10 Questions to Help You Beat Business Burnout

Have you lost your flicker?

by Beth Cole

As long as a candle has plenty of wick and air it will keep flickering and giving off light. But watch out. Too much air too fast will blow it out. So will not enough. And even a sprinkle of water will quench it fast.

Your business is kinda like that precious light and I want you to protect your flicker from going out from too much to do, not enough boundaries, or too many Debbie Downers.

It can happen to anybody.

Grab a piece of paper and a cup of joe and give yourself a small break from your day to interact with these questions to help you keep that flame alive.

1. Think back to the time before you launched your business, remember the excitement? What was motivating you to start your new adventure? How can you keep it in sight?
2. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “What do you do?” If you have trouble answering that question, what does that tell you?
3. Is there one client (or more) you wish you didn’t have? Why is that? Make a list of the attributes you don’t like about this client. Then thinking of opposites, make a list of what you are looking for in your ideal client. Remember, you’re the boss! Give yourself permission to say “no” to clients like this, so you can say “yes” to your ideal clients.
4. Take a look at your surroundings. Do you like what you see? If not, what would you change?
5. Make a list of all the things that are sucking your energy dry right now. I you could eliminate just one, what would it be? What would that do for you?
6. Make a list of the tasks you are doing in your business right now. On a new piece of paper create three columns: Marketing; Finance; Products/Services. Now categorize everything from the master list into one of these columns. This will help you get a sense of what is taking the most of your time. Is there anyone else you can involve in your business to help carry the load? (Think Virtual Assistant or Accountant).
7. Think about what it takes to deliver your product/service to your clients. Write down all the steps from the beginning agreement to when you cross the finish line. This is your process. Are you satisfied with it? Can anything be automated or improved?
8. How did you arrive at the price for your services? How is that working for you?
9. Think of the last time you felt really joyful and energetic. What was giving you that feeling? Is there a way to tap into that energy every day?
10. Who is the one person who will always be in your corner, you know the one who will have a good word no matter what? Is there a way to interact with this person more?

There will always be pressure and difficult circumstances in your business. Finding ways to cope with these pressures will help you grow as a person and enjoy the benefits of being your own boss.

So can you keep your flame alive? I think you can — I believe it and I’m with you all the way.

What are your thoughts?

Photo: Flickr Ezioman

—-
Beth Cole is a web consultant and business coach specializing in small business launches. Tweet with her @websrvnt,  comment on her blog or say hello on Facebook.