Business Education

3 Unconscious Mental Blocks Your Routine Creates that Hold Your Business Back

Your routine is your frenemy. Let’s repeat this paradoxical reality again. Your daily routine is your frenemy. It’s an often unspoken, difficult truth. Something most of us either ignore or just never think about. Regardless, it is inescapable, because there are two sides to everything. And your daily routine is certainly no exception. What is supposed to be highly advantageous, can also unleash equal disadvantages. So, it’s time to look at this with a curious, open mind.

Biggest Daily Routine Benefits

Routines obviously have their benefits. Otherwise, we would not institute and follow them at all. For example, keeping you on time and task certainly is a huge advantage. By following a routine, you are much less likely to get distracted and you’ll complete priorities in order of importance. Additionally, a routine helps with the ebb and flow of life. Which is to say, uncomfortable or emergency situations.

It’s a fundamental truth that sometimes the greatest barrier to your success is yourself. Not that you don’t try, aren’t talented, or don’t have the resources to succeed–you do. It’s just that a self-limiting mindset can creep into your worldview without you realizing it, keeping the achievement of your goals forever on an unreachable horizon. —Inc.com

It’s common advice that when you’re in unfamiliar territory and feel overwhelmed, settle back into your routine. This helps you to relax and look at the bigger picture. Ultimately, it gives you the calming effect of being in control. Moreover, a routine lets you to chart your progress throughout the day. You feel a sense of accomplishment with each line item you cross off your list.

3 Ways Your Routine Sabotages Your Business

Although routines are beneficial on one hand, on the other, they can be downright detrimental. We usually don’t see these disadvantages because routines offer a sense of continuity and comfort — to mindsets that can be counterproductive. Here are three unconscious mental blocks that your routines create and hold back your business:

You feel satisfied. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of satisfaction. It puts your mind at ease and lets you put your brain on idle. And, that’s the very problem with the mind being satisfied — the satiation is an impediment to wanting and doing more. When you are satisfied, you stop and disengage. Done too often, this is a recipe for stagnation.
You’re not as creative. Have you ever noticed those “eureka” moments are now few and far between, or worse yet, absent entirely? When you started your business, you did so with enthusiasm, drive, and purpose. But, you’ve come to a point where you’re not nearly creative as you were in the past. That’s because you’re just following a routine, which means your no longer freeing yourself to think outside of the box.
You can’t envision a different future Sure, the future is always uncertain. However, there’s a difference between not knowing and not dreaming. If you hit enough of your goals, you’ll probably stop thinking about reaching new achievements and that is tantamount to not reimagining your possible future. After all, as time goes by, changes occur and the future might actually look completely different than it did before.

What other ways do routines undermine your success? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences. Your unique perspective just might help one or several people out! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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The 3 Biggest Social Media Marketing Mistakes

March 10, 2020 No Comments

The three biggest social media marketing mistakes small businesses make might surprise you. In fact, two of them seem contradictory, that is, once you learn their details. But, knowing about these unforced errors can help a business create brand awareness, reach a larger audience, and sell more. Read on to learn about the three biggest social media marketing mistakes small businesses make. The Importance of Social Media Marketing Social media marketing is an obvious necessity in today’s business environment. Consumers get most of their news and information from social media. It’s where 3 out of 5 consumers discover new products and services and/or are repetitively exposed to them on a regular basis. It’s also the place where literally hundreds of millions of people go day after day. Most modern businesses understand the importance of using social media to promote their brand and interact with consumers. Indeed, social media is at the core of many companies’ digital strategy, often delivering measurable results in terms of sales, leads and customer service. That said, there are many social media mistakes that we see time and time again: strategic errors that leave leads on the table and opportunities unexplored. —Forbes.com With such wide reach and exponential potential, it’s no wonder social media marketing is the preferred medium of the largest international brands. Small businesses can also tap into this powerful branding tool, by building a presence. However, it must be done with an effective strategy. 3 Biggest Social Media Marketing Mistakes The lack of strategy, unsurprisingly, is where too many businesses go wrong. Just having a presence and posting updates isn’t enough. It is very important not to commit these three huge social media marketing mistakes, too: Posting too little. If there’s one rule small businesses should follow in regards to social media marketing, it is consistency. Too many businesses start off posting regularly, only to update their pages less and less. Eventually, updates are sporadic, becoming few and far between. Hence, people don’t encounter them often enough and that’s a really bad thing. Posting too much. On the other hand, some businesses over do it. They post so frequently, there’s no discernible message or value to their target audience. These businesses make the mistake of confusing quantity for quality, and that too, is a huge mistake. Posting for the sake of it usually only serves to irritate people, not endear them to the brand. Not effectively branding. The last point plays into this one. It’s a well-known fact in the digital marketing world people often forget where they see things on social media, more particularly, not remembering the source. In other words, they might recall a product or service, but can’t recall the platform on which they saw it, and more importantly, which business it posted the content. Therefore, it’s imperative to have a consistent brand presence so people associate your business with its products and services. What other mistakes would you advise small businesses to avoid? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

How to Think Clearly when Times are Crazy

May 12, 2020 No Comments

Only a few short months ago, the economy was on fire. Then, a slow moving disaster crept across the globe. Shortly after, the coronavirus pandemic triggered a drastic response. An almost total shutdown ensued. Now, re-openings are happening everywhere. But, the unprecedented reaction upended so much, it’s very difficult to return to normalcy. And, it’s enough to make your head spin. The Real Cost of Rash Decisions Rash decisions typically equal regret. But, it’s not just the let down. It’s also the waste of time and money. We all know this, which is precisely why we instinctively hate making rushed decisions. It’s the reason we take time to understand the circumstances. But, when the pressure is on, it’s difficult to resist in the moment. …we need information and we need help to face our problems. But we can only arrive at the solutions by ourselves. The trick is giving our minds the space they need. —Psychology Today Everyone responds to stress differently. Although, there are most definitely commonalities. Fast heart beat, perspiration, even trembling, are all physical symptoms. Then, there’s the toll it takes on your emotions and it becomes very difficult to think clearly. Effective Ways to Think Clearly So, just how do you clear your head? Most people will take a deep breath (which makes the list below). But, sometimes, that’s not enough. Here are some helpful suggestions for how to think clearly during crazy times: Take a deep breath. Okay, this is an obvious bit of advice. But, it bears repeating because it’s not only simple, but often, effective. Taking a moment to slow down and breath deeply can work wonders. Unfortunately, this isn’t always sufficient. Focus on the problem, not the outcome. While taking a bit of time out might help, it could fall short. If you’re worried about the outcome, that’s perfectly normal. But, if that worry is preventing you from taking any action, then focus on the problem or process and not the potential outcome. Hope for the best, plan for the worst. Of course, it’s always best to plan. So, follow the old adage and plan for the best result while being prepared for the worst case scenario. If you can’t completely sidestep a bad outcome, at least mitigate its impact. Solicit advice from several sources. Two heads are better than one. This not only gives you different points of view, it also helps to take the pressure off and gives you more options. Remember, you don’t always have to make decisions alone. Set the situation aside and work on something else. Another great way to clear your head is to occupy yourself with something else temporarily. You’ll get the satisfaction of completing a task and it gives you time to think a bit outside the box. Meditate and/or Pray. Find a moment to be still. You could do this during your breathing exercise noted above. Calm your mind. Find a moment to listen to your breathing and close your eyes. Now meditate on all you’ve been given and how grateful you are for what you have. Thank God for the challenges and opportunities your dealing with and trust Him for His guidance and wisdom to get you through knowing he works all things for good. What other suggestions do you have for thinking clearly? Please, take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences by commenting and benefiting others! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

The Two Key People that Can Tell You if a New Hire will Work Out

August 21, 2020 No Comments

There are two people in your life that can immediately tell you if a job candidate is a good hire. When both (or either one) doesn’t get a good vibe, it’s an important warning sign to heed. While some candidates fit the bill precisely on paper, but it’s what’s not on the resume that’s most telling. Trouble is, you might miss these cues. And, that’s where two key people in your life and business come into the picture. Resume versus Reality Paper credentials are indeed important. But, if his or her personality doesn’t gel, he or she just won’t work out. That’s not necessarily a bad thing because it means there are other qualities that you need to have in that position. Put another way, intangibles can’t be ignored. Even when there’s an impressive track record, that doesn’t seamlessly translate into the perfect fit. Hiring someone who doesn’t fit your company’s personality can be a very costly mistake. To avoid making that mistake, make sure to interview job candidates for cultural fit, as well as job qualifications. —Inc.com We’ve all heard the stories of Steve Jobs. A marketing genius. A man who could somehow see into the future. However, a very difficult person to work for and with. Although he built a huge company, he did so stepping on a lot of toes and hurting many people’s feelings. Of course, this is just an example. Yet, it does help to illustrate a point — someone can have a spectacular resume but isn’t a true team player. Best Ways to Size-Up a Potential New Hire So, how do you know if someone is a good fit for the position? Sure, read his or her resume. Ask some questions before and during an interview. Then, rely on two key people to read the tea leaves. Just who are these individuals? The answer is: your spouse and your right hand man. While the latter makes perfect sense, the former just might surprise you. (That is, unless your spouse works in the business with you.) But, for business owners who don’t work with their spouses, this could be a bit out of left field. However, it’s a great way to get a real feel for someone. After all, your spouse knows you just about as well as anyone could. She or he can glean things from another person you could easily miss on your own. And, that’s where your right hand person is also valuable. He or she will also be able to judge a potential hire in more ways than just on paper. So, get together for lunch and over dinner. And, do so separately (your spouse on one occasion and your right hand on another). Then, ask their impressions about the job candidate and listen carefully. You’ll probably learn a lot. Plus, you’ll get valuable feedback that can help you to make the right decision. What other suggestions do you have for sizing up a potential new hire? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.