|
|
Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! |
|
How to Stop Fear from Blocking Your Small Business Growth
Written by: Janis PettitArticle Overview: A few years back I wrote an article called "Facing the Fear Factor". Surprisingly it's the most widely read of any small business growth article I've ever written. Why?
![]() |
Free Download - Are you hiding behind your computer? Three Offline Marketing Strategies that Work By Janis Pettit |
How to Stop Fear from Blocking Your Small Business Growth
A few years back I wrote an article called "Facing the Fear Factor". Surprisingly it's the most widely read of any small business growth article I've ever written. Why?
Because everyone relates to the fear we face trying to succeed as entrepreneurs. Whether you're just gathering the courage to strike out on your own, or you've been at it for a while, at some point you're going to have to know how to prevent fear from stopping you from going after your dreams of building a successful small business.
I've helped hundreds of small business owners overcome fear and move toward success and I've faced the same fears myself. All of your fears fit into one of three simple categories.
Fear of Change
Few people enthusiastically embrace change. Change means we can never settle in and coast; we can't decide we know all there is to know and just slide into a comfortable default mode. The ability to welcome change is what will fuel your ability to succeed in the small business game.
I've seen lots of owners who were afraid of technology, for example. And that fear stopped them from upgrading their websites, learning to use an autoresponder (one of the greatest, cheapest marketing tools around), or from using simple tools like e-mail properly. I've had clients tell me there was no way they could learn fairly simple technology systems that would give them more time and make them more money. Once I walked them through step-by-step, each one ended up admitting that their fear was unwarranted.
Fear of change can also stop you from leaving a dead end job and starting a business. It can stop you from outsourcing tasks you shouldn't waste your time doing. We all tend to talk ourselves into accepting what is so we can avoid making profound and often uncomfortable changes.
Where is fear of change stopping you? The truth is that stagnation is boring and constant change is the reality of life whether we like it or not, so why not learn to embrac it. Figure out where change is in your best interest and in the interests of your future success and do what's beneficial rather than what's comfortable.
Fear of Failure
This is a big one that can manifest in many ways. It could appear as fear of not having enough money to start a business, or fear of not being able to make a substantial living as an entrepreneur. It could manifest as a fear of looking bad to family and friends if the business doesn't make it. It could manifest as a fear of lacking financial security.
There is always some risk inherrent in owning a business. If you've weighed the risk and it makes sense to take it, then you need to look at you fear of failure, write down the worst that could happen, decide how you would deal with it, then go all out for your dream, knowing that the worst is unlikely to happen. I've experienced a failed business, and the failure was painful, but less so then the fear I indulged in before it happened. And what I learned from the failure was priceless.
Are you spinning your wheels, not moving forward with plans to start or grow your business because you're afraid to fail? Are you going to let that fear keep you stuck with unfulfilled dreams for financial freedom and living the life you choose?
Fear of Success
You might be thinking, "that's crazy–who'd be afraid to be successful?" Many people are and they don't even know it. Here are some of the "fear of success" comments I've gotten from clients:
"No one in my family has ever made a lot of money."
"I just can't find the time to grow my business"
"If my business grows, I'll be overwhelmed and have no time for my life".
"I'm analyzing different ideas and don't know how or when I'll actually start".
"I have to be careful not to take any action that might end up being a bad decision or poor choice."
If any of these sound familiar, you may be afraid of success.
Look, it's hard to admit you're afraid, but everyone is, so you're in good company.
Remember that fear is very often False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear is usually just a string of negative thoughts that repeat over and over in your head. Once you become aware of them, you can change them, or move forward anyway because they will loose their power to determine your actions.
Remember, if you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got.
Ready to boot those fears out the door and free yourself to achieve something great?
Article Tags: best interest, business game, business growth, courage, dead end job, default mode, dreams, e mail, fear factor, fears, marketing tools, money, simple technology, simple tools, small business owners, stagnation, successful small business, technology systems, truth, unwarranted fear
|
About the Author: Janis Pettit RSS for Janis's articles - Visit Janis's website Janis Pettit (http://SmallBusiness-BigResults.com) is a successful entrepreneur and highly regarded small business growth and marketing expert and coach who has helped hundreds of small and solo business owners worldwide reach their profit and personal goals and create a solid 6-figure personal income. Learn how to make your small business website a client magnet and receive a free audio and e-book, 10 Low or No Cost Ways to Drive Qualified Traffic to Your Small Business Website at http://MaximizeYourWebsiteNow.com. Check out our business building mastery home study course at http://MaximizeYourProfitsNow.com and our Platinum 6-figure-a-year Mentoring Program at http://MaximumBusinessGrowth.com. Click here to visit Janis's website Are you hiding behind your computer Three Offline Marketing Strategies that Work Guide To Buying Information Products How to Use Keyword Research to Search for Clients 7 Powerful Free Business Marketing Ideas How Social Network Marketing Can Increase Traffic to Your Small Business Website |
Related Forum Posts
Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.
Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.



