Business Mentor: Hang in when times are bad

Q: Frankly I'm fed up - I've worked in this business for 16 years and it seems like a constant battle, day in and day out, for years on end. Any words for the weary?


Alastair Ferguson, bestselling author and director of Stand Up and Shout, replies:

A: With small and medium enterprises (SMEs) making up the lion's share of the business landscape, the key challenge for the SME owner is how to keep inspired and focused. As a SME owner myself, I understand this only too well. Here are a few things I've learned and things I do which you may find helpful:

1. Have a crystal-clear "why" Make sure the reason you are in the business is crystal clear. This is the keystone to your success or not and is the fuel to keep you going when times get tough. Your "why", or ultimate purpose for working your butt off day in, day out needs to be bigger than your worst day. Without this, you risk giving up when times really get tough. To quote Napoleon Hill from his book, Think and Grow Rich: "One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat." I also have observed that many people give up when their success is only one step further on from this point. To really cement your "why", you can also write a script of what your perfect day will be like, say, five or 10 years from now.

2. Passion Be totally passionate about your business. Have you ever noticed those business people who are charismatic and often "lucky"? Well, I believe all they are is passionate and have an unshakeable self-belief. Anyone can be this way. If you truly believe in what you are doing, back yourself, pull out all the stops and go for it. Your passion will inspire those around you. It will inspire your bank managers and, most important, your staff.

3. Support Someone once told me the worst advice you will get is for free from a poor person. Experience has proved this correct many times over. Now, when I need to acquire knowledge or skills I find the best person and willingly pay their hourly rate. It's always exceptional value. Surround yourself with the right people. There are so many people out there with limiting beliefs that are only too willing to pass them on to you. Most of these people think they are "helping" when in fact they are giving voice to their own fears and feelings of inadequacy. Have unwavering belief in what you are doing, be passionate, pursue your vision with ruthless persistence and don't listen to the dreamtakers. Find people who will support your dreams and vision. Sometimes this may involve cutting ties with people who no longer serve your needs. This can be tough, but needs to be done. Seek out people you aspire to be like and associate with them. They will also hang out with like-minded people. Be in contact with these people regularly. This may happen in different ways; as mentors, networking groups or friends. Don't ever think that because you are a small to medium-sized business you can't have a high-calibre mentor.

4. Morning ritual One thing I've found invaluable is getting up 30 minutes earlier than I used to and completing a morning ritual. The result has been an improved state of mind, improved self-belief and achievement of goals far more consistently.

5. Reward yourself Many people forget to give themselves a pat on the back when they achieve a goal. Identify things every day and every week that you can reward yourself for. Don't just focus on the big stuff either. If you are scheduled do make 50 cold calls on the phone, have a reward at the end for completing the calls. And most important: have fun.

Stand up and Shout




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