by Jessi Burg

If I know one thing to be true, it’s that running a business takes a huge amount of time and energy. This is an unavoidable side effect of entrepreneurship. Some days are harder than others, and sometimes giving up seems easier than persevering.

While working closely alongside my trusty co-worker this past year, she has helped me see things in a new light. This week’s blog highlights some of the tips and tricks I’ve learned from my work from home partner, and although she may not always be the sharpest tool in the box, she’s taught me some valuable lessons about hard work and a positive mindset.

Introducing: Molly Dog. My white-haired German Shepherd rescue.

• Sometimes the things you want to do are hard to access. It’s important to keep trying, and work with what you have.

• Some days are harder than others. Take a break, and find a comfortable place to let yourself be sad. The work will always be there, so take care of you first.

• Supervise projects – but not too closely. If you’re constantly checking in, you’ll risk getting in the way of your long term goals.

• Stay curious about your business. It might look like a mess some days, but unexpected revenue streams or creative ideas can come from unlikely places.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Making your intentions known increases the likelihood of positive results, even if it doesn’t work out every time.

• Take some time to reflect on the big picture. Where have you been? How far have you come? Where are you going? What are your plans for the future?

• Be proud of your work. Whether that’s discovering a rabbit hole under the barn or finishing a client project, you accomplished something you worked hard on. Celebrate! Tell your friends!

• Communicate your needs. The people around you want to help – but they can’t read your mind.

• Protect your time. The world is full of distractions, so focus on what’s important and what matters to your business.

• If something seems off, follow your instinct. Catching issues early is the key to ensuring small problems don’t become big problems. You might have to do a little digging to see what’s going on, but in the end, you’ll have a better idea of how to handle any necessary changes.

• Sometimes your dreams might seem out of reach. Keep waiting and watching. You’ll find another path to success in time. Be patient, and don’t give up!

• Check for safety hazards before beginning demolition. Whether you’re taking down an old shed or changing software programs, double check that you have all the necessary information you need to ensure a smooth transition.

Feel free to steal some of these tips from Molly. Just keep swimming – you can do this!

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