Posted: 13th April 2016
If you work for yourself, or want to, a huge part of creating a business that you love is to make sure that it mirrors how you feel on the inside, instead of being a copy of what is already ‘out there’ being done by others. Here are my five steps to creating and running a business with soul:
1. Find your BUZZ
THE fundamental part of running a business that you are passionate about is finding your buzz – that thing that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning. Something that makes you excited and often doesn’t feel like work. If you have no idea what this is, then you can start by thinking about any recurring themes throughout your working life, or that you are drawn to in hobbies. You can also ask your family and friends to tell you what they think your best qualities are – this really does work and may give you an insight into your talents that you hadn’t even thought about before. You could also try some online tests like those available at Strength Finder and 16 Personalities. Whatever you do, take note of your buzz and create your business to incorporate it.
2. Be BRAVE
You are going to have to wear your big girl pants for this one! Being brave about what YOU want to do in your business can actually be pretty tough, especially if you want to do things differently. Everyone will have an opinion about what you ‘should’ do, why your new business may fail or why you should do it their way – being brave is important if you are going to stand up and follow through on your own plans even when family and friends think it unwise. Surrounding yourself with people who inspire you is a great way to help you stay strong in the face of skepticism.
3. BE Yourself
According to Marie Forleo, everyone has UAP – “Unique Awesomeness Potential”! No matter what industry you work in, there are bound to be other people doing something similar to you, but as there is only one you, your business will take on your individual personality and flavour and be something unique. Use your awesomeness to create a business that really feels right for you and brings you the success you want. People buy from people and if they like you then they will stay and you will start to build a loyal customer base.
4. BELIEVE in it
Believe in your business and in yourself and others will start to believe in you too. How much you love what you are doing comes across when you talk about your business. If you hate what you do your customers will see right through you, and likewise you will almost shine if you love it. Everything is energy and believing in your business is the only way to send out positive vibes about what you are doing and also to keep your motivation going when things are less than ideal.
5. Nurture your BUBBLE
Although you are now well on the way, protecting your business (and you) from those who would wish you to fail is probably the most important part of creating a business with soul. You’ve done all the hard work setting up your business but are seldom taught how to energetically protect it or yourself. The simplest and easiest way to do this is to start every day by visualising a huge bubble of light surrounding you (and your business too if you like). Its purpose is to act as a filter to stop negative energy getting to you whilst still allowing the positive energy of well-meant advice and inspiration to reach you.
This post was summarises my recent Uttoxeter WiRE Network talk “Creating a Business with Soul” and is an introduction to the work I offer my clients through workshops and 1:1 mentoring sessions to find their soul purpose and create a business that really doesn’t feel like work at all!
