As a small business owner, you probably know all too well, the feeling of being stuck in a rut. The good news is that there are ways to remain motivated and inspired no matter what challenges you face! At Oracle Tree digital marketing agency Australia, we are always looking for ways we can keep things fresh and exciting. So, in this blog we’ll share our favourite tips to find inspiration as a small business owner:
Check-in With Your Industry
Your first step to finding inspiration is to check in with your industry peers! Try joining a Facebook group for entrepreneurs, join a workshop, become a member of a local business association, chat with your business mentors, see what your competitors are doing, find out what your customers are asking in online forums. These are all ways that you can find out what trends or movements are occurring in your industry so you can see if they might resonate with you. Ask questions and pay attention to the answers! They might tell you something you never even thought of.
Brainstorm, Brainstorm, Brainstorm…
Have an idea? Write it down. And then keep writing, because when you are brainstorming there are no bad ideas. Then, find someone you trust and discuss your ideas with them. Even if 99% of them don’t go anywhere… you only need one good one! Keep paper and pens all over your house if you need to because you never know when inspiration will hit!
Tip! Anything (and we mean ANYTHING!) that comes out of your mind when brainstorming, no matter how ridiculous it may sound, write it down.
Look at the Big Picture
You have achieved a lot since you started and are destined to achieve more. Find time and look at where you were when you started and how far you have come. Doing this will help you measure your accomplishments and connect the past with the present. Take some time to look back at how much you or your business has grown!
Be Creative in Other Ways
Don’t be afraid to try new things that are in line with your business. If you sell computers, you can start offering repair service, you could even start developing software! Being creative will help you a lot, depending on the industry you are in, and that will keep you on top of the game.
Establish New Goals
It is always important to remain focused on your goals, but sometimes it’s ok to create new ones if the existing ones are overwhelming or not achievable. For example, you can break down the current ones into more approachable goals. You will be much inspired if you are making progress.
Tip! Develop goals following the SMART framework: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound!
Think About your Business’s Impact on your Community
Small businesses play a big role in the communities they are established in. They are a catalyst for change. Think of your valued contributions, the jobs you have created, and how you have transformed your community. You might find that you have positively changed your community more than you can imagine.
Find Out How you are Spending your Time
Are you spending too much time on activities? Write down your daily activities and evaluate them. You might be surprised to find you are stuck in a rut because you spend more time on tasks that aren’t valuable to your business. But don’t forget to have fun too. Being on top of your tasks, doesn’t mean ignoring your social life!
Go Out and Exercise
Exercising in the gym, disconnecting from your emails, and taking a walk are some ways you can step back from work and relieve stress.
This gives you time to refresh, and when you resume, you may find you’re noticing things that you didn’t before. So, always find time to clear your head, no matter how tight your schedule is.
Never Stop Learning
Nobody knows everything, and you aren’t an exception. As such, there is a need to keep researching and learning everything you can in your field. For example, making sure you are up-to-date with the latest technologies. That way, you will ensure your business is always leveraging the latest advances in your industry.
Inspiration as a small business owner is always around, you just have to look for it. The good news, is that you can always talk to someone if you are unable to recognise it — why not talk to us? We will help you learn, grow and seek out new ventures!
Still want more? Check out these other Oracle Tree blogs for more!
Growth Mindset for Business Success
How to Scale Your Small Business Without Becoming a Full-Time People Manager
Why You Must Take Risks to Succeed
Growing Your Managerial Style Alongside Your Business
If keeping on top of your marketing is leaving you swamped, maybe it’s time you call in the experts! Get in contact with us today and let us show you how we keep ahead of the game.
