Comfortable? Time for a Change

Are you comfortable in your business?  I mean think about it.  Have you gotten into a routine of things and despite the fact that it may not be working, you keep doing it.  It is comfortable but you believe that things will change, right?  I don’t want to burst your bubble BUT the truth is that’s a little insane!  The definition of insanity is you keep doing the same thing but expect different results.  Sound familiar?

Courtesy of Party Plan Divas

I used to have a comfort zone, where I knew I couldn’t fail;

The same four walls and busy work were really more like jail.

I longed so much to do the things I’d never done before,

But, I stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn’t matter that I wasn’t doing much,

I said I didn’t care for diamonds, rings, and such.

I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the zone,

But deep inside I longed for something special all my own!

I couldn’t let my life go by just watching others win

I held my breath and stepped outside to let the change begin!!

I took a step and with new strength, I’d never felt before,

I kissed my comfort zone good-bye, and closed and locked the door!!

If you are in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out

Remember that all winners, at one time were filled with doubt!

A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true!

Greet your future with a smile and Success is there for you!!

~Author unknown

When was the last time that you did something that made you feel uncomfortable?  If you can’t remember, it is time to make a change.  Being uncomfortable can actually lead to growth in your business.  Think about the successful people you know – are they willing to do things that other people either didn’t want to do or couldn’t think to do?

For some, stepping out of the “comfort zone” comes naturally. For others, they have to overcome the FEAR to accomplish this.  Yes, I am guilty of resorting to my comfort zone.  As I kick off the Fall season, I am working on doing things differently.  Here are some tips that might help YOU:

• Don’t overthink it. Have an idea that is totally out of your “norm”, think about it but don’t spend so much time on it that you psych yourself out of doing it.  You won’t know if it will work, if you don’t try it.  Who knows just because it didn’t work for someone else doesn’t mean that it won’t work for you.
• Talk to other people. Find a support system that will help you through the decision-making (and execution) process.  I love to bounce my ideas off of people to see what they think.  Sometimes it will be hubby for the practical business advice and sometimes it will be a friend who can see the bigger picture.
• Start small.  For me, starting small is getting back to making into the habit of making follow-up calls or even those chicken calls.  You know the people you want to ask to party or offer the opportunity to but you let FEAR take hold.

The great thing about making yourself less comfortable is that it becomes easier over time.  The first time you step out of your comfort zone, you might experience fear and anxiety, but by the 10th time, it will come naturally, and you’ll still get all the benefits of breaking out.

The next time you start feeling yourself becoming comfortable with your business, force yourself to change something.  Keep the pressure on, and there’s no limit to the heights you’ll be able to grow.  I believe in YOU!!!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Business Boosters

Things are pretty busy at our house – we are 1 week away from leaving for North Carolina for our daughter’s wedding.  Tonight I am blessed to be able to be with my Thirty One sisters because we are “Better Together”.  It is our bi-monthly meeting/training.  I love being able to share and learn from each of them.

Today, I want to talk about business boosting ideas and some AWESOME tips that I got from Desiree Wolfe.  I LOVE this Rebel Badass Mom-preneur.  We are heading into the busiest selling season of the year when many of us will do 80% of our business.  Consultants that have been quiet for months will want to grab a piece of the action this selling season.  So, here are a few tips to keep you consistently in front of your customers:

1. Post Your Website on EVERYTHING.

Do you list your website on EVERYTHING – return address labels, signatures in your emails, or business cards in your bill payments if you use snail mail? Is it on every social media site you are on?  If not, you are loosing business.  Consistently driving traffic to your website will increase your visibility and your business.

2. Update your website regularly.

I know you are wondering what to do if you are in direct sales and have a company website, right?  Update your bio on the website, share other links, update your social media profiles, and maybe even write a blog.

3. Participate on other websites and blogs.

Now, this does not mean post your monthly sales or plead for business/recruits.  Engage in conversation that will get your name out there. Use a tag line that when they hear it, they will immediately think of you.  Mine is “Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!”.  Working on one so that I can use my name as an acronym.  Any suggestions?

4. Participate in Charity events.

This is my FAVORITE thing to do.  Be a sponsor and advertise.  Give back a percentage of your sales to the event.  Volunteer your time and be a walking billboard for your products.

5. Create partnerships with other business owners

This is a great way for you BOTH to expand your circle of contacts.  Place a fish bowl to collect cards at a local business.  Hold a joint event (mini vendor event) with other consultants or business owners.

6. Run a contest right on your website.

I do this on my VIP customer group but with a canned direct sales website, this one is tough.  We need to be creative to ensure that the word is spreading beyond your normal circle.  Maybe start a #hashtag that is just yours.  Share it on social media but encourage people to visit the website or answer a mini survey to enter.  I am looking for suggestions for this, share your best tip.

7. Share resources.

If you found a cool site that your audience might benefit from share it. Or maybe you purchased a really awesome gadget. Share the link or even give away a copy in a contest.  I do this on my blog with my Saturday Spotlight.  It is a great way to expand your circle.

8. Be Yourself.

I think this one goes without saying.  When you are genuine in your marketing and your business you’ll attract customers who want to do business with you.

For the complete article, check out Desiree’s blog.  Marketing your business doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  Consistency will pay off.  I had someone local request a catalog this week – a friend of a friend.  When I stopped by to drop off the catalog, she said “I knew to reach out to you because I see your face & name everywhere.  You have been doing this a LONG time”  I share and don’t sell.  No pleading for business just sharing the specials and the opportunity in a non-sales way.

So, what is your favorite way of spreading the word about your business? Share your tips with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!