By Amber Daines, CEO of Bespoke Communications
Admittedly, it has done the online rounds lately, but I always get a little lift inside when I see this ‘Iceberg theory’ image as shared in this post. Behind every successful business story whether it be Sheryl Sandberg, Mark Zuckerberg or Sir Richard Branson is a real story of highs and lows. The journey to being an entrepreneur or any modern day business owner is hardly a guaranteed ride of exponential growth upwards. Far from it.
The iceberg is a simple concept but clearly illustrates the fact that on top most people see the gleaming white iceberg but underneath the water’s surface is the real story – hard work, and failures, lost weekends and missed chances for fun. We all know it but to be reminded when we are facing the tougher times and setbacks in our money making journey is invaluable.
It’ can be easy to self-sabotage when we are being business leaders, and I am as guilty as anyone else here. Below are three major areas of self-sabotage (that sneak into the epicentre amazingly solid iceberg we all want to be) and some advice to get past the hurdles holding your success journey back.
- Paralysis of analysis
This is a classic. I have been fiddling with the final proof-read version of my newest book ‘Well Said: How to be Heard in Business and Generate Real Influence’ for eight weeks now. I know why. It’s daunting to go public with a new passion project, product or campaign because you can always improve on it, so we tell ourselves. Sound familiar?
So we go back and forth on final tweaks and sometimes, these projects miss the boat or never see the light of day. We need to find ways to “launch at 80 percent” perfect, and feel compelled to then source out lucrative opportunities by overcoming perfection paralysis. This doesn’t mean you drop your standards. Getting your products and services to market first and getting some wins on the board will break you out of the perfection cycle that serves nobody in the end.
- Get amongst the people
Sole traders like me enjoy the working solo thing but it does have its limits.
Too many days at my desk alone means my energy levels sag, motivation dips, and the new business machine slows right down. Nothing replaces a face to face meet up or an internet hook up with external suppliers or customers. I book in weekly catch-ups even when I’m at my busiest and I force myself out of the office and into new, social environments. A city coffee shop or co-working space can spark inspired and creative ideas and get your engine firing again. Don’t forget to tap into your business community networks and meet new people often.
- Multi-tasking rarely works out
The big one for most starts-ups and ideas people is the love of starting new projects or pursuing new ideas that take you away from the hum drum stuff. In that seed phase I personally thrive on the energy that comes with starting something new and exciting and despite my ability to ride deadlines from years a journalist, long term planning is not my natural comfort zone. Many entrepreneurs like me tend to have a bunch of projects open and started, but get side tracked by shiny new objects. The to-do list is ever-growing and we take on more and more and the result is failure to complete anything well. Ask yourself: is doing everything in my business the best use of my time? Take a look in your network. Is there someone in there better at web site building than you? Hiring an accountant maybe a good way to get away from the desk more. If cash flow doesn’t allow for outsourcing, consider offering a contract service exchange.
It can be hard to change your inner mindset in business as old habits die hard. Setbacks are chances to truly step back and learn. Then the rewards can flow.
