Business success can be measured in many different ways. Unfortunately, a lot of people think only in terms of profit and loss, without taking into account the many other considerations that go towards making a business successful.
I often meet with clients whose businesses are struggling financially, and I feel that this affects their enthusiasm and stops them from thriving. They feel like failures because their bank account isn’t full. This begins a cycle where their survival is threatened because they have adopted a defeatist attitude. The fact that they produce a great product, have excellent relationships with their staff, put a lot back into the community, and manage to balance running a business with looking after their families indicates success. However, this more balanced view of success is swamped by the feeling of failure associated with struggling to make ends meet.
I go to great pains to point out the areas where they are succeeding and that, given time, the financial results will follow. I would encourage anyone in business to write down the areas where their business is successful. This is very rewarding and it adds perspective, often when it’s needed the most. If you are running your own business, you are already successful because you have taken a risk that many others would shy away from.
Ask yourself the following questions:
• Are you proud of what you do, and do you truly believe that you give 100 per cent towards being the best you can be?
• Have you established strong relationships with customers, staff, suppliers and other people that you deal with on a regular basis?
• Have you managed to balance work and home?
• Do you live a healthy lifestyle?
• Do you give praise and show sincere appreciation where it’s due?
• Do you love what you do?
We all get caught up in the daily grind of profit and loss and often overlook those areas where we have so much to be proud about. Boosting your business is as much in your head as it is in your cash register.
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