3 Ways to Avoid Giving Up On Your Business
There are so many reasons to celebrate your achievements and enjoy running a business, but occasionally you may feel deflated and want to give up.
First of all, let me reassure you that this is perfectly normal. Running a business is hard work. It takes determination, dedication, and willpower. Your business needs to be something you love and are passionate about, as you’ll be spending all your time working on and in the business.
Feeling overwhelmed can play a big role in the thought process of giving up on your business, as can a variety of other factors. Can you relate to any of these?
Pressure from partner/family – it takes time to build a thriving business and start to see financial gain. Does your partner or family trample on your dreams because your ROI isn’t where it should be yet? Have they given you an ultimatum to cease trading if you don’t hit your targets?
Guilt – we are all susceptible to feeling guilty, especially as women and mothers. Do your family pile on the guilt when you work late or at the weekend? Are you experiencing mum guilt and feel like you’re missing out on your child’s development?
Imposter syndrome – 60% of women are put off starting a business due to imposter syndrome. If you’re one of the brave souls who went ahead and launched a business, it doesn’t mean you won’t experience moments of self-doubt. When left unchecked those feelings of doubt and insecurity can force you to give up on your dream of being a business owner.
It’s worth noting that UK women’s businesses have a higher churn rate (i.e. more start-ups and closures), but women are more likely to attribute the closure of their business to personal reasons. (Source: Women in Business: A Different Perspective)
These personal reasons are more likely to include one or all of the list above.
“When someone tells you that you can’t do something, perhaps you should consider that they are only telling you what they can’t do.” Sheldon Cahoon
How can you avoid giving up on your business?
It’s worth reviewing your reason for feeling discouraged. Is it an external issue such as the pressure from a partner to give up and get a ‘proper’ job? Or is it internal like feeling inadequate, a lack of confidence, or anxiety?
Once you recognise the reason, you can find the right solution.
Here are our top three ways to help you avoid giving up:
What’s Your Why?
Reconnect with the passion you felt when deciding to start your business. What was the driving force behind your decision? Was it to free up more time, or leave a stressful corporate environment and improve your mental or physical health? Perhaps you want to help people using a new set of skills?
Whatever your reason it will be unique to you. Spend some time reminding yourself why you started your business and what you hoped to gain. You may not have achieved your original goals or intentions, but this is the ideal time to reassess those goals and tweak them accordingly.
- Find Your Tribe
Joining a like-minded networking group that can support you as you build and grow your business is a worthwhile investment.
Here are some of the benefits we offer at Women’s Business Networking:
- Member profile – Our website is the hub of the network where we share resources, event information, an informative blog, and an overview of our lovely members. You will have the opportunity to take advantage of this SEO (search engine optimised) promotion by adding your name, business details, and biography to the membership portal for visitors to read.
- A panel of experts – You can’t possibly know everything, and sometimes you don’t have the time, resources, or energy to do the necessary research. Our members have exclusive access to a panel of experts who specialise in business processes, sales and marketing, SEO and visibility, and human resources. Tap into this great font of knowledge and get the help and advice you need when you need it.
- Online Meetings – Geography, time restrictions, and workload can hinder our attempts to network effectively; that’s why our virtual networking sessions are so popular. We have members and guests attend our meetings from all over the globe, making this network a great way to reach a much wider audience. As part of your membership, you receive two free online meetings per month.
- Dedicated Facebook Group – Our dedicated Facebook group provides our members with a safe space to engage, ask questions, and meet other members. We understand that our online networking sessions are essential for meeting like-minded ladies and introducing your products or services to others. Our Facebook group is the perfect place to interact on the go with fellow members. Ask questions, share advice, tips, and experiences, and learn more about your fellow business owners.
“There are times in business when we need reinforcements. A friendly army of like-minded people who can walk by our side. Who will listen to our thoughts, reflect on our dilemmas and successes and cheer us along. Sharon not only brings her own extensive business knowledge but also has attracted experts from a wide range of business arenas. We are in safe hands in this group. We can share our troubles and our joys. And that is invaluable in today’s complex business environment.” Alison Taylor, Global Business Development.
Stay Curious
Starting a business is the beginning of a special adventure. You need to become an eternal student and remain open to learning new skills and developing old ones. If you feel like giving up because you can’t manage certain aspects of the behind-the-scenes strategies it might be worth outsourcing.
Nobody launches a business with full knowledge of accounts, sales, marketing, or employment law. Some of these topics we can learn, but most will need external help and guidance.
Staying curious and learning as much as you can is a wonderful way to boost your personal and professional development. Tapping into your network community and outsourcing to other women in business is another way of supporting each other through the dark days.
Ask for help! It’s a simple solution that can solve so many of your doubts and worries. That’s what the Women’s Business Network is all about. We want to see you succeed and we are here to support you every step of the way.
“I love connecting with like-minded women and business owners. I’ve been able to build trusted relationships, boost my professional development, and build a wider network outside my usual circles. I can highly recommend WBN.” Sue Green, Rixgreen.
Find out more about the support, online meetings, and guest speakers we have coming up at the Women’s Business Networking group via our website.
Alternatively, get in touch to discover how membership to Women’s Business Networking can benefit you and your business.
