Fortunately, there are many good ways to keep business burnout at bay!
Identify Your Stressors.
What aspects of running your business regularly cause discomfort or even anxiety? Perhaps you dread mundane tasks like bookkeeping and filing reports, or having to make sales calls or call a disgruntled parent. You may have customers who are difficult to work with or do not pay for their classes on time. And, because you are responsible for everything your business does, you may find yourself obsessing about things beyond your control.
Delegate.
One cure for an overburdened mind is to shed some of your responsibilities. Members of your staff with specific skills or leadership potential may be good candidates to take on certain functions. If you’re a solo entrepreneur, it may be time to hire your first employee or outsource your administrative work to a part-timer.
Schedule Some 'Me' Time and Stick with It.
I am a BIG proponent of this! You follow a regular maintenance schedule for your car, so why not treat yourself the same way? A monthly lunch get-together with colleagues and designated family nights are great ways to get your mind off business issues and reconnect with the people who matter most to you. Even a quick walk around the block will do wonders to refresh your mind and spirit. Find people in your area of expertise you can bounce ideas and issues off of. Remember that it is not all about just venting! Talk about the joys of teaching and running your school. That will, in turn, get others to talk about their positive experiences as well.
Look for New Opportunities.
Sometimes, problems or challenges aren’t the cause of burnout—it’s the lack of these motivating tasks. Recapture the thrill you experienced when starting your business by considering expanding or enhancing your dance classes offered and service lines. Go ahead and add that new class you have been considering or reach out to a local organization to see about doing classes at their facility. However, make sure you plan staffing and resources to support any new venture, so you don’t unnecessarily add to your workload.
Seek Expert Advice.
Many sources of burnout are common to entrepreneurs and you can learn much from their experience. Go to industry meetings, conferences and special functions. Also seek out local businesses that are doing well to see if there is something, they are doing to attract business that you can incorporate into your marketing plan. They may be willing to do some cross marketing with you. DTW offers many valuable resources to help you resolve your small business dilemmas. You may even want to consider a VIP membership that includes monthly coaching with Angela or me to uncover what your business needs are and how to reach the next level.
Consult Your Doctor.
Yes, you read that right! Regular check-ups, eating right and sensible exercise will not only preserve your good health, but also help you better manage the demands of daily life. If you are dragging and feeling tired all the time you may need an herbal supplement that can give you a lift without the caffeine (although I do love my coffee). Make sure you’re getting enough protein and whole grain carbohydrates, which will do a lot more for you than that 4 pm candy bar. The most important thing in all of our lives is our health—don’t let your business have a negative effect on it!
