Momentum is a major force in business, particularly in building a business. We all know what it feels like when we have momentum on our side: the phone is ringing, the cash register is ringing, we’re getting noticed, and appreciated; everything seems to be clicking.

But, can momentum be created? Can we get momentum rolling in a positive direction if we currently feel like Sisyphus pushing the boulder up the hill with momentum and gravity working against us? How can we turn our momentum in a positive direction to create growth and activity in our business? For me, making small changes and practicing them consistently over time has been the best way to turn things around when I’ve felt nothing is quite going my way. Below are my top three favorite momentum changers to help you get your business and your life moving in a new direction.

1. Make it realistic – First of all, when you want to turn your momentum around and create a more positive direction and growth you need to pick a realistic benchmark. For example, it’s probably not realistic to make your goal to increase your sales by 100% in one month. So, pick something realistic, maybe increasing sales or leads by 10% per month is more realistic. When you see progress, even small progress, it creates momentum. If you did that consistently over the course of a year, your sales or leads would be up over 100% from the beginning of the year. Now, that sounds good! Next you have to be realistic about making that goal happen. What does it take to increase your sales? How many leads turn into sales? Know your metrics and create a plan.

2. List of Four – We’ve all heard that if you want to eat an elephant you do it one bite at a time. So, the same is true when turning your momentum around. Do it in small, bite-sized, steps because trying to focus on a multitude of projects at once results in frustration, not progress. Make a list of all the great things you know you need to do to turn your business around. Now, the list may be long and overwhelming but you need to put it aside. Each day, take a few minutes to plan your day and pick just the top four items from that list that you can complete or make progress on that day so you can feel accomplished and like you’re changing your momentum. If you do this, by the end of a five-day work week, you will have crossed off 20 items from your list! Now that’s progress in the right direction. This will also help you focus your energy and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

3. Routine – Countless business books, studies, and experts tell us that the most successful people in business create effective routines for their business and life that make their success…well, routine. I like the idea of making my business building activities routine, like doing planning on Monday, blogging on Tuesday, social media scheduling on Wednesday, follow ups on Thursday, and Friday is my administrative day. Yes, that’s in a perfect world! Unfortunately, ladies, I find that we all too often let others – clients, spouses, kids, errands – interfere with our routines rather than it being the other way around. I struggle with this, which is obvious since it’s been a few weeks since my last post! So, let’s make it a point to make non-negotiable time to work on our business, not just in our business!

Lastly, you have to believe that you can change your momentum! Practice each day seeing one positive outcome from your efforts, even if it’s small. Celebrate it! Are you ready to change your momentum and day-by-day create the business of your dreams? I challenge you to start now!

If you could use some suggestions on creating more sales and leads, let me know. Helping women grow their small businesses through effective marketing and content is my passion!

Cheers,

Melissa

P.S. Visit my website for free resources to build your business!