I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
Keep It In Check
I've had many conversations lately that deal in one way or another with the challenges of actually being the boss and needing to make tough decisions and/or negotiate challenging situations.
In helping my clients, I can see that they've already spent a lot of their energy taking care of other people's needs to the detriment of their own.
Or, they've been wading through a sea of their own emotions, which have distracted them from creating a workable solution and way forward.
Neither of these is productive.
If you find yourself getting emotional—angry, frustrated, upset, scared—or you're worried about how others will respond to your requests, please take one giant step back from the details and the story of the situation.
Now, take a deep breath.
And, then make a list of what's really important to you in terms of an outcome or resolution.
When a client recently did this, she found she was looking for an apology—this was a huge source of anger and frustration.
Rationally, she knew that apology wasn't going to happen. But, she felt she deserved one, and that thought prevented her from creating a game plan to get what she really needed from her client.
And, here's the funny thing: Once she connected the dots for herself, she was a lot less angry and much more able to negotiate a resolution that actually serves her business.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying take all the emotion out of your business dealings. I'm also not saying you shouldn't be empathetic.
I'm saying, don't let your emotions run your business by themselves.
You need to temper them with smart strategies and a bit of dispassion, especially when they're running high or deep.
That's when it's especially helpful to have someone to talk things through with.
If you have a business situation or decision that's plaguing you, book a session with me at your convenience to get the clarity and help you need to achieve the outcome you want.
Missed last week's message on the duality of serving client needs and also their expectations? Find it here.
Until next week, keep your eyes on the real prize!
Please share this newsletter with anyone who might benefit from its contents.
Easily Said & Done
I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
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