Challenges and obstacles are an inevitable part of any business owner’s lot and in many cases the main thing that separates the successful businesses from the others is their ability to overcome hurdles and keep on going. Although they can be overwhelming at first, most business hurdles can be overcome with enough hard work, creativity and if necessary, help.
When it comes to overcoming obstacles to your business success, attitude has a lot to do with it. Here are a few strategies that I have found useful over the last few years when trying to overcome various business related hurdles myself.
Cultivating a positive attitude
Obviously this is easier said than done, but the attitude you take when you approach challenges and setbacks can make a big difference to the eventual outcome. A positive attitude helps you put in your best possible effort and can be a big asset when you are dealing with disgruntled clients, customers or employees. If you are negative about a challenging situation, you may not try as hard to resolve it and being grumpy or uncommunicative won’t help your relationships with other people who may be affected.
One significant way to help create a positive attitude is to master the art of not taking things personally. If you beat yourself up about mistakes, especially when they aren’t your fault, it’s easy to fall into negative and defeatist thought patterns. Try to master the art of not taking it personally so you can stay focused on the outcome and keep a sense of perspective.
Breaking up big challenges into small chunks
Nobody wants to face a massive, overwhelming, time consuming hurdle, which is why it’s always a good idea to break down a mammoth obstacle into small, manageable chunks. Set aside a certain amount of time each day to deal with it and you will find yourself powering through in no time.
Keeping the lines of communication open
If your obstacle affects your clients, customers, suppliers or co-workers it’s essential that you keep them informed of any progress on a regular basis. Don’t wait for them to chase you up, be proactive at keeping communication open and you can help alleviate frustration and irritation on their part and reduce any long-term damage to the relationship.
Not being afraid to ask for help
While it’s easy to assume you need to soldier on by yourself, with many challenges getting outside advice or help is not only advisable, it’s essential. Some problems may require expertise or knowledge beyond your experience to overcome, or they might require an investment of time that you just don’t have if you don’t want your business to suffer in other areas. Don’t be too proud to put your hand up and ask for help if you are struggling to do it alone.
While hurdles are an inevitable part of running any business, if you can overcome them and move on your business will be able to thrive and reach new heights.
About the Author:
Jo Macdermott is the Chief Marketing Consultant at Next Marketing in Melbourne. She has 15 years of marketing experience, is a Certified Practising Marketer and is a sought after marketing media commentator. Jo specialises in working with small and medium businesses. Follow her on Twitter here.
