Emotional tools for business success

Published in the ISJ and BMN week starting Sunday, May 9, 2010

As the American workplace continues to buckle and swerve, many people may be considering the insane, crazy notion of going into business for oneself. Maybe it’s just a fantasy, maybe you’ve written out a plan on the back of a napkin. There is no guarantee that any new business will grow and thrive, and I am no expert on what strategies might increase the odds on such professional gambles. But for some, the urge to explore this seductive option may continue to grow until next thing you know, you’ve got business cards, office space, and a unique career vision that will no longer be denied.

How long does it take to grow a new business? Maybe it’s 2-3 years on average. Maybe it depends on this formula or that budget, or whether you use this marketing plan or buy that business success book. Growing a new business takes a long, long time—and abundant success comes when it is destined, and not one minute before. New business ownership, in addition to being a test of our marketing, financial, and production skills, also tests our resolve, faith, and passion to the very core. Like every other challenge on earth, it’s all about you. So how can you keep the best of you on the front line, most of the time?

Develop an ego of steel. Like Superman/Wonder Woman. Deflect rejections with magic gold bracelets! Have a sense of self that is a muscled fortress against any puny life experience or human weakling that might dare try to knock you down. Safely protect your Achilles heel, your weak spots, while you conquer every challenge as if blessed from above. If, as a new business owner, you are jumping aboard Joseph Campbell’s “follow-your-bliss” train, remember that the ultimate benefit of doing so is a juicy, positive expansion of your very best self. And that ideal self is going to be challenged, questioned, threatened, and exposed, every step of the way.

Visualize your success regularly. What is your business at its best and ideal? What does your life look like with this success? Draw a picture, dream in detail. The bonus challenge is to visualize all this success and contentment as if it is already happening. How are you already successful? How are you oozing success right now with your creativity, passion, talent, resiliency, and bravery? A fun exercise in generating positive visioning might be to write a list of 100 things you want your new business to have, do, be, and provide you. And then see if you can get to 200.

Maintain a strong support system. The world of self-employment is scary and uncertain. Make sure you have friends, family, or colleagues who support what you are doing and will tell you so every time you ask. Your support system can remind you of your mission, purpose, and strengths, and help you maintain the positive, optimistic attitude you will need for long-term business success. People who care about you and respect your career vision can provide an emotional cushion to collapse into during the highs and lows of your self-employment journey.

The experience of self-employment is a roller coaster of success, failure, joy, tears, ecstasy and excruciating pain. Who wouldn’t want that? But if this is the path you choose, choose to give it your best shot, and choose to learn and grow from the experience regardless of the outcome. Onward!


Nancy Goodman is a licensed counselor with an emphasis on life and career coaching. She is not a business coach. For questions or to schedule a free consultation, please contact Nancy at 208-478-1414 or goodnanc@yahoo.com. http://vocatusidaho.blogspot.com.