You might be asking what’s this Corner Stone thing all about? Corner Stone Community Sites helps home-based business owners “work smarter, not harder.” At each of the 4 Corner Stones, there are practical and fundamental tricks, tips and tools that show business owners how to “own that stone” so they manage their business, rather than the business running them ragged.
If you think you can;
or if you think you can’t . . .
you’re right! ~ Henry Ford
What you’re about to read is a fictional story I wrote about two business owners to describe the very REAL challenges from one of the Corner Stones that I’ve helped business owners work through on their way to success.
The first business owner is Dave (or Deb). Dave is down in the dumps about his business. You could also describe him with many of the other “d” feelings: depressed, dejected, discouraged. Dave has a sense of under-achievement (regardless of how much he has actually accomplished in his business). He doesn’t have confidence that he is going to make something of himself or that his business is ever going to go anywhere. Dave’s feelings are not only dragging him down; they are also dragging his business down with him.
This story is also about Heidi (or Harry). Heidi is feeling hopeless and insecure about her business. As a result she often gets anxious and has trouble sleeping so she gets tired during the day. She forgets where she put things down and is often late to appointments. Sometimes it feels as though her business is never going to improve. Every time something doesn’t go her way, it gets more and more difficult to stay upbeat. She makes up stories about her business that are either not true or only vaguely resemble what’s really going on. She gets frustrated and loses confidence. She knows that what she has to offer has value, but wonders if others will ever recognize it (not to mention pay for it). She asks herself if she really has what it takes and if she is going to make it before she runs out of money.
Both Dave and Heidi have work to do at their East Corner Stone which focuses on improving mindset. This is the lens on the world impacting feelings, thoughts, actions, and therefore, results. I also call this Internal Focus because this Corner Stone is all about where you place your attention and intention.
To master this cornerstone, business owners must have:
- Beliefs which encourages follow through and action
- Mindfulness to keep track of time and important items
- Balance to put their all into their business and still have a life
Once Dave and Heidi are able to master this Corner Stone, they maintain a positive mindset. They now trust that they can follow through on “top of the list” action items that grow their business.
Heidi now knows deep in her heart that when she markets (using the strategies in her marketing plan), her clients show up and hire her. She is more relaxed during the day and is sleeping soundly at night. As a result, she is more present to herself and others, remembers where puts down important papers and is able to keep track of time.
When Dave thinks about all the progress he’s made, he now feels excited and motivated to grow his business. He notices the progress he makes and as a result he is confident that he will find success with his business.
As a result Heidi and Dave’s businesses finally reach six figures. They even take care of themselves better and stay in integrity with their word. One nice side benefit is that their work now feels like play.
Do you recognize yourself in Dave or Heidi? If yes, you are so in the right place. It doesn’t have to be this way and you are not stuck in the same old same old.
Sign up for a complimentary strategy call to start on the path to mastering this Corner Stone and finding success in your business.
If you think that starting and growing a business is hard, you are right.
If you think that it will take a long time, you are right.
If you think that you can fail, you are right.
If you think that you can fulfill your passion this way, you are right.
If you think that you can build something you can be proud of, you are right. ~ Barry Moltz in You Need To Be a Little Crazy: The Truth About Starting and Growing Your Business
