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Is Delayed Decision Making Keeping You Stuck?

Guest post by: Janis Pettit

Article Overview: Quite often I see people agonizing over the smallest decisions in their business, like whether to post a tweet or article, what to change on a webpage, whether to offer a new product, or a hundred other small decisions, and the result is a kind of stalemate. Nothing moves forward. As a recovering perfectionist I understand why this happens and how counterproductive it can be.

Is Delayed Decision Making Keeping You Stuck?

Quite often I see people agonizing over the smallest decisions in their business, like whether to post a tweet or article, what to change on a webpage, whether to offer a new product, or a hundred other small decisions, and the result is a kind of stalemate. Nothing moves forward. As a recovering perfectionist I understand why this happens and how counterproductive it can be. We all want to make a good impression and help people in the best way possible with our work. But when we become paralyzed and afraid to put our marketing materials, ideas and products out there because we’re spending days perfecting them, something needs to change. Or when you know in your heart that you need expert help in order to increase your income, but you’re delaying the decision to get it because you’re afraid to invest in yourself or your business. Perhaps you’re waiting until someone guarantees you results. Since results depend on you, this simply becomes a stalling tactic. When I started my coaching business nine years ago, I did plenty of stalling because I wasn’t quite sure how to build the business I wanted. Delayed decisions are always caused by fear and uncertainty. What if no one buys? What if I invest in learning and don’t get the results I expected? The truth is that the fear is much worse than the reality. If you delay acting you will get no result. If you don’t learn what you need to succeed you’ll stay stuck. At least if you act, there is a good chance you’ll make much faster progress in your business. No one of us is perfect. However you have a gift, talent or special knowledge and people need your help. In fact in most cases, even if it’s not perfect, they’re willing to pay you for it because in fact, it never will be. You still need to step out there right now and offer it. And when it comes to delaying taking the actions that will move you forward in your business, you need to ask yourself, what will happen if you don’t take action? I’ll tell you what will happen. You’ll stay exactly where you are now. One of the biggest roadblocks standing between you and success is learning to take fast action: every day, every week. The more action you take to get new leads, subscribers, joint venture partners, and clients in your business, the more successful you’ll become. Become a chronic fast action taker. Here are a few tips that might help you. • Set deadlines for each task and progress that you know could get you more clients. • Monitor yourself each month to see if you are meeting your deadlines and if you’re not ask yourself why? • Get a coach or accountability buddy who will hold you accountable to meet your deadlines. • Make a list of actions you’re taking that are not getting you the results you want and set a deadline for finding expert help. • Move outside your comfort zone. • Call a lead and speak to them about how you can help them. • Plan to go to a conference where you can learn and meet new people. • Find new places where you can go and speak to targeted groups about your topic. Try making a commitment to make fast decisions even if it’s a bit uncomfortable at first. Take a deep breath. Be brave and feel free to go for it!

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Article Tags: marketing decision making, small business growth, strategic decision making, take action



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Re Design - Hi tandrysiak, It has been proven, people who make quick decision tend to be more successful. I myself know, that delayed actions are the reason for not performing to the maximum. I encourage you to let us know your website and some work you have done, so that you have a chance to solve someone's problem. Delayed Action = Delayed success = Loss of income. If fear is the reason, do not worry. I don't know anybody who has never suffered with that. Just do it afraid. Kindest regards Beat "Unlock People's Potentials!"
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Re: Subject line Etiquette - [quote="jvprosperity":b50c4a20]Another email rant: Is there some place on the internet that outlines proper "Subject line" headings? There mus be a system out there that people use to be more efficient email senders. Not everything that comes into my mail box requires my immediate attention. I would love to educate myself and the people who send me emails on proper subject lines. Maybe something like: "Urgent Review: <<Title of document>>" "Decision Required: "<<Subject matter>>" just something for me to quickly scan the subject lines and decide which ones need my immediate attention. Anyone know of such email standards that exist out there?[/quote:b50c4a20] The only messages I get that say Urgent or Decision Required etc are spam. I tell people to put something relevant to their business with me in the subject line - this is especially important for the people who fall into my junk mail. Chris
Re: How to Stay Motivated - Thanks for posting this, Matthew. Keeping the motivation strong is something I've really been struggling with. Donna, I think I was just not pushing as hard as I need to and getting maintenance instead of progress.


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