I've been focusing a lot on change in my recent blog posts. Why is that? As a small business owner or entrepreneur, change is an inevitable part of your journey. When I first launched my own business in 2002, I was surprised by the frequent changes and challenges—it was nothing like the stability I expected, similar to being an employee.
I learned to embrace change early on, choosing to see it as an ally rather than a source of fear. This mindset is a big reason why, 16 years later, I'm still thriving in business. I regularly work with clients through the Business Success Dojo club, helping them to embrace and find the positive in change, which offers much more than just overcoming obstacles.
Discover Your Strengths
Change necessitates adaptability. As you navigate through changes, you’ll uncover some of your greatest strengths. Perhaps you’ll find you're more creative than you realized, or you might discover the strength of your support network. Sometimes, tasks you've been avoiding, like making cold calls, can reveal hidden talents you didn’t know you had. Change has a way of bringing out the best in us.
Become More Resilient
Resilience is another quality you may discover. It's about getting back up when life knocks you down. Facing adversity head-on often reveals your capacity to bounce back, showing you just how resilient you really are. Recognizing this can significantly boost your courage, helping you face future business challenges with confidence.
Learn Something New
Change can force you to acquire new skills or discover unexpected aspects of your personality. For instance, the late 2000s recession pushed us to hone our marketing skills, which led to the creation of our OnlineVisibilityAcademy.com business and later, the launch of the Dojo club. What seemed like an uphill battle at the time turned out to be a pivotal learning experience that opened new doors for us.
Gain Self-Confidence
Handling big changes effectively can lead to a significant increase in self-confidence. Realizing just how strong, smart, innovative, and creative you can be fosters a deep sense of pride and achievement.
Change Direction
Sometimes, change may require a complete shift in direction. Major events can transform you and your business in ways you never expected. If you find yourself needing to make a drastic change, try to view it as an opportunity to adapt and enhance your business strategy. For example, if it hadn’t been for my health crisis, I might still be in the transport business instead of leading the Dojo Club and the Online Visibility Academy, which I find incredibly fulfilling.
While these insights may not apply to everyone’s situation, I hope they illustrate how reframing your view of change can positively impact your outlook and approach to business challenges. By altering how you perceive your circumstances, you can progress in a more constructive and confident manner.
To your success,
Kevin
P.S. If you’d like to be surrounded by people who will support you through changes, check out the Business Success Dojo.
I love this Kevin! Such a great trail of thought … so many things to think of and how things were when they started and now where I am. Wow 16 years in business! You’ve sure come a long way … I’m 9 years in business puh! Thank you for all the inspiration and wisdom – it’s always so encouraging when you know you’re not alone on this journey to building your entrepreneurial empire 🙂
Hi Sashka, thank you so much for the comment, 16 years and it’s flown by and I’m more excited by business than ever before. We aren’t alone on this path and if you ever feel that way you need to find your people they are definitely out there, it’s much more fun together than alone 🙂
True Alice, of course there are times but finding our way back to ‘our place’ always reminds us there are people out there for us
Running your own business is certainly not a bed of roses, but once you’ve got the taste for it, there is no going back. I’m not surprised you’ve been your own boss for 16 years, Kevin, and even though this may not sound very nice, but having that ruptured appendix was probably a good thing in the long run.
I totally agree Kevin that some of lifes and business challenges make our future business stronger.
Over my 15 years in business, whilst there’s been many downs, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now (and loving my business more than ever), without them. I think it’s how we deal with the challenges we face that make us more resilient as business owners.
And yes, the right support around you is crucial so you have a place to shout & scream, or simply share and celebrate. All are equally important.
The support is critical and because we are the ‘boss’ it can be pretty isolating at times if we don’t find our people
Great article Kevin! I agree with you 100%. I have owned my business for 38 years and have been through 5 recessions and many ups and downs over the decades. It just comes with the territory, I have learned.
Hi Dan, thanks for your comment, 38 years…wow you must have seen some changes in that time