A week after I delivered a workshop called, “How to Stay Out of the Weeds and Focused on Your Business”, I asked for a bit of feedback from the group. Twenty eight business owners attended and really resonated, based on the participation and engagement. Dealing with overwhelm was my top tip!

It’s a pretty big and broad topic. There were over 4 million search results for articles on what to do when you are overwhelmed, so I scored on what I talked about.  (And I prayed that my presentation was relevant.)

As I received comments from around the room, a very successful and productive realtor shared that “when he goes to these types of workshops, he hopes that he will walk away with one new nugget of information.” And he got three that he began implementing right away!

So here’s what was on the top of his list:

Concept of Pruning

Just like a gardener, we need to be focused on growth, the growth of our businesses, the growth of ourselves and the growth of our clients. So that involves constant assessment.

When something is good but not the best, it most likely needs to be pruned. When something is sick and not getting better, pruning again comes into play. When something is dead and sucking nutrients, (resources and energy), it’s definitely time for it to go.

Courageous pruning is needed when business owners aren’t intentional about what takes their time, their energy, their talents, their emotions, and of course their money. But as the hours and the weeks and the months go by, things appear out of balance and problems crop up that take more of everything.

For example, I am very intentional about protecting my attitude, avoiding things that will damage my mindset, cause negativity or get myself caught in drama.

I had a relationship with a salon owner and truly admired and appreciated her work. She helped me discover my style with very naturally curly hair and made it happen. I brought her Christmas gifts and attended her baby showers. I visited her salon every 5 weeks for 4 years, not unusual for someone who is chemically dependent (color right?) That was 41.5 visits in 4 years!

But… every time that I sat in her chair, my guts churned because of the things that she talked about. More importantly, the people that she talked about.

I did everything from changing the subject to countering comments with positive things, or remaining silent. Nothing helped. And then I realized that I was paying for that! Every 5 weeks, I would go in with my shield up, my defenses raised and over $4,000 in money spent.

Finally, I realized that I had to live what I taught and make a change.

Contacting her, I knew the news would be difficult. I committed to an investment and to share my decision in a way that would help her grow. Although my words hurt they did not harm her, and if she took them to heart the end result would offer goodness.

There is a difference between hurt and harm and making sure that I have the best interest of everyone in mind. That is the key to pruning!

My realtor friend realized the importance of applying this principle and that when it is thought about correctly, courageous conversations are easier.

A little extra bonus tip for you!

So what happens if you find yourself committing to something and then totally regret doing so? Try these lines: “I’ve rethought ________ and I absolutely know that you won’t get the best of my time or talent.” And go quiet when they try and “sell” you into staying, or offer you other options.

You can do it! Be courageous and make investments in yourself, your business and others.

Just sign up for one of my strategy sessions and we can chat via teleconference. Love to offer you some value and to learn more about your business. If you want more, I’m glad to show you more ways that you can work with me!

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