How to Make Your Home-Based Business Fun and Lose the F.E.A.R
As entrepreneurs we are often affected by many negative things beyond of our control and these can cause F.E.A.R! According to the Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, fear is defined as dread, terror, trepidation; emotions that react to stimulus, external or internal. In addition, I like the definition of F.E.A.R as False Evidence Appearing Real.
I believe that because we are natural nurturers, women more than men are anxious to see that everything follows a specific path; the slightest deviation from that path causes us intense anxiety and result in fear lurking its ugly head. In our minds we see gloom and doom when the reality is that it may just be a temporary setback.
This is where the Entrepreneurs Fear Factor comes in. Some years ago there was a reality show called “Fear Factor” that you either liked or disliked. This is our reality as entrepreneurs: we encounter F.E.A.R in our business. However, there is a simple element that if introduced more often could dilute the level of F.E.A.R we experience. It's as simple as injecting humor into our lives and business. Some of us may have to work harder at learning to laugh at our disappointments, or even laugh at ourselves at times. Some of the comments I've heard over the years, and I quite likely made at some point in my business:
1)  “I'm having a hard time finding or attracting customers or clients” – This is applicable to coaches, consultants, and direct sales consultants among others because customers are the lifeline of our business. But…Are you prejudging people you meet? You never know who your next client, customer or team member may be. The rules of marketing, even for offline businesses have changed, so it's important to stay informed and use proven methods to attract the type of people you want as your clients and customers. Be happy and positive! There's enough negativity surrounding us and people want to be around positive, happy people.
“I don't know anyone” – Start making a list of the people you already know and pull out all those business cards you've been collecting for the past several months. Give the people you're already acquainted with a call and see if they would like to try one of your new products or line of service they've not tried. I would suggest that you work on building a relationship with those persons you've never spoken with before you offer them your product or service. When you make your phone calls, have a smile in your voice, be upbeat without sounding fake and keep it short. Convey urgency! When you sound positive and upbeat, it arouses curiosity.
If your business in online only, you would want to be conscious of providing value to your prospects so that they will be motivated to take the next step and become your clients or customers.
3) “I'm tired of calling or contacting my same list of customers” – Don't call! Send them an ezine/newsletter with short interesting articles. Too challenging right now? Send a postcard to say you're thinking of them with one or two quick tips based on your niche. Your customers will know you're thinking of them and because you stay in touch with them, you'll be the person they call when they need something in your product or service line.
There are many other ways to make your home-based business fun. Don't let F.E.A.R rob you of your joy in running your own home-based business, whether it's on-or offline or a combination. Instead, work on the things you can control and put some fun and humor into your business.
Please share some ideas of what you do when for any number of reasons fear starts to creep into your thoughts and how you keep the “fun” in your business.
These are great ideas. Very creative thinking. I’ve had home based business for 20 years and it is easy to get stuck in the daily routine of things. Then my tasks become dull and boring.
My best method of adding fun is to do something extra for someone else. It gets me outside of myself.
For example: at the end of a day of gardening I will pick a bouquet of flowers for my client and for a friend.
1Awww, Sheila. I know you are a giving and caring person and this is just the sort of thing you would do for others. I wish I were closer to you so we could share flowers from our garden. There is always so much mutual happiness in doing something special or unexpected for others. Thanks for sharing.
2Hey! Is it alright if I go a bit off topic? I’m trying to view your blog on my Mac but it doesn’t display properly, any suggestions? Thanks in advance! Maryam
3Hi MaryAm, I’m so sorry that the blog does not display properly on your Mac. Unfortunately I don’t know anything about Macs and cannot offer any valuable solutions. But you’ve given me something to work on and I will try to find out why this would happen. What version and type of software are you using?
4Hi Yvonne
I have my fair share of experience as a sales person and have my fair share of “FEAR” that you wrote here.
I feel that the “Prejudging” you wrote on point 2 is the “trickiest” of all cause is a thin line between assessing the potential of a client and prejudging. Even veteran sales person made such mistakes. But is actually the FEAR behind our mind to prejudge so we can make ourselves feel better if the deal wasn’t made.
Thanks for sharing your practical advise and experience here.
Cheers
5Jason Ser
Hi Jason,
Great to have you here on my blog. I have to agree with you that it is a thin line, but it’s not always easy to make the determination and sometimes we are so wrong! What I’ve found over the years is that some of the most unlikely persons, (or in my mind where I prejudged them), have turned out to be the best customers and/or best team members.
So while I often struggle with certain aspects of FEAR, I try to keep in mind the book I read about 10 years ago entitled, “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.”
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Your blog is amazing! Just retweeted your last post and will be back for more. Yvonne
6Wonderful article,thanks for putting this together! “This is obviously one great post. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here. Keep it up!”
7Thank you for reading and leaving your comments. I believe that we should cherish the opportunity to work from home and we should be able to enjoy doing so. It may require that we become our biggest cheerleader; finding joy and getting a sense of achievement in our various accomplishments, regardless of how small they may be.
8“As a Beginner, I’m generally seeking online for articles that may support me. Say thanks to you”
I enjoy a RickenBacker Bass blogs,i love him.Mania! Also allowed you!”
9Hi bAida2001,
I’m glad you found my blog because I focus on shortening the learning curve for Beginners. I remember how much time and money I wasted as I was not sure where to begin and who to listen to. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail.
Sincerely,
10Yvonne
a whole lot information and inspiration, both that we all need, thanks in this.
11Thanks for visiting my website and it’s great to know you found informative material on the site. I also appreciate that you left a comment.
Yvonne
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