staying motivated

[bluezebra]

OK ... they say when the going gets tough, the tough get going. But does anyone have any tips on how to keep motivated when things aren't going to plan (or close to it)?

[Pete Williams]

Whiskey!!!!

No, just try to focus yourself on your key areas of business, work on why things are not working, what are the factors causing this etc... How can I make things better? Sale items etc...

Hope this helps?

[MinuWeb]

Try to get some outside views on your issues, from people you can trust. Sometimes you can be too involved to see a simple problem.

As an exmple, if you have a web site selling items, ask a few friends whose opinion you respect to go to your site, and act as clients, ask them what would stop them from buying and what would encourage them to buy.

If it is marketing, again get a few people to look over your advertisements, they might be attractive to you but are potential clients being put off by something. We recently sent out 20,000 flyers and got a very few vistors to our site from them, we then had a few words changed and positioned differently and sent the flyers out again and received over 100 times the number of visitors (+ a decent sign up rate)

Most of all, hang in there , if you have a good business plan then stick to it and try to work through the problems, remember that businesses do not succeed, people do.

[epiphany]

count your money :D

[RSL]

Keep positive about what you have achieved so far.
Keep focussed on your business plan ans goals.

DON'T GIVE UP!

x

[Cornish Steve]

I'm in a similar situation to you right now, so I'd be glad to share my thoughts on this matter.

First, you must be confident that your product meets a real need and that you offer either a lower price or more value than your competitors.

Second, you must know your target market(s), craft your message, and be sure that your target audience receives and understands your message.

Third, you must deliver on your promises and exceed customer expectations.

After that, it's a matter of being persistent, consistent, and patient.

I know that my product meets a need - with 20 years' experience of working with professional companies around the world, and from the input of those I trust, I'm sure it's the case. I have identified my target market, tried to craft the right message, and pursued various marketing strategies (and will pursue more in the coming weeks) designed to convey that message to that audience. I know that I can deliver my product well and exceed expectations - our beta trial proved that conclusively.

Now I hope to see the results. I think I've done everything right, although I can't be sure. I'll pursue my strategy consistently; I won't change direction on a whim. I'll continue to seek the advice of people I trust and who I know won't just say what I want to hear. Yes, I'm nervous - but I'm excited too. In the end, I will make this work; I think attitude is a big part of this.

What do other people think?

Steve
www.goldctr.com

[gaia127]

Recall why you chose to start up the business in the first place. Think about what your motivations were at the outset. Think about what the downsides would be if you were doing an alternative.

If you can recall these things, be sure to list them down and refer to them regularly. Having this list will help to remind you why you are enduring the difficult journey, and the real importance of your goal to you.

If you are looking for a little stress management and relaxation therapies to deal with the difficult times, do feel free to visit my website - www.gaiafilms.co.uk.

Wishing you all the best, and confident that you'll succeed.

Shelley.

[Anyanka]

What's going wrong for you? You have a nice USP.

[Mathew]

There is a member here called Romperstomper www.romperstopper.co.uk . They may be able to help with ideas.

[clickprofits]

I find motivating myself difficult at times too - one thing that works for me is to take a day off (or half a day if you are too busy), head off into the mountains/countryside and go for a long walk. No phones, internet, emails - just space and time to think and work through problems. I enjoy walking though - might not work for you if you hate it! :)

-

[Rob Holmes]

A few weeks ago I went to stay at a hotel for a couple of nights, I had the laptop just in case of any emergencies but didn't have to use it.

The time I spent away in a different place, with no distractions of work, no children, new magazines around to read, strangers everywhere really helped me snap out of what was quite a deep rut.

I came back envigorated, full of ideas, and a clarity of thought and a focus that I realised I had lost before then.

We made some big changes overnight that meant our profits went up ten fold last 1 month.

I do plan to do it again fairly soon and would recommend the investment of time and money in what is going to become an important integral part of my career ! :)

Rob

[Sylvia Fountain]

I agree with Pete Williams, try to look at things "outside the box"
From a customers view, always think positive, we all have times like this !

[Ozzy]

I do the same as Rob. My line of work is quite varied in that a lot of it is legal and can be boring, and other bits are new and interesting.
When working on the items its usually related to a new service I am working on and launching, and these I find exciting. The day-2-day bits are very often the same thing over and over again, and that is what I find demoralising.

I am actually quite good at keeping myself motivated, but when it gets low I walk away from work and either go for a quick ride out on my motorbike, sunbath, or just take a few hours off away from everything. I find time away from the business enables me to recharge my batteries and refresh my thoughts.

[MinuWeb]

Write yourself a check for nice bonus, date it for end of year, pin it over your desk and work like hell to make sure you have enough funds to cash it :D

[Rob Holmes]

Write yourself a check for nice bonus, date it for end of year, pin it over your desk and work like hell to make sure you have enough funds to cash it :D

I like that idea - I would do it except my wife would probably change the date and cash it in.

:lol:

Rob

[MinuWeb]

you are lcky, I have to get my wife to write the checks :(

[Rob Holmes]

OK - I followed your advice and just gave her a cheque for ten grand dated for the end of the year IF she helps me raise the cash.

Hope it works.

Rob

[DuaneJackson]

Some good advice here! I think I might do the cheque idea myself. I'll have to keep it in the office away from the missus though!

All I would add is to think about the alternative as someone else said. Do you really want to go back to a nine to five? Getting up early to work for someone else, doing what your told to do instead of what you think is best, not being flexible on your time off, having a glass ceiling on what you can earn, etc??

[winton50]

I took an employed position at a time when I should really have been working in our business full time.
I just remember how I felt on the first day when I realised my mistake!

[www.sitepal.co.uk]

OK ... they say when the going gets tough, the tough get going. But does anyone have any tips on how to keep motivated when things aren't going to plan (or close to it)?

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good luck

Tony