Call me the MOTIVATION MANAGER

When I was first approached by Sarah Mahon to join her team, I really wasn’t sure where I fit in. But given the fact that I can’t balance a checkbook to save my life (Treasurer was out of the question), I am not really a commanding task-oriented leader (Vice President is not my cup of tea) and my degree is in Secondary Education with a BS in English (and you know what the B.S. stands for, right?), the Educational Coordinator seemed to be the best fit. But I really balked at the title…I mean what exactly am I “coordinating”? and “educational” that implies that I know more than any of you? The truth is, I am very green at this whole business thing and the rest of you have far more to teach me.

So I agreed to the position if I could be called the MOTIVATION MANAGER.

Therefore, I view my job as one to inform, involve and inspire you to be the best you can be at your business and as a referral partner with BNI Point To Success chapter.

My plan is to share with you a topic each week, provide an expert from our chapter to add their perspective, and give you something to think about.

And if you ever have a topic that you would like me to cover -- or you are willing to be my "expert" for the week -- then let me know!

And in case you may miss the whole topic, or would like to refer back to it at a later date, I have started this blog called the Motivation Manager.

{The following is adapted from Nancy Wurtzel’s article “Business Motivation” http://www.sideroad.com/}

The Business of Motivation

Since I now consider myself the Motivation Manager, I thought that would MOTIVATION be a great topic to start.

It's a complicated subject that is studied by many and understood by few. Every decision you are faced with every day, from your personal to professional life is guided by your motivation.

From what to make for dinner to what clothes to wear to where to take a vacation to which fax machine from EO Johnson to choose…all are guided by your motivation.Motivation, too, is one of the most powerful driving forces in the workplace. It can mean the difference between tremendous success and dismal failure.

Motivation stems from two sources: External and Internal. The first part of motivation is external or extrinsic (outside the person) sources, these are generally beyond your control. The second part of motivation is internal or intrinsic (inside the person), which are mainly your thoughts, patterns and collective experiences.

And since we are each unique, what motivates one is not likely to motivate another which is true for yourself as well as for any employees you might have.

Ask yourself…

What motivates you as a business owner to make yourself productive and more fulfilled?

What can you as a business person do to ensure that you are motivated to be the best that you can be?

Over the next few weeks I will share with you keys to motivation that may prove helpful to making your business a success.

KEY #1: INSPIRATION (with testimony from Gayle Geiger)

Inspiration is critical to getting and staying motivated and is a personal passion of mine.

If you are not interested in your business, your motivation level will never be high and you won't be able to sustain interest for very long.

On the flip side, if you are energized and excited about the work you are doing, you will have more persistence, energy and intensity.

And if you are motivated to be where you are, just think of all the motivation that will give your employees to love their job and your clients to buy something from you! Inspiration is contagious and the more that you are an inspiration to those around you the more blessings and opportunities will come your way.

Take an honest look at your inspiration level.

Are you excited about going to work...or is it an obligation?

Our first perspective is from Gayle Geiger. Gayle has worked with her partner Marcia Sowle for 26 years beautifying area homes through Designers II. I could think of no one better to speak about the inspiration and motivation and doing what you love than Gayle.

Gayle shared with us that a key to her motivation is doing a job that is a joy for her. She works with a partner who complements her style and business sense and makes her work something to look forward to everyday. But the greatest asset that Gayle mentioned was her customers. Gayle and Marcia get to know them so well that they become close friends who consistently return for her services year after year. The trust and cameraderie that she fosters with her customers is a true inspiration to her and deepens her motivation to continue doing this job that she loves.

Thank you for your perspective, Gayle.

You would be surprised at the number of people who choose a business that looks good on paper, but in reality does not interest them in the least. These individuals will grow weary and uninterested pretty quickly because they have no inspiration or passion to sustain them during the difficult times they will encounter as a small business owner.

If you don't really enjoy your work, then think how you can re-focus your small business to better match your needs. Or consider making a change entirely. That's pretty drastic advice, but inspiration is that important.

Working Words of Wisdom:

"I'd rather be a failure at something I love than a success at something I hate.
~ George Burns