Get Your Head Out of Your Business

Let me state right off the bat that I'm "old school" regarding many things yet try to remain open-minded and I do believe you can teach an old dog new tricks. I'm a student of the game (whatever the game is at the moment) and love to read, people watch, answer questions and generally like to observe my surroundings. I'm also a small business owner trying to make it in the world like everyone else.

I am fortunate to know a lot of other small business owners around town (mostly in IT). I feel compelled to write this blog entry to invite all business owners, small and large, to step back from the forest and make sure you still recognize the trees. Yes, as a cliche it's been said many times but I feel it's worth repeating. In my opinion, too many small business owners get so wrapped up in making money and worrying about bills and responsibilities that they forget to admire the view along the way.

Business owners need to stop occasionally and smell the roses. Remind yourself why you're in business for yourself instead of working for someone else. Sure, it's hard. If it was easy everyone would do it. Remember that running a successful business today requires you to wear many hats, and many of them don't really fit all that well. You have to be a marketer, web designer, blogger, social networking guru, accountant, tax expert and, oh by the way, you still have to take time to bill for your products and services.

My advice, take several hours out of one day a week and focus on something you've been ignoring. Usually, that's your web site. Nobody wants to visit your site and see an announcement for a hot webcast from last year. Take a little time and update things. If you don't have time or the necessary skill set, pay someone to do it. Sure, sometimes that is easier said than done, but consider bartering (check out my Business Bartering blog entry). Update the look of your business card and remember "branding". Try spending 30 minutes a week and write something in your blog (you do have one, don't you?).

Whatever you do, do something. Don't sit around and gripe and complain about business slowing down when all you do is sit and wait for the phone to ring or the fax to suddenly start spouting purchase orders. Step back and look at your business from your client's eyes. Take a real hard look and see what spring cleaning can be done to improve your overall image. You'll be glad you did.