Education replaces fear. Always. Why?Because when we have more of the “knowables”, we are more confident to step forward and do what is required to create the outcome we want.
Because when we have more of the “knowables”, we are more confident to step forward and do what is required to create the outcome we want.
I know a mouthful with a made up word. I claim ownership of that word by the way.
When we start out in business, we are fueled by the excitement of the possibilities, what could be created, who we get to work with, what it will all look like. That lasts possibly 2 weeks, and then the fear of paying the rent, the team, the utilities and the marketing budget can set in and we can come to a halt or at the very least energetic concrete shoes that slow us down.
So what is required to prevent this from happening, really at any stage of our business?
Education. The right kinds of education. Now don’t get me wrong, there is something to be said for “Street Smarts”. You know learning by doing. However, the learning by doing can be stalled out by fear of the unknown or fear of making a mistake. This is where education steps up.
For example, 90% of entrepreneurs do not have a business plan. Not because they do not need one or they enjoy taking the long painful scenic route with one leg and one arm tied behind their backs. It is because they have not been educated in how to do them. This game plan, blueprint, strategy assists you with staying focused, confident and strong in where you are going. That is no fear. (I highly recommend it.)
If, for example, we educate ourselves on the best demographics in our city to purchase our products and services in 6 communities, we will confidently create our marketing to those areas, knowingly put them in the correct advertising spots for those people to see them, and we then can set up data tracking to know our ROI for future tweaks. This prevents the fear of “what happens if I drop $5000 into this ad and no one buys or not enough people come to pay that back?” We will then hesitate or delay an opportunity and the momentum is lost.
Let’s do another example. Your sales are low, so low that you are debating taking up a second job selling cookies door to door but you end up eating most of them because you are an emotional eater. You fear the future of your business and whether or not you will become bankrupt.
Awesome! What kind of education possibilities are out there to assist you with this? How to sell yourself would be number one on my list. Number two would be how to sell your product or service effectively. If you cannot sell yourself, you will be unable to sell anything else. If you are in business you need to be able to sell yourself.
Where else could a business owner benefit from educating themselves?
Finances – forecasting, budgeting, hiring plans, software upgrade budgets, inventory management, cash flow statements, loans, etc.
Human Resources – hiring/termination, job postings/descriptions, labor laws, taxes, deductions, payroll, management, to name a few.
Marketing – social media, websites, emails, automation, direct selling, joint venture partnerships, affiliate programs.
Mindset – success entrepreneur thinking, daily mental activities to create positive outlooks, mantras, statements, meditation, affirmations. (One of my favorites – “I choose to have an amazing day!”)
Communication – customer scripts, your keynote talk, documentation, contracts, etc.
There is so much more that you can add to these depending on your type of business. The more aware you are, the more joyful and spiritual your daily business can be.
Having a business is fun!
Where to start?
First, do not get overwhelmed.
Ask yourself, “What is the biggest pain in the butt for you right now?”
Start there. Ask lots of questions to determine which education will suit you best and the best format to receive it in is. Then go.
Educate. Create. Implement. No Fear. Just success.
