The other day I was speaking with a small business owner and they were sharing with me the struggles they were having in their business. "I really like the clients I have, but I hate all the paperwork I have to do to keep my businesses operational, you know."

Then, not surprisingly, the next thing this person talked about was how they struggled with procrastination around the essential tasks they needed to do. Worse than that, now, was that they had more on their plate to deal with because they had put everything off for so long.

This isn't an uncommon story I hear. In fact, it is more of a red flag to a bigger issue. Curious, I asked them a few more questions and finally stated, "Are you in love with your business?"

This person stopped, thought for a moment, and then conservatively answered, "Well, I like aspects of my business, and I guess to be honest, I spend time on the things I like doing, but I suppose I avoid a lot of the other things I don't. So, I guess, no, I don't take good care of my business; so maybe I really don't love my business."
 
Herein lies a problem with many small business owners. They enjoy the relationships they have with their clients, contacts, and peers, but do not enjoy the relationship they have with their business itself. Truly it is a relationship--one that needs constant love and support, care and attention.

Being in love with your business is like being in love with a person. You must be able to see a future with them, want to have specific experiences together, and be able to be your best self in the whole of it. Owning your own business cannot be just about work that makes you money. That thought would be as silly as saying you just want to get married because you want a spouse, kids, and a house-so you just marry anyone.

There has to be something more to your business 'love story'. 
 
·   Why was it you went into business for yourself?  
·   What personal experience transformed your desire to go from being an employee
     to that of a business owner?  
·   What did you want to accomplish through the vehicle of this business?
·   How can the success of your business push you into greater service to others or 
     allow you to help more people?

"The 'love stories' about our businesses are just as essential as how we feel about the work we do."

Once we understand the real value our business hold for us, the tasks which seem challenging begin to disappear because they just become a part of the process to obtaining the bigger picture and bigger love affair we can have.
 
What will it take for you to fall in love with your business? Business, like a good, healthy relationship, must allow us to be our radiant, best selves. If there are tasks you do not care for that take away your shine, for example bookkeeping, then out source it for someone else to handle so you can continue to do what you love. You will make the money up three-fold because you took a task away that potentially could sabotage the love for your business.

An aspect to falling out of love with your business is that, just like in some relationships, we put a lot of time and energy into them; however, we experience very little reward back. If you have been working hard and have not set up a personal business budget that incorporates paying yourself first, then your business will feel more like a drain than a joy. Get realistic with your numbers and see what it would take for you to create that salary you desire, budget for expenses, and still have extra in bank for those experiences like seminars, workshops, and professional development that would move you into an even bigger love affair.
 
How we view our business will exponentially create or break our success! Stop today and decide why you love your business, and, then, take one step forward to show you care by nurturing that relationship. 

 
© 2009 Wendy Burge - Radiant Edge Consulting.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Radiant Business & Marketing Coach Wendy Burge publishes the On the Edge! bi-weekly ezine--Where business, marketing, and lifestyle meet. If you're ready to have radiant marketing, make more money, and have more freedom in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.RadiantEdgeConsulting.com

 

 are required to cover their own lunch expenses.

Seats are VERY limited. Reserve your spot by emailing today at info@radiantedgeconsulting.com with the word "FOCUS GROUP" in the subject line along with your name and business contact information in the email body. Once I receive your reservation I will send you a confirmation email along with location details.

This event is sure to fill up quickly. 
 
This group will be small and intimate so people can really get the desired attention their business may need as the Kwik Focus facilitators, me, and the other business owners will then have the opportunity to give each attendant great feedback. You won't want to miss this unique business opportunity!