The power of positve thinking
This past fortnight have been quite a challenge for me and the business. Every business has it’s ups and downs and this time it was more down than up (or so I thought).
As a contractor to other small businesses my business really revolves around the work that comes in. Sometimes there can be a lot of work and sometimes not as much. I have been very lucky in my business that I always have an even amount of work coming in, and there is always something to keep me busy.
About 3 weeks ago I found out that I would be losing a contract (well not losing, reducing hours). This was due to the change in structure in my client’s business and they needed a more permanent staff member instead of a contractor (fair call). This was one of my main clients… and needless to say I was a little worried about the loss in workload (and income) but I am a very positive person and not one to shy away from a challenge so I saw it as a chance to go on to bigger and better things.
Sometimes being positive is hard but this time I was absolutely determined that it wasn’t going to affect me (or the business). I saw it as an opportunity to work with some new client. I am so excited to say that the amount of work and opportunities that have come my way in the past week has astounded me (and excited me) and all but make up for the loss of the contract. I am convinced that it is due to my attitude and keeping positive about the whole thing.
I could have easily taken this as something negative in my business, but instead I decided to turn it into a positive and wow what a difference that has made. I am now extremely motivated and re-energised which is a great thing for both myself and my clients.
Have you ever turned a negative situation into a positive? I would love to hear about them.
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Gday Nic,
Great post. It is really easy to doubt yourself when you are a small business owner – even more so when you are a sole trader like us. I have found that when I was in a positive frame of mind, more work came to me and when I was feeling a bit down about it all, the work continued to drop off.
That might have been a coincidence but either way, I feel heaps more productive when I am feeling great – and the flow of work seems to mirror that.
Nick
Thanks for the comment Nick and I completely agree it is really easy to doubt yourself as a small business owner. But I think being positive is so much better for your peace of mind than being negative.
Negative can be very draining and i think if you are positive and energised then clients will follow.
Hi Nic. Thank you for being so honest about your last three weeks. The change could have so easily pushed you into the “stress zone” but your attitude to everything was so amazing! I truly agree that by putting out positive energy (though at times hard for us solo/mumpreneurs!) it will be returned ten-fold.
Sending you even more positive energy
Helen
Hi Helen
Thanks so much for your support. It has definitely been a trying time but I feel so much better with a positive outlook and of course the support of yourself and Nick and I am feeling like everything will be absolutely fine.
Definitely as solo/mumpreneurs it is hard as you have so many other things going on…. it is nice to know that you can survive anything sent your way.
Cheers
Nicole
Hi Nic,
That’s a great story. I also firmly believe in the power of positive thinking.
I remember when I first started out. Within a month I had my first client, it was a one off job but I was so excited. Then a month or so passed with nothing. There were the detractors who started to tell me that starting the business wasn’t probably the best idea and that it was all too hard, but I stuck to my guns. I knew I wanted it to be a success and I knew if I wanted it hard enough, it would happen.
Through the next couple of months I did a lot of study and built up my website and skill base. I would tell people that things were going great (fake it till you make it), and I remained focused and enthused.
Then all of a sudden I scored a client and then a week later another, both regular contracts! From there I haven’t looked back.
Of course there are times when I start to doubt myself or worry if things get a bit quiet, so I remind myself to keep focused and remain positive.
It truly does work!
Well done Nic.
PS. Have I told you how much I just love your business name?
Jodi
Hey Jodi
Thanks so much for the support (glad you love my name too!).
I am so happy that other people have similar situations and it is very easy to be negative but sticking to your guns as you did is so important, particularly if some people question your idea and business it is easier sometimes to take on the negative comments and start to doubt yourself. I think that your business is one of the VA success stories and feel honoured to work along side you in the industry (I love how supportive we all can be) and glad you didn’t listen to the detractors.
Positive vibes really do help, no matter what other people say
Cheers
Nic
Hey Nicole
That is lovely that you can share your experience with us and so frankly. I am sure we have all experienced something similar and Jodi wrote a great reply. I was only thinking a lot over the past few weekends about how much I have learnt in the past year and especially from other people’s blogs like yours Nic and Jodi. Also this may sound blonde but until I have time to allow the information to sink in I do not have the ‘a ha’ moments. So when I have had slow times this has been a positive because I can allow information to filter through. Thanks for all your brilliant blogging it really helps the new kids on the block!
Hi Michele,
Thanks for the comment, it was actually quite a hard blog post to write… no one likes to admit that they are no longer working with a client (even if the reason isn’t about me) but I felt it had to be said and I am really glad that it could be of help to you.
Quiet times are great for business sometimes it allows you to sit back and analyse your business, where improvements can be made so definitely make the most of it and keep positive as it will happen for you as long as you believe it will.
Cheers
Nic
Great post Nic and one I could really understand and relate to.
I too have lost or sacked clients over the time I have been running Strawberry Communications and it is always tough at the time, but like you I choose to see the opportunity in the situation, rather than dwelling on it.
Well done for being so honest.
Joh