Five Sure-Fire Ways to Keep Your Chin Up in Business!

As entrepreneurs, we all have those times when sales slump a little, or we feel stuck in a rut, or we're just not sure if we're even doing the right thing. Before you let a bad day, or a deal gone sour, fill you with self-doubt - which WILL effect your business eventually, try these sure-fire ways to pick yourself up until the next time you're celebrating a sale! 1. Read over your testimonials from past clients. This will remind you of how valued your business is, and how much you have been appreciated. No testimonials? What are you waiting for? Get some! Get on the phone and call people who you know have been satisfied with your service in the past - tell them you're 'revamping your approach' (then it's not really even a little white lie!), and wondered if they would consider jotting down a few words about what your company did for them. Most folks are delighted to oblige! 2. Call a mentor. You probably know lots of seasoned professionals who've been around the block a few times more than you. It doesn't matter if they're not in the same business - whatever business they're in , they've probably experienced the same kinds of 'slumps' that you find yourself in now. And again, most entrepreneurs who have 'been there, done that' would be happy to spend a few minutes encouraging you to carry on with what you're doing. 3. Get outa there! Particularly if you work from home, it's so important to just simply TAKE A BREAK. Turn off the computer, hang up the phone, shut down the fax machine and get outa there! Go for a walk, pet the dog, find a baby to play with... do ANYTHING that's completely different than having your nose to the grindstone! It sounds trite, but a change really IS as good as a rest! 4. Do some innovative thinking. Brainstorm some new, creative ways to jump-start your sales. I remember reading somewhere about a guy that was trying really hard to get an appointment with the CEO of a big company and not having any luck. Finally, he bought a cheap pair of shoes, put ONE of them in a box and mailed it to the CEO with a note that said 'Just trying to get a foot in the door.' He got his appointment - AND landed the account. 5. Spend some time with someone who loves you 'no matter what.' I know, that sounds pretty 'un-businesslike,' doesn't it? But what better way to reassure yourself that you can't take it personally, and that YOU'RE okay, even if business really stinks right now! I've tried all of these methods, and every one of them has been successful - after all, I'm still in business!