Here are some tips to achieve greater success by understanding and overcoming FEARS –for yourself, your business, and your customers/clients:

1) IDENTIFY FEARS:

First, identify your own fears.  Sometimes you’ll know them consciously when the feeling arises and it’s clear to you.  Other times, our subconscious minds may cover them with symptoms of procrastination, avoidance, and other manifestations that can sabotage our efforts.  You’ll notice them as they detract from your life and growth.

As an entrepreneur with employees and clients, you also need to be aware of the psychology of fear and do your best to identify fears that you can help allay for others.

2) CONFRONT FEARS:

Give your fears a face and a name. Make a list.  Examples of personal fears commonly experienced are: change, social exposure, the “unknown” (a new frontier), jealousy, internal weaknesses, or any kind of loss (loss of privacy, time, health, family relations, etc.).   When you are aware of them and confront them, they will have less power. Fear works to destroy your self-confidence and success. (Remember, “evil” is “live” spelled backwards)

You can control your mind. Learn to adopt positive good feelings and emotions, when you’d otherwise begin to feel the negative fear arising. (*However, some fears are important to listen to for survival;  know the difference between detracting and dangerous fears.)

Within your business, it’s very important to understand the range of fears experienced by those in your marketplace. As a result, you can provide a product and service that helps your clients overcome their fears and greater fulfill their needs.

With employees, help give them positive motivation.  Everything is more do-able when it’s digestible in smaller tasks and rewards.  Also, you can use sayings or quotes for inspiration like, “fake it till you make it”, “there’s magic in momentum,” “keep the vision, take daily action,” “think global, act local”, and more.  Encourage your team and give special recognition to keep their motivation going.

3) FOCUS ON SERVING OTHERS:

When you focus on others, it can allay a number of fears.  Having a higher purpose is important.  (That’s one reason why AA’s religious component is successfully used).  Serving others without thought of recognition or reward, other than the pleasure of doing it and generating good, can magically transform you and your business. Smiles and good words from you clients and customers go a long way.   Also, if we help others in real need (even beyond the call of duty) it often puts our own worries in perspective.

For your business, incorporate a higher purpose with values, vision, and a  mission. It’s a great way of building teamwork and bonding for much greater success.

4) CONDUCT INTERNAL APPRAISALS FOR CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT:

On a regular basis, take an honest look at yourself and your business. Evaluate your accomplishments and successes.   Be a compassionate friend to yourself as you evaluate, while recognizing opportunities for growth.  Identify where you may need to make changes. – Remember, you can change your thoughts,  your emotions, and change your results!

With your employees and staff, take the time to conduct formal or inform “reviews.” Discuss areas of growth and development.  Everyone at heart wants to grow and follow their dreams.  It’s also a time to appreciate their strengths and contributions.

5) FOCUS ON STRENGTHS:

Spend a majority of your time in your areas of  “strength” (Many psychologist say about 75-80%).   This will help you stay fulfilled and confident while also addressing your weaker areas to the degree needed.  Good management in life and work is finding those who can support your weaknesses and complement your strengths.

Identify your team’s greatest individual talents and strengths; utilize them and challenge them appropriately.  In turn, you will maximize your business results!

6) ENGAGE IN CELEBRATION AND REWARD:

Any individual or business has to confront fears in order to reach new areas of growth and achievement.  Reinforce your hard work and sacrifices by rewarding yourself and those around you.  Take time to celebrate.

This is important in business, as everyone is part of the process, from associates, employees, customers, to vendors.  This process is valuable for your growth –not to mention, awareness and spreading referrals!

***Remember, real bravery is in feeling and recognizing your fears and moving forward in spite of them!

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At WMT, we know that the web can be a scary place for businesses.  –That’s why clients began calling us “web marketing therapists”.   We help you take your website to the next level with a full range of integrated marketing services, while understanding the psychology of our entrepreneurial clients and the marketplace.

Web Marketing Therapy Related Links:

• Tips & Actions Items To Move From Entrepreneurial Thoughts To Entrepreneurial Action
• Business Success: Questions for Boosting Your “CUSTOMER I.Q.”
• Featured Wild Web Woman Positive Role Model: WMT Interviews Ann Levine to Learn Tips for A Successful Entrepreneurial Career (Part Two)
• Featured Wild Web Woman Positive Role Model: WMT Interviews Ann Levine to Learn Tips for A Successful Entrepreneurial Career (Part One)