Let’s assume you know your business vision and why you are doing what you do. It can be so easy to get caught up in the daily.
So how do you stay on track in the fast-paced environment of a small business where you juggle so much? According to ASBFEO, In 2015, there were 1,980,401 small businesses in Australia. That’s a lot of business and I know in the journey of our success there are some important steps I have introduced to help stay on track. Because being in a sustainable business isn’t just about financial success, it is about your personal path, your inspiration and your self awareness within the business you run. When you put it all together it creates a culture of integrity, which is both infectious to others and can bring rewards to your hand and heart.1) Know what gives you pleasure and satisfaction
The privilege of working in the hair & beauty industry over the last three decades holds the pleasure of connecting with women every day, and nothing is more satisfying than hearing “Thank you, I feel amazing.” Working out your signature offerings, over and above your day to day products/services that time and again add value to your end user will return pleasure and satisfaction to you in ways you can’t imagine. That deep moisturizing hair masque with 10 min scalp massage takes an everyday haircut to a new level. Eyebrow shape & tint + lash tint completely transforms a guest having a haircut and color from the shoulders up. What are your enhancing equivalents in your business? Once you know them be loud and proud. Don’t keep them a secret.2) Have a question you run your decisions by
Will ‘xyz’ help my guests look and feel amazing? What is the fail-proof question you could run your daily questions past and help you feel confident in your decision-making process.3) Recognize you only have a certain amount of energy to spend each day.
Become aware of where you are spending or squandering this most precious resource. Maybe you decide you have some energy you are happy to give, make sure this is your decision freely and it is not just taken from you. With the rest of your energy, where do you wish to invest it so that it truly gives you a return? “Life truly is a manifestation of where we invest our energy” Monk Dhandapani.4) Guard your heart and your mind
As a business owner do you feel open slather to feedback? Does the noise get confusing? Decide who your trusted people are. The ones you can discuss ideas and concerns with and catch up with them regularly. Know precisely the effect these people have on you, so you know whom to go to for what. One may fill you with the courage to face the hard stuff, another may be years ahead of you in business and is a wealth of knowledge, another may be good at challenging your BS, and another is a great listener. Recognize what you need at any given time and go to the right person.
Keep this a win-win. Know what you have to offer others and give back freely to those in this circle. If feedback is delivered from an unreliable source, let it bounce off
5) Spend time with yourself and be gently honest
Take time out to reflect and check in. It is good business practice to meet regularly with staff. Please make sure they are ok, meeting their work requirements, are on track, have everything they need. Do this with yourself. Have a weekly checklist that you run yourself past and ask yourself the same questions. Doing a checklist regularly will make sure you don’t stray far. It is important to stay honest with yourself, for you won’t be able to fix or move past things you don’t acknowledge.My parting advice to others and it doesn’t just apply to business- be smart, not impressive.
So much looks and sounds great in our society and that is all they are- a facade. If things you are doing do not add value or money to your business, or if they do not bring you pleasure or satisfaction, if they do not pass your fail-proof question, if they waste your precious energy, if it only impresses those who don’t know better and most importantly if it doesn’t add up when you take an honest look, let the illusion and the person presenting the illusion go.About our Ponderer:
Mariesa Lauder is a thought leader in the hairdressing and beauty industry. Her reputation in the hairstyling profession, reinforced by the latest technical training and innovative thinking has created a stellar platform for business success. Brene Brown is one of her key influencers in life and Mariesa’s inspirational attitude and dedication to overcoming “road blocks” in life make her a favorite of ours. Nurture, inspiration and professionalism are the principal focus of the “Jomara Business Woman” culture.
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