There is no denying that running a business can be a challenge no matter your chosen industry. When dealing with any competitive business landscape, it is crucial to get everything right the first time, as it will help ensure that your business weathers the storm and realises its potential. Unfortunately, such a goal can be challenging to attain – especially when it comes to first-time business owners trying to make their mark.
At its core, preparation, as well as trial and error, build a foundation of experience that most company owners can use to elevate their business above the rest of the competition. That said, start-ups do not have the same luxury when it comes to making mistakes, as the slightest mishap could lead to a downward spiral if you are not careful.
While it can be somewhat overwhelming for a startup owner to find success, maintaining your wits and finding ways to adapt to the situation are the hallmarks of a successful business owner. Here are just a few ways in which the starry-eyed entrepreneur can maintain a sharp and careful mindset when managing a business, without necessarily having to tear their hair out from the stress.
Mastering the art of awkward silence
It is entirely understandable to consider awkward silence as a failure in communication. After all, if you are taking the time to think something through instead of already having the answer lined up, it must mean that you came in unprepared, right?
If that is the case, then why is it that the late Steve Jobs made use of awkward silences to gain control of the situation whenever someone would practically hurl insults at him during events? Why is it that Elon Musk practices the art of awkward silence, making sure to take ten to fifteen seconds of thought before answering a challenging question?
It might seem like awkward silence is a failure in communication and counter-intuitive, but it is actually the other way around. Taking at least ten to twenty seconds to answer a question can help you balance your emotions – especially if it happens to be a loaded question. The way you communicate with others when posed with an emotionally charged question can only be diffused by taking the time to think things through. Even if you already know the answer, taking your time is an excellent way to dictate the pace of any conversation.
Sharpening your wits with gaming
When it comes to traditional business management, gaming and business mix together about as well as oil and water. However, more and more people are beginning to realise the advantages of gaming – even something as simple as Tetris can make a difference. While it is not a good idea to play games while at the office, you can make the most out of your free time by putting your brain through its paces.
There are plenty of games out there that can stimulate the mind – as a matter of fact, gambling (recreational or otherwise) is an excellent way of honing your senses. It can also be a great way of melting away the stress after a rough day. There are options such as www.casino.com/ie/slots that might be just what you need to ease the stress so you can go back to work with a fresh mindset, but you can also go for more competitive situations with card games. Even something as inconsequential as virtual cash can be exciting as everyone at the table risks something.
Take on a protégé or two
It can be one of the people working under you in your business, a family member, or a close friend. When you take on someone who is interested about the inner workings of how you do business and wants to learn by your example, it can be a cathartic experience to teach them everything about the way you do things.
That said, catharsis is not the only end goal when it comes to teaching someone the ins and outs of what you are passionate about. It can also help put things into perspective, especially if you keep up communication through text. As you explain yourself through words, you will see just how much an active conversation can colour your views and improve the way you teach. The best part about teaching through a messenger system is that you can review everything you typed up and see the difference compared to how you currently feel.
In a lot of ways, teaching through a messenger system is like making use of the rule of awkward silence every time you send a message. After all, you will have a much higher tendency to think things through before typing up a message.
Make the most out of your free time
It is a legitimate tactic to spend every waking moment trying to steer your business in the right direction – but such a thing eventually becomes counterproductive the further you go. When you spend a sleepless night or two working, it might not seem like such a big deal. However, it will only be a matter of time before things take a toll on your health.
Keep in mind that making the most out of your free time is all about finding a way to disassociate from your responsibilities, kicking back and finding time to relax. You can spend your time gaming, or going for other indoor (or outdoor) hobbies. It is also wholeheartedly recommended that you get at least seven hours of sleep. If you want to keep your mind sharp, getting enough sleep is at the top of the priority list. While you can spend your free time doing something else other than resting, the point is to do anything else other than work.
When you put too much time into working, it can serve to stagnate your mind and dull your senses. The tips above will help you make the most out of your free time and help you maintain a positive mindset for the challenges to come.