As I wrap up another day of meetings and planning, I’m reminded that building a business takes perseverance and time. Every call and every meeting is another step forward and a learning experience.
Starting and growing a business is a challenging journey; one that requires you to stay positive. You have a plan and you’ll be successful by following the steps you’ve outlined. When you sense you’re taking a step backward, or you start to feel your goal is not achievable, your plan will help you maintain a positive mindset and set you back on track.
Believe in yourself.
Your business idea was a solid one. You know because you tested it out. You researched and evaluated the need or purpose of your product or service. Instead of seeing challenges as setbacks, view them as opportunities to grow and improve. This will help you stay focused.
Remember your goals.
You’ve set SMART goals. They’re specific, measurable, achieveable, relevant and you’ve defined a time to complete them. Revisit these goals regularly. Make adjustments as your business evolves and commit to doing what it takes to achieve them. Remember, smaller goals are easier to achieve and will deliver a sense of accomplishment when you cross them off the list.
These little celebrations can boost your morale and remind you of the progress you’ve made, even when the bigger picture seems overwhelming.

Find your support network.
You’re not alone. Share your experiences, both the highs and the lows, with trusted friends, family or mentors. Their encouragement and advice will serve as a friendly reminder that you’re on the right track.
Learn from your mistakes.
The road to building a business is not an easy one nor is it a short one. You’ll make mistakes along the way and you’ll learn from them. At the start of my new business, we ordered boxes that were two times the size of the final boxes we needed. Why? Because we placed the order before completing our research. We got our steps out of order. Our research told us that we could reduce the number of items in the box and package them differently.
By maintaining a positive mindset, staying resilient and following your plan, you’ll navigate the challenges and enjoy the rewards.
What’s your business venture and what are you doing to stay on track?
