Nov 09 2009
How is Your Business Like a Garden?
Last week I talked with to two different solo business owners who said they had lost the passion for their business.
In both cases they had worked hard for many years, put in blood sweat and tears and in the end, the poor financial return had affected their motivation to keep going. It reminded me of the job putting a big garden, doing the hard physical work and then seeing the crop yield poor. Very discouraging!
What was similar about both of these women is that they had a home based business, not enough support and felt a sense of isolation.
Passion and life force is something that needs to be “tended,” It needs good soil , sunshine and love. Here are a five essential supports to help grow your business garden.
1. Mentor
A mentor is someone who listens and supports you, is positive, encouraging and can help you sort out issues and make decisions. Successful business owners have many mentors throughout their business life.
2. Mastermind group
This is a small group of five-six business owners who meet regularly and support each other, share their goals, learn from each other and build on each person’s strengths.
3. Community
All business owners need community in their local area. This often comes in the form of networking groups that meet regularly. as that offers the ability to build strong relationships. Online is good but nothing is a substitute for face-to-face meeting.
4. Inspiration
Everyone needs inspiration and this can come in the form of books, tapes, classes, webinars, videos and anything that brings you inspiration.
5. Spirit
This will take a different form for each person but it includes meditation, yoga, church, chanting. It can also include anything that lifts your spirit and makes you feel connected to a greater purpose.
These five supports are good for everyone, but especially important for people who are running their own business. They will help you to keep your passion intact and your business life force strong.
I love the article it’s very true. I was wondering Kaya, who are your mentors?
Karen
It’s always great to hear from you. Thanks for reading and commenting. I have actually have had many mentors and they all have helped me immensely! My main one right now is Charles who is a business consultant and a wonderful friend. He is there for me when I need support has helped me with hard business decisions. My very first mentor was a woman names Carol who encouraged me to be all I could be. She was older than me and a very empowered leader. I looked up to her and she was a model of what was possible.
Mentors can also be less personal but still very important. Some of mine include Jean Houston, T. Harv Eker and Elizabeth Kubler Ross. I’ve been to seminars and trainings with all three and they all made a huge difference in my life and they still live in my being.