Monday, March 12, 2007
Lessons a Toddler Taught Me About Running a Business
Author: Cristina Favreau
I'm always amazed as how much my son teaches me about life -- that is, when I take the time to remark that what he's doing can teach me something valuable… I watched him play on our porch one sunny day, and asked myself, "What can I learn about myself and the way I run my business?" Here are a few lessons I've learned:
Growth & Learning:
- growth is gradual -- you don't grow up in one day, one week, one month, or even in one year
- learn new skills by watching the big kids
- be curious; explore everything
- just take one step at a time
- never refuse help if it's offered
- don't worry about getting your hands dirty
Success:
- take risks
- if at first you don't succeed, try, try again
- don't be afraid to play with the big kids
Social Life, Relationships:
- have those 1 or 2 people that will comfort you when you fall
- have your "cheering squad" who will celebrate your small accomplishments
- say 'hi' or smile to everyone you meet
Creativity, Self:
- find creative ways to get around obstacles
- say "no"
- see how high/far you can reach/climb
- if you don't like something the first time you try it, try it at least 2 more times before deciding you don't like it
- have fun
- be in the moment
This is a reminder to take each opportunity you have to notice the simpler aspects of your surroundings, to learn something new about yourself, and to lean back and take a breath every once in a while. The success of your business could depend on it.
I'm always amazed as how much my son teaches me about life -- that is, when I take the time to remark that what he's doing can teach me something valuable… I watched him play on our porch one sunny day, and asked myself, "What can I learn about myself and the way I run my business?" Here are a few lessons I've learned:
Growth & Learning:
- growth is gradual -- you don't grow up in one day, one week, one month, or even in one year
- learn new skills by watching the big kids
- be curious; explore everything
- just take one step at a time
- never refuse help if it's offered
- don't worry about getting your hands dirty
Success:
- take risks
- if at first you don't succeed, try, try again
- don't be afraid to play with the big kids
Social Life, Relationships:
- have those 1 or 2 people that will comfort you when you fall
- have your "cheering squad" who will celebrate your small accomplishments
- say 'hi' or smile to everyone you meet
Creativity, Self:
- find creative ways to get around obstacles
- say "no"
- see how high/far you can reach/climb
- if you don't like something the first time you try it, try it at least 2 more times before deciding you don't like it
- have fun
- be in the moment
This is a reminder to take each opportunity you have to notice the simpler aspects of your surroundings, to learn something new about yourself, and to lean back and take a breath every once in a while. The success of your business could depend on it.
About the Author:
Cristina Favreau helps service professionals simplify their marketing & self-promotion so they gain visibility, credibility & get more clients. Using the Get Clients NOW!(TM) program, she makes marketing & self-promotion easy to understand & to implement, starting at your level. Within just 3 hours, she'll help you identify where you're stuck in the marketing process & come up with an action plan of immediate strategies to gain momentum. Visit Cristina's site www.cristinafavreau.com and visit her blog, The Savvy Entrepreneur at http://blog.cristinafavreau.com for more marketing tips.
