Getting the spark back for your solo business!

When you have been together for a while, life can take over - the day-today to-do list, family, chores, the monotony and routine of life and work... You look in your diary, at the week ahead, and feel less than inspired! The last thing you feel like doing is going "all in" in an attempt to re-ignite the spark!

No, I am not talking about your relationship!.. But you and your business.

When you started out, it was possibly scary, yet exciting. You had big dreams and goals that you weren't entirely sure would happen (still not talking about your relationship!!)... and then they did (well done by the way)! You left that corporate job you were unhappy in. You hit that financial goal you set yourself. You have a viable, successful business. So, now what?!

The vast majority of solo, service-based business owners start with a very basic, vague plan - if they have one at all. The main focus is replacing their salary - or a manageable proportion of it, to work with a particular client group, have a positive impact, be happy in the work we are doing and have the flexibility that working for ourselves brings. At the start, those goals feel like the dream. And then we meet them, carry on doing the same work in the same way, learn stuff along the way, become a bit more savvy to how this "business-owner" stuff works but very often we don't take stock and reset our goals in a meaningful way that means we will still want to show up and carry on feeling happy and passionate about it all.

What happens? We feel less excited. Less inspired or proud when we look in our diary for the week ahead. We may even start looking at job ads and thinking "Maybe that would be easier? Was it so bad before?" (the answer is normally possibly, but yes! You left for a reason!). We can feel very 'meh' about it all.

So, what can you do to get that spark back?

1. Find your why. Yes, I know. It's been said a million times and can sound a bit wishy-washy. But if you don't know why you are doing this, why would you carry on? And how can you be sure what you are doing will result in satisfaction, happiness and continued motivation? So really think this through. Why do you want this business? What's in it for you? Service-based business owners are great and articulating what their clients get from working with them, but you need to know what you get from having this business - and I don't just mean the impact you have on others (although that will be a part of it). What will be amazing for you, for your life, for those around you as a result of your business? Is your why being met, or on the way to be? If not, what needs to change?
2. Make sure your business is offering you 'attractive challenge'. If you have mastered your role and everything is the same, week in, week out, finding ways to challenge yourself - that fit with your why, may be what's needed. Maybe a new service or product you can offer? Upgrading your niche or ideal client? You get to decide!
3. Spice up your routine! If you are drained of energy due to your schedule, where and / or how you work, then mix it up! Plan your week differently. Inject new life into your routine.
4. Re-connect. Humans thrive on connection with others. If you are a solo business owner, connections can be hard to find, beyond client interactions. Think about what type of connection energises you and can be of value to your business direction. Do you need to go to more networking events? perhaps find an accountability buddy? Schedule a weekly or fortnightly coffee catch up with a fellow business owner, attend co-working sessions. There are loads of ways to do this and this simple step can not only energise you, but offer new thinking and ideas you would never have by sitting alone all day.
5. Invest. Maybe your business has outgrown just you. Does your business vision and your why mean you need support to free up more time for yourself, your family or to focus on the areas of business you are best at? Maybe now is the time to outsource? Or perhaps investing in a Coach to help you work out your business vision for this next chapter and how to make it a reality is where that investment needs to go? (Oh, hello! That Coach could be me!! I couldn't not mention this, could I?!)

In summary, if you have lost the passion for your business, if you are feeling stuck and want to gain clarity on your "what next" goals, so you feel excited to show up again now and long into the future, then do reach out - I would love to help.

Book a free consultation here: https://meetfox.com/en/e/rebecca-amin-1?t=0&l=intro-consultation-business-owner

www.rebeccaamincoaching.co.uk