Saturday, August 9, 2008

Surviving the Odds

As a business owner, I know the odds aren't in my favor. Most businesses fail within the first two years. I have heard that statistic over and over again. True, in my first year of business I have encountered my share of challenges: finding new clients, securing the start-up collateral and finding ways to market my message are just a few of my setbacks. But they were expected.

That is why I created this blog....because I know the challenges I face are shared by millions of business owners across the country. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a business coach or a mentor to provide encouragement through these difficult times. If you do, consider yourself lucky...very lucky. The reality is...owning a business is a tough job and setbacks are inevitable. But it's how you deal with those setbacks that can define just what kind of leader and entrepreneur you are.

How do you deal ? Do you tackle your challenges head on or put them off for another day? Are you flexible to change or do you find it hard to bounce back from an unexpected turn?

One day at a time. That's my mantra for my business. What's yours? How do you encourage yourself and/or your employees? Please share. Someone else may benefit from your experiences.

1 comment:

Mrs. NearlyWed said...

I often feel like a bird trapped inside a room with windows, you can see the outside but just can figure out how to get there and are afraid of much of the assistance that is trying to help you get out.

Sometimes, I procrastinate on items, it's an old habit that can rear its ugly head on occasion, but for my sanity I have to tackle as much as I physically can.

Not only do I get a sense of satisfaction that I am moving ( albeit through quicksand) and I feel like I am thriving. You never completely get the hang of this if you are doing it right, I believe.

My days are thrice as hectic and my business is thriving. The difference is, I am tackling new and different challenges that I didn't have when I first started. My company is going through growing pains YEA! I had already become complacent in the place where I was so these new changes and challenges are met with much frustration but thank goodness i can see them for what they are.
So now I must return to them as they are screaming ATTEND TO ME!!

Take care!