A stress-free business launch can seem impossible when you consider all the challenges that come along with planning, launching and growing a new business.
When you’ve been thinking of starting a business for a while, you’ve battled all the negative self-talk that goes on inside your head and you’ve finally decided it’s time to bring your business idea to life…
…the last thing you need is to add more stress to your life, created by the very thing that was meant to reduce it!
I mean, isn’t that the reason you made the life-changing decision to build your own business in the first place? Along with the freedom of working hours that fit around other responsibilities, increasing your earning potential and opening up new opportunities and experiences?
But what have you gained if you’re just swapping one type of stress for another?
If you are serious about building a successful and profitable business you’ll want to make sure you start with a solid foundational base so that you and your business don’t fall at the first hurdle and can thrive well into the future, without being brought down by stress!
Build a Financial Safety Net
Money is in the top 5 of life’s biggest reasons for stress. The last thing you need is to have your business building dreams quashed with financial pressures.
One in five (21%) UK adults say they are drowning in debt and money worries
When you’re starting a new business you don’t want to be worrying about money issues, how you’re going to pay your bills or put food on the table. It’s also worth noting that the majority of new businesses don’t actually turn a profit from the word go and so it’s prudential to have a financial safety net in place.
Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as overnight success, and so it makes good financial sense to have some money set aside to reduce the pressure that any money anxieties may cause you.
The size of the necessary safety net will vary for each individual, depending on circumstances and potential business income. Most financial advisors recommend keeping an emergency fund that covers at least 3 months of living expenses.
Decide what figure you feel most comfortable with and go with that
Ultimately the choice is yours. And if you need a little more time to build a financial safety net that gives you peace of mind, then take that time.
Afterall, there’s nothing stopping you from planning out your business and fine-tuning the details before you launch – it could also be beneficial to your long-term success.
Talk it Through With Your Significant Other
It’s one thing when you’re friends and/or family don’t grasp why you want to start a business. It’s an entirely different ball-game when you have an unsupportive partner.
Not everyone understands the desire, drive and determination that makes people want to start their own business. Some people see it as too risky to give up a stable job and a regular income, in order to chase a dream.
If that sounds like your significant other don’t take it personally!
While their comments might feel like doubts, judgements or even criticism to you, remember that he/she has a natural instinct to protect you from harm, and that includes uncertainty.
People can be afraid of the things they don’t understand
They are not making a statement on your ability to succeed and it’s not because they don’t think you can make a success of your chosen business.
It’s much more likely that they are scared for you and worried about what the future may hold.
Talk it through with them, and try to see it from their point of view:
- Start by sharing any business plans you have already made, how you see your business taking shape, the ultimate goal for your business, what you want to achieve, why this business matters to you and why you are determined make a success of it.
- Next, fully explain your ideas, why you are confident that it will work, how you plan to manage any risks and how you intend to cover the start-up expenses.
- And finally, ask about their concerns and answer any questions they have.
The truth is, starting a business isn’t easy but it’s a lot less stressful when you have someone to share it with.
Take Time Out For Yourself
Self-care is essential for your physical and mental health
Whatever else is happening in your personal life, your business, your finances, your relationships, you need to always take time out for yourself.
No matter how driven, how impatient or how determined you are, no one can remain healthy whilst maintaining the kind of lifestyle that has you working all the time.
Even if it’s just a 10 minute walk around the block, take time away from your work, recharge your mind and take good care of yourself.
Speaking from personal experience, even if you love your new business working all the time is not a good idea. You wouldn’t want to see it all fall to pieces because you wound up stressed, overwhelmed and burned out.
Conclusion…
Hopefully, these prinicples have given you a starting point for a stress-free business launch that you can continue to implement throughout your business journey.
Moving forward, as your business grows you will come across new challenges and possible stressors. It’s important to identify any factors that cause you stress and look at the steps you can take to minimise them.
Register for this FREE masterclass recording, where I share the secrets to successful business planning.
Including how you can get better results for your efforts, how to create your personalised plan and how to implement strategies that will increase your income.
We'll also take a look at how you can use the planning process to improve your productivity.
