Part 2 of 2

As a small business owner, you may be a classic do-it-yourselfer. And it got you pretty far – but then you got stuck. Your growth came to a standstill. So now, as you attempt the leap to the next level – it makes sense to scour your business for system-creating opportunities. After all, you need to create time for your “great work,” or what you’re passionate about.

Here are a few more places to look:

5. Co-Creating With Your Team. This will sound familiar to my coaching clients: if you want to increase your capacity for greater growth in your business, you must expand your team. A caveat: just putting a team member into place isn’t enough. You’ll want to co-create systems for your success with them. For example, my assistant, Jan, helps me get my newsletter out by sending me our newsletter template when it’s time for me to write it. She doesn’t wait for me. She knows the schedule, she fills in what she knows we are going to promote (teleclasses, blog postings, etc) and then sends it to me to write the welcome, article and make edits. We co-created this system together. It helps me get the newsletter out consistently, and helps her plan her work schedule as well.

What systems can you co-create with a team member to support YOUR success?

6. Personal Systems. One of my favorite personal systems is my Daily Giggle Goals. Each day I sit down as I’m planning out my priorities for the day and I pick 3 goals (bite-sized is key) to get done today. These are 3 things that would have me smile and giggle with delight at the end of the day when I know they are done. For me, this is about being purposeful – having my actions aligned with my purpose. If this sounds like it would be a good focus tool, check out the Joyful Business Guide for a whole system of attraction tools to help you “focus and flow” in your day.

Another favorite personal system is related to time management. When planning my time, I group similar types of activities together (like writing, creative brainstorming and reflection). Each of these activities takes similar energy and inspiration, so I find I can get on a roll and accomplish more when I group them together instead of trying to do a little here and a little there.

When will you schedule your similar activities this week? Do you think you could be more effective if you weren’t jumping from one unrelated thing to the next?

7. Internal Energy Systems. We all have days when we wonder if we can “do it,” we doubt our ideas, or our confidence wobbles. It’s important to have systems in place to help you shift your energy and beliefs so you don’t get stuck in that mindset.

Consider having a support team you can tap into: a massage therapist, energy worker, Reiki specialist or Homeopathic doctor all can be part of your team that helps you shift your energy when you need it. Whether it’s stress manifesting as a muscle ache, your thoughts, or a sinus infection wanting to happen – your team stands ready to help you manage your energy – physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.

The next time you experience an “off” day, who will you call on to help manage your internal energy? What can you do to care for yourself?

8. Working with a Coach or Mentor. When it comes to marketing and building your small business, there’s no need to spend your precious energy reinventing the wheel. One of the best time-saving systems of all is to find a mentor or coach who has been there, one whose values and business you admire. You can learn from their mistakes, successes and resources, and experience accelerated success in less time.

Who is a model of success for you? How could you work with them to gain greater momentum in your business?

En-JOY!

Laura

If you would like to use this article in your newsletter or blog please feel free to do as long as you include our credit information: Written by Laura Howard West, Center for Joyful Business, http:/www.joyfulbusiness.com I would also appreciate it if you'd send us a copy for our media files. ©Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Laura West is an award-winning online entrepreneur and president of The Center for Joyful Business. If you are ready to shift your marketing and mindset for more success with joy and ease, get your free report: Business Attraction Success Kit

Comments

[Bill Shor]

Many inexperienced small business operators do not have a lot of background in finance, but they do have a strong belief in what their company can do. So whether you're young and want to go out on your own or retiring from an old job and want to start anew, believe in your vision and do it.
Saratoga Springs