New Entrepreneurs Growing Pains: 5 Factors To Consider

Entrepreneur Growing Pains

Joy was excited about launching her business and she did! Now six months later, she has been finding it difficult to survive financially. With rising debt and living expenses, she is unable to make ends meet. She reached out for coaching to tackle her inner stress while pondering if she had made a mistake.

This situation is common to many first-time entrepreneurs. Statistics show that many small businesses fail during the first year. Most ponder giving up or staying the course. The decision between working on their new business or getting a job often depends on various factors. Here are a few:

  1. Financial Stability: If an entrepreneur’s financial situation is precarious and their business isn’t generating immediate income, getting a job might be necessary to cover living expenses and support the business financially.
  2. Business Stage: Early-stage businesses might require time and effort before becoming profitable. In such cases, working on the business while having a part-time job or a source of stable income could be a feasible option.
  3. Learning Curve: New entrepreneurs might benefit from working in the industry they’re entering. A job can offer insights, experience, and networking opportunities that can be invaluable for their business.
  4. Time Commitment: Running a business demands a significant time commitment. If the business requires full-time attention to get off the ground, working solely on the business might be necessary initially.
  5. Risk Tolerance: Some entrepreneurs prefer to dedicate all their time and energy to their business, even if it means financial strain initially, while others might opt for a more gradual approach to reduce financial risk.

In many cases, a hybrid approach—working part-time or freelancing while gradually growing the business—can strike a balance between financial stability and business development. It allows entrepreneurs to sustain themselves while dedicating time to their entrepreneurial venture.

Ultimately, it’s crucial to assess individual circumstances, weigh the pros and cons, and make a decision that aligns with both the financial needs and the growth potential of the business.

Are you a new entrepreneur experiencing first year growth pains? Which of the above will you adopt and apply to your situation? Are there any others that you have considered? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Jobs That Will Disappear In The Next Decade …

Things change. Nothing remains forever

As a leadership coach who has help many transition their careers in business and entrepreneurship, I was curious when I came across MSN’s Andrew Herring’s story on careers that will disappear in the next decade. Here I share.

Is Your Job On The List?

  1. Drivers. Not sure if I am ready to be driven around by driverless cars, but ready or not, it’s coming.
  2. Customer Service Reps were the ones we couldn’t live without. These days we have to since we cannot get a ‘human‘ on the phone. Besides, who wants to speak with anyone anyways in this text era?
  3. Factory workers. No surprise here considering automation.
  4. Travel Agents. They are more travel smart but airlines direct sales to our emails, we keep forgetting their value.
  5. Bank Tellers. Can’t recall the last time I went into a bank line. Drive through, online check negotiations and direct deposits from employers, this is believable.
  6. Proofreaders. I still like this especially as an author but lots of software available, so this is not so far-fetched.
  7. Receptionists. Wonder who will I see when I walk into brick-and-mortar businesses? Hotel check-ins, direct to agent services, I guess?
  8. Bookkeepers. Who uses them anyway when Ai keeps track and easily track expenses, reconcile and fast generate reports?
  9. Data Entry Clerks. Check what your phone scan feature can do. Yep, it can easily read handwriting and convert it into digital text. Absolutely convenient.
  10. Telemarketers. I think my 91-year-old uncle will miss answering the phone angrily. It seems the calls never stop these days.

So, there you have it. Ensure that the job of your dreams still exists before you invest in it. Otherwise, are there any jobs missing from the list? Or should any be removed? Please share. We would love to hear!

Cheers!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

5 Points To Consider When Transitioning Into A New Career

11 Challenges Of First Time Supervisors …

Manage the Overwhelm

Janet was elated when she was promoted for her exceptional skills and expertise in performing her job. Within a few weeks she called expressing her frustration as she felt like an imposter. She was finding it difficult to handle the challenges of her new role.

Challenges and Problems New Supervisors Face

Here are some common problems and challenges new supervisors often face:

  1. Lack Authority -Promoted but struggle to influence former peers.
  2. Ineffective Delegation – New supervisors may want to prove themselves by doing it all without delegating. End up micromanaging or miss opportunities to empower their team.
  3. Poor Time Management – Often end up buried in daily tasks compromising productivity.
  4. Mishandling Performance – avoid difficult conversation or acting too aggressively to assert authority.
  5. Poor Communication skills -Giving direction or feedback is unclear, not listening or making assumptions.
  6. Maintaining friendships – Boundaries blur as new supervisors must now manage former co-workers who were friends.
  7. Lack of leadership training – often promoted without receiving adequate training.
  8. Unrealistic expectations – new supervisors may feel they know everything already or may want to quick-fix long standing issues quickly.
  9. Imposter syndrome – doubt their abilities, lack confidence, or feel underqualified.
  10. Stress and work/life balance – they become overwhelmed by the pressures of the responsibilities of the new role.
  11. Go it Alone – Does not seek help from a coach who can help them navigate the new role.

With proper mentoring, training, and experience over time, these common pitfalls can be overcome. Patience, self-awareness, and a learning mindset are key for successfully transitioning to supervisor.

Connect with a leadership coach who will help you confidentially maneuver the challenges of your new role.

Questions or need to add any missing challenge? Do share, we would be glad to hear.

Cheers!

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

2023 Holiday Gift Guide For Book Lovers …

Give the gift of insight, inspiration, and growth this holiday season! Delve into the world of leadership, self-discovery, inspiration and professional development with these curated books. Perfect for friends, family, or colleagues seeking to elevate their leadership skills and embark on a transformative journey. Click the Gift Guide, choose a book that sparks growth and ignites the potential within your loved ones this festive season!

Each Book link takes you directly to Amazon where you can buy, beautifully gift wrap and place under your well-lit sparkling Christmas tree. Voila! They’re thrilled!

Hope this guide has inspired your gift giving. E-books are perfect for last minute book shoppers. Grab copies for the perfect New Year’s gift. Oh, don’t forget to get a copy of my just released book RedLight: When God Says No which completes the GreenLight trilogy.

Can’t decide which to get? Let’s Connect!

7 Symptoms of Being In A Job You Hate During The Holidays

Being in a job you dislike during the holidays can amp up feelings of discontent and stress. Here are some common emotions individuals like yourself might experience:

  1. Increased Stress: The holiday season, which is supposed to be joyful, might instead feel overwhelming due to the added pressure of work dissatisfaction.
  2. Isolation and Loneliness: Feeling disconnected or alienated from colleagues who seem to enjoy their work or take time off can exacerbate feelings of isolation.
  3. Increased Disengagement: Lack of interest in work can escalate, making it challenging to focus or contribute positively.
  4. Heightened Frustration: The contrast between the festive spirit around and the negative feelings about work can lead to increased frustration.
  5. Impact on Mental Health: Prolonged dissatisfaction at work during the holidays might affect mental well-being, leading to anxiety or depression.
  6. Strained Relationships: The stress and dissatisfaction from work can spill over into personal relationships, impacting interactions at home or with loved ones during the holidays.
  7. Sense of Hopelessness: Feeling stuck in a job you dislike might increase the sense of being trapped or unable to change your situation.

These feelings can make it especially challenging to enjoy the holiday season and can have a significant impact on the overall well-being of individuals like yourself.

If you’re in a job you hate that’s causing you to experience any of the emotions above, don’t do it alone. As a leadership coach with decades of experience, let’s connect to discuss your next steps.

Well what are you waiting for? Let’s connect

I Chose Me Yet I Felt Guilty …

I chose me. Yet I felt guilty.

I chose me and I felt guilty. Hmm, has that ever happened to you? I chose the best option for me given the situation, yet I felt so guilty. I’m a giver. Everybody knows that. I give of my time and energy to others, most often sacrificially. I had two obligations simultaneously while making funeral plans for a close relative. Balancing all three events was hard. Funeral arrangements take you on an emotional roller coaster. Just imagine the ride.

After much thought and careful consideration, I chose the conference that would contribute to my own personal growth and development. It solidified by decision to try new things. Yet I felt guilty about the one I omitted which would have benefited others and not me.

Has that ever happened to you? The art of self-care is important. It forges balance and one that’s definitely needed especially during busy times. Here are 9 ways to help you take care of you combined with these those listed:

  • Stand up for yourself
  • Don’t respond to a call/email (that will stress you) until you’re ready
  • Put yourself first (not selfishly)
  • Miss a social event
  • Be less perfect
  • Say no
  • End a toxic relationship
  • Take breaks (it works wonders)
  • Set boundaries
  • Ask for your needs to be met (within reason)

Hope this list created by @insightful and shared by Viola Davis will help you maintain the care you need to give to yourself and boost your momentum.

Cheers!

Not Perfect But…

Don’t be afraid to try

Not perfect but still doing it. Dr. Charles Stanley said it.

Pastor Steven furtick said it about being in his youth and starting a new church with his wife.

Reggae Music Miss Pat Chin said it too. She said when she started entrepreneurship she didn’t know what she was doing. Young. Niaive but she tried big things not realizing they were too big for a new entrepreneur.

Guess what? It worked! Because she didn’t know. She tried, did it and yep success!

Dr Suess’s idea was different. Novel. Untried by others so his manuscript was rejected by many publishers. Then he met a friend who had just received a promotion to of all things… a publisher! The right place. The right time. The dots connected. Today Dr Seuss is a household name worldwide.

So don’t be afraid to try new crazy things! Things untried by others …because … it just might work.

Cheers!

Navigating Your Career Transition Over The Holidays…

The holidays aren’t just for celebrations; they’re a golden opportunity to unwrap your career’s potential! -✨

Join us for the ‘Navigating Your Career Transition During the Holidays’ seminar, where you’ll discover how to embark on your career journey with renewed energy and clarity. Don’t wait for the new year—start building your dream career now.

📍 Where: Watch online

What You’ll Gain: –

  • Key strategies to seamlessly transition into your dream career.
  • Goal-setting techniques to kickstart the new year with purpose.
  • Insights from experienced career transition experts.
  • Tips to make the most of the holiday season while propelling your career forward.
  • Building Your Personal Brand for Success

Let the holiday season be the launchpad for your career transformation. Don’t miss this chance to make a significant leap in your professional life.

Secure your spot now and embrace a brighter, more promising career future!

9+ Ways To Defeat Procrastination

You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.

Abraham Lincoln

A colleague shared her exhaustion with what she termed as her habitual procrastination. She was tired of incomplete tasks in her life and asked for help.

Avoiding procrastination is essential for leaders and professionals to maintain productivity and achieve goals. Here are 9+ key points shared to help overcome this practice.

1.Self-Awareness

Recognize your procrastination habits and understand the underlying causes. Self-awareness is the first step to change.

2.Prioritization

Prioritizing tasks is essential. Leaders should focus on high-impact, high-priority activities first.

3.Set Clear Goals

Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Having clear objectives provides motivation and direction.

4.Time Management

Use effective time management techniques, such as time blocking, to help you allocate your time efficiently.

5. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Practice breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes tasks less daunting and more achievable.

6.Delegation

Trust more. Delegate tasks to capable team members when possible. Delegation frees up time for strategic thinking and higher-priority activities.

7. Overcoming Perfectionism

Are you a perfectionist? Often this tendency fuels procrastination through delaying completing projects until they are perfect. Focus on progress, not perfection.

8. Accountability

Set up an accountability system, such as working with a mentor, coach, or a peer who can hold you responsible for deadlines and commitments.

9. Eliminate Distractions

Identify strategies to minimize distractions, whether it’s turning off notifications, setting specific work hours, or creating a clutter-free workspace.

10. Self-Motivation

Identify your intrinsic motivation. What drives them to succeed? Connecting with their personal “why” can provide the push you need.

11. Time for Self-Care

Practice taking regular breaks and prioritize self-care. A well-rested and healthy leader is less likely to procrastinate.

12. Mindfulness and Focus

Adopt mindfulness practices and techniques that can improve focus and attention, reducing the temptation to procrastinate.

13. Positive Self-Talk

Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Confidence can help combat procrastination.

14. Celebrate Achievements

Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can reinforce productivity.

15. Continuous Improvement

Focus on the concept of continuous improvement. As a Leader, it is important to regularly assess your time management and productivity strategies and adjust as needed.

16. Seek Professional Support

If procrastination is chronic and significantly hinders your leadership effectiveness, seek support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in procrastination or time management issues.

As a certified Master leadership coach, I provide support, guidance, and accountability to leaders to help them work to overcome procrastination. Implementing the strategies articulated here and developing healthy habits will lead to more effective and efficient leadership.

Need help, lets connect today.

Cheers!

Mastering The Art Of Goal Setting In 10 Steps …

Want to succeed in the new year? Set goals! It’s a big deal because setting goals can help you get where you want to be. The 10 steps that follow make it super simple for you. Whether you’re a leader, professional or just someone who wants to grow, these steps will guide you through the strategies to set goals that really work. The aim is to help you stay motivated and focused on your path to success.

So, watch Aim High and Master the Art of Goal Setting and let’s get started on this journey to make your dreams come true!

Step 1: Clarify the Purpose

Define the Objective: What is the specific area or aspect of life where you want to set a goal? What is the purpose of this goal?

Step 2: SMART Goals

  • Specific: Make the goal specific, avoiding vague language. What exactly do you want to accomplish?
  • Measurable: Ensure the goal can be quantified in some way. How will you measure your progress and know when you’ve achieved it?
  • Achievable: Assess whether the goal is realistic and attainable. Is it within your reach, given your current resources and constraints?
  • Relevant: Does the goal align with your values, long-term objectives, and the bigger picture of your life. Is it meaningful?
  • Time-Bound: Set a clear timeframe or deadline for achieving the goal. When will you complete it?

Step 3: Break It Down

Break It Into Smaller Steps: Divide the larger goal into smaller, manageable tasks or milestones. What steps need to be taken to reach the goal?

Step 4: Prioritize

Prioritize Tasks: Determine the order of importance for each task. Which steps should be tackled first, and which can follow?

Step 5: Visualize Success

Create a Mental Image: Ask the individual to visualize themselves successfully achieving the goal. How will it feel? What will it look like?

Step 6: Identify Obstacles

Recognize Challenges: Reflect on potential obstacles, difficulties, or setbacks you may encounter on your journey to the goal. How can you prepare to overcome these challenges?

Step 7: Develop a Plan

Create an Action Plan: Outline the tasks, deadlines, and resources required to achieve the goal. What specific actions will you take?

Step 8: Monitor and Adjust

Regular Review: Emphasize the importance of monitoring progress regularly. How are you doing in relation to the goal? Are you on track?

Adjust and Adapt: Be flexible in adapting the plan as needed. If you encounter unexpected obstacles or need to change your approach, how will you do so?

Step 9: Accountability

Accountability Partners: Have an accountability partner, such as a coach, mentor, or friend, who can provide support and hold you responsible for your commitments.

Step 10: Celebrate Success

Acknowledge Achievements: When you reach your goal, celebrate the achievement. Do some self-reflection and recognition of your progress.

By following this step-by-step process, you can set and achieve goals that align with your values and aspirations.

Need an accountability partner to help you set your goals and stay on track? Let’s connect

Cheers!

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