10/ 18/ 2004
by Jim Sapp
Despite the best plan, you will experience stress. A storm will knock out power for days, a political event will stop a customer from making a big purchase or your computer system will get a virus during a peak period. It happens. What's important is how you deal with it.
- Handle the issue. Never run from the problem or think it will solve itself. It will not. I have seen too many business owners ignore a staffing issue or hide from creditors. You must face the issue and have open discussions to solve the problem.
- Take a walk. I run or cycle at a local health club over most lunch hours. Getting the built-up stress out is vital, and it gives me more energy in the afternoon. I know a travel agent whose business is feeling the high stress caused by the competition of the Internet. She walks three miles to work every day and says that she's ready to face the day when she gets to work.
- Take a break. It will be very difficult to take a vacation the first year. Your new business is like a newborn; it needs constant attention. However, you do need a break, so spend a three-day weekend with your family at a nearby resort. You can stay in contact with your staff by cell phone, and you're only a couple hours' drive away if a crisis occurs. You may need to just sleep or relax with a good book. A two-night break can rejuvenate your energy, and it can help with family understanding of the new business.
- Attend a seminar or convention. It's good to keep up with the latest trends and technology in your industry. A three- or four-day convention can introduce you to important vendors, validate what you're doing (which adds peace of mind), network with other business owners for support and relax a bit. Try to attend at least one convention or trade show each year.
- Take some quiet time for yourself. Have breakfast at your favorite local diner, see a movie on Friday afternoon when the business is humming along after a midweek crisis, stroll through a mall or take your dog for a walk in a park on a Saturday morning. It does not have to be expensive or extravagant; just taking some time to think and relax will be beneficial.
- Eat right. It's true -- what we eat can have a big effect on our overall ability to deal with situations. Start the morning with a healthy breakfast, cut out the fast-food lunches and snack on fruit. You need all the energy and mental strength you can get, and your body needs fuel. Feed it right.
JIM R. SAPP is an international business consultant and speaker with more than 25 years experience as a business owner and entrepreneur. He is founder and director of the American Small Business Institute, and recipient of both the "Entrepreneur of the Year" award and "Blue Chip Enterprise Award" for inspirational achievement in business. His book "Starting Your First Business" is available from www.sappbiz.com or by calling 800.570.5436.
