so, tell us why.
- If your business relationship had some rocky times, share with us how you worked through them and what you did to bring it back to Hot, Hot, Hot!
- Are you still in love with your business, if so, tell us what it is that makes your heart sing!
Can’t wait to read what you have to share about your business romance below!
About the Author Irene Diamond
Business mentor, Educator and Inspirer to Clinic Owners & Solo Practitioners. Love to hear from you ~ Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Great article! And what I love about businesses is that they can be easier to change than a romantic partner. If the fit isn’t great but you love some things about your business, you can switch things up. Maybe help the same group of people but with a different business model or monetization structure, such as working with groups or going online instead of one-on-one.
I would say that getting bored with your profession is natural. Actually it is a natural stage with everything. First comes the excitement, then the hard work, and only at the end do you reap the true happiness of sticking it out. So I survive by realizing that there is no such thing as an everlasting honeymoon. Just knowing that helps me stick it out until I break through the hard stages.
Thanks Irene!
May I quote you, Aviv?
“there is no such thing as an everlasting honeymoon”…
So true, and yet we often get frustrated when it ends, and settles into the ‘usual’, but it is up to us to keep it exciting through all phases of our relationship!
would you care if I share this on my twitter?
feel free to share with whomever you think will benefit from reading this.
My cousin, who is a business owner of a different type (floral supplies) said the other day “Don’t wait too long to go out of business.” I asked what he meant and he pointed out that people often hold on to the point that they are in financial ruin by the time they finally let it go, and that struck a chord of truth. When I see businesses in our town that have the “No Trespassing” sign and tape put up by the Department of Revenue, I know that they hung on too long.
We have survived some very rough economical times here in my neck of the woods, which has involved me having to revise my own business plan several times. I think it’s important that when you realize something is no longer working, to take action and do something about it as quickly as possible. That may mean canceling advertising that is not bringing you any return on investment,cutting expenses that will not affect customer service, raising prices, searching for a better location, or other measures. Just don’t let bad circumstances drag on until they drag you down for good.
Laura,
Great point about not waiting till it fizzles.
Also, if structured the right way, a business can be sold so the owner receives compensation for their hard work!
In 2005 I started my own practice. Worked really hard and grew it to what I thought was my dream practice. I had I.C working with me, we were in a gym and chiro’s office, I was making great money and working with my ideal clients. But then I got married and had a baby and things changed. I wasn’t in love with my practice anymore.
I started working with Irene and was able to sell that practice and I started a new one. One that focused on my new ideal client – pregnant and postpartum moms. I worked less hours, had less overhead.
Now that my second son is 1 1/2 years old, I was starting to feel like i needed more out of my business. I am working with Irene again and the sparks are starting to fly again. I am refocusing and restructuring a little. Getting systems in place and really starting to develop the practice of my dreams.
Heather,
You’re rocking it!
Happy to be able to support you and your business!