Motivation + Revenue & Cost Battles

Running a business isn’t just about keeping things going day-to-day; it’s about navigating challenges, staying motivated, and finding new ways to grow. In this edition, we’ll explore how to regain focus when motivation dips, and tackle the common battle of managing rising costs and insufficient revenue.

Managing ebbs and flows in motivation

Motivation isn’t constant—it’s the “why” behind your actions, and sometimes it just disappears. Stress builds, energy dips, and you’re left feeling stuck. But with a few strategies, you can regain focus and keep going.

• Start by getting clear on your goals and finding your personal reasons to push through.
• Hack your energy by prioritising the basics like sleep, food, and water.

And don’t forget: breaks are your secret weapon but counter-intuitive for so many people, because if you stop, you get less done, right?

Wrong.

Intentional breaks—not reactive ones—keep you proactive and strategic.

Schedule your breaks, design them to recharge you, and protect them from distractions. By taking the right breaks at the right times, you can maintain sustained focus and creativity which both serve you better in the long run that trying to stay running on the treadmill.

Remember, motivation fluctuates. You're a human, not a robot or a machine. And action often comes first; your feelings follow. Sometimes small steps are all it takes to get you feeling back on track.

Fighting the “Too Much Cost, Not Enough Revenue” battle

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve faced the struggle of rising costs and stagnant revenue. Sometimes it’s market forces at play, and sometimes it’s the result of reinvestment not yet delivering returns. Or, maybe you just haven't done the things you need to do.

Here are five strategies to help you tackle this common challenge:

Diversify *slightly*

Identify complementary products or services your customers might need that aren't too far a stretch from your current. Start with low-risk additions to your lineup and explore what you’re already doing that could be monetised. Don’t let revenue leak from activities you’re already delivering without charging for—especially in service-based businesses. Consider seasonal or trend-based offerings to capture new customers.

Actually focus on revenue-generating activities

Analyse your sales data to identify your most profitable products or services, and invest more time and resources into promoting them. If you can’t identify your most profitable offerings, it’s crucial to work out what you need to be able to work that out. And if you or the people who should be focusing on sales and marketing aren't spending 80% of their time focused on sales and marketing, look at why. Excuses and procrastination are all too common and often hiding in plain sight.

Collaborate with other businesses

Pooling resources with other businesses can be a powerful way to reach new clients and expand capacity and it's not as scary as it sounds. While it may seem risky to partner with industry peers, collaborative efforts can open doors that neither business could unlock on its own. Don't be afraid to start and have conversations about it - chances are the person you want to approach is feeling fearful too.

Actually take action on what you know needs to be done

Many business owners know exactly what needs to be done but hold back from doing it. If you're in this battle, now's the time to get out of your own way. Whether it’s fixing processes, following up on leads, or refining your sales approach—don’t delay. Take proactive steps to address known issues and keep your business moving forward. If you are delaying, is it because you don't know what needs to be done or is it just because you don't know how to do what needs to be done?

Watch out for contract renewal traps and supplier costs

Keep tabs on contract renewal dates and review them in advance. Watch out for creeping supplier costs, and be ready to renegotiate or switch when necessary. Set reminders for key renewal dates, and review all ongoing contracts and terms regularly to ensure they align with your business’s needs.

Fixing profitability isn’t an overnight task—it takes time, conscious effort, and the right kind of support. By being proactive and focusing on these key areas, you can tackle the challenge of balancing costs and revenue effectively and set your business up to thrive in 2025.