As a business coach, I’m often focussing on problem solving, or getting in more sales, or improving the bottom line financially. However, there is absolutely no reason you can’t do well in business and have a good time, enjoying achieving your goals.
Here are Some Practical Tips on How to Have Fun in Your Business
Be successful in business and charge what you’re worth.
By doing this, you will automatically remove some of the stresses of business, especially financial burdens, so that you can, in fact, enjoy yourself and not be caught up wondering how you’ll pay the bills next week. If you have great systems and processes, then you (and clients) can stress less about things being done right. If your marketing and sales systems are effective, then you’ll be getting in more business and more business (some, right) usually equates to improved profits.
Release angst, anger or rejection – it’s not about you.
At times, a client might have a sharp word with you, or even a prospect says ‘no thanks, I’ve chosen someone else’. Whilst it may feel personal, don’t take it personally. Someone having a bad day doesn’t mean it’s your fault. Someone not choosing your products or services, it’s not about personally rejecting you. It’s business; someone always has to miss out.
Create a positive physical work space and encourage team to individualise their space.
When you’re working in a positive environment, you will feel more positive. Provide a budget (and some guidelines) but allow the team to somewhat personalise their space. Even if they select the painting on the wall in front of them. Flowers are always a nice surprise (just ensure no-one is allergic).
Set goals and apply rewards – whether just you or the team.
If you have team, then involve them in the goal-setting process (ideally done each December or January for the upcoming year). Encourage team to include at least one personal goal. Whilst you may have ‘done’ your goals some years ago, it’s always good to revisit them, no less often than annually to not only ensure you’re on track, but that the goals remain the same. Over the years, things and direction can change; it’s good to note this. Even better than having written down goals is having a plan on how to achieve them – that is, action steps to get there.
Meals and social outings, and if you are a solo operator, a business social group will work just fine with other like-minded business owners.
If you’ve got team, put some thought into what you’ll do and mix it up a bit. Pizza every Friday for lunch becomes somewhat mundane after a while. Get ideas from the team and schedule this regularly so it’s not forgotten or skipped because everyone is busy.
Eliminate tasks you absolutely detest.
If you completely hate bookkeeping, then engage a bookkeeper for a couple of hours a month to do it for you, or at least a chunk of it for you. When I had a large team, three of my younger staff shared the task of filing. One of them did it without complaint and did it perfectly. After talking to her, I discovered she’d love to do social media at work, if the opportunity ever came up. After a period of time in perfect filing, I rewarded her (in front of all the team) and advised that she did filing so well, she didn’t need any more practice and would be doing social media from now on. That team member ended up staying with me for 7 years until she graduated from Uni.
Healthy competition – even with yourself.
A little healthy competition can be fun, especially if the reward is fun or innovative. I’ve found even myself, if I ‘race myself’ this can make a less than interesting task more fun (and get done more quickly). You might even have games, such as getting the team to bring in baby photos. Pop one up and people vote as to who they think the person is. Want some more ideas? Easy, just Google some questions and you’ll be sure to be provided with a list of ideas you can sift through.
Speaking of healthy, being healthy.
I first mentioned above, healthy business, but coupled with that is healthy business owner and a healthy team. You might include gym equipment or a PT group session once or twice a week as part of your efforts to keep the team healthy. Easy access to filtered water, or healthy treats in the fridge (versus candy on the reception desk) makes for good choices. Ensure also the team and yourself take breaks during the day. For business owners who sometimes just never get to have holidays; be sure to book these in advance so that you don’t miss out.
Celebrate special events – not just birthdays and Christmas.
Maybe put up some Halloween decorations, or pop Easter eggs around the office, so that people discover them as a surprise. Be thoughtful in what you do, so it’s not predictable or boring. Also consider inviting your team to join in volunteer activities for fundraising or supporting local charities. Doing good for others helps you to feel good about yourself – it really is a win-win situation.
Recognise team achievements – publicly.
When you need to have a less than pleasant word with your team, always do it in private. However, when it comes to acknowledging their achievements, do it publicly; either to public and clients alike, or within the team. Help them celebrate the achievement with praise and genuine appreciation of their efforts. Making saying thank you something you do regularly, but not automatic. By that, don’t just say it every single afternoon as you walk out the door, but rather, choose different times to show your appreciation.
Be positive and friendly.
If you are, those around you will often mirror the sentiment. You’ll attract positivity. Particularly if someone is grumpy, be extra nice; you’ll find it’s contagious and their attitude will improve. When you’re friendly and happy to others, you actually feel good yourself. Walk in with a smile on your face and greet people (in person or over the phone) with a positive manner. I often sign off messages or emails with ‘Make a spectacular day’ as I love the feel of it. I also frequently will say ‘it was my absolute pleasure’ when someone thanks me for something.
Fridays might be the option to work from home, or bring in your dog, or dress casually.
Again, chat to your team and see what they would like to do. Alternatively, if the whole team worked really hard and a big goal was achieved, maybe give them the day off (paid, of course) or at least an early mark on Friday so they can get away early. Ideally, alert them in advance of this plan, so if they want to make plans to get away camping for the weekend, or do something with that time, they have an opportunity to organise that. Plus, it lets them savour the reward that little bit longer too.
Work and business is not always fun, but it can be a good portion of the time. It’s about your mindset and how you look at who you work with and what you do. There is an old expression, “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life”, and it’s really quite true. I love business coaching and helping clients, so for me it’s not a chore to get on a client call; in fact, most I actually look forward to. Plus the outcomes, appreciation and results they achieve are just the icing on the cake. If you’re not feeling overly happy in your business, then I recommend you work out why and work to rectify that. If it’s about mindset, then that can be changed IF you want to. I hope the above has given you some effective and practical ideas on how to make your business and workday more fun. Learn more about my services and how I can help you.
