How to maintain business momentum

Every business starts with a lightbulb moment. Whether it comes to you while soaping up in the shower or driving to work, you can thank this initial spark of motivation for giving you the drive to get your business off the ground. But over time, the pressure of day-to-day practicalities and the not-so-romantic reality of working life, this lightbulb can grow dim. You might grow tired, bored, or start to feel a little bit stagnant. But all is not lost – you can overcome this lull and maintain strong business momentum by adopting a mindset that privileges long-term growth over short-term gain. Here’s how.

If you want to keep that fire burning in your belly, then you need to give it a constant source of fuel.

EMMA BOWDLER

Know your ‘why’

If you want to keep that fire burning in your belly, then you need to give it a constant source of fuel. This comes in the form of a vision (but not the psychic type) – a business goal that lays the very foundation for everything that you do. Like Rihanna, you might want to design a skincare line that caters to all skin shades, or like The Women’s Accountant, you may be keen to cut the BS from women’s finance and replace it with a little bit of fun. No matter your business goal, it’s easy to lose track of the why when you’re so caught up in the how, so make sure to remind yourself as often as possible where that first little spark of passion came from.

Set achievable goals

One of the biggest momentum killers is failure. It’s hard, if not completely impossible, to stay motivated when you feel like nothing is working. Rather than scolding yourself for being a no-good businesswoman, try changing your perspective – maybe you’re just setting unreachable expectations. It’s not realistic to assume that you’ll be making six figures at the end of your first year (if at all). Stay grounded, keep your head screwed firmly on your shoulders, and set achievable goals that you’ll be proud to reach.

Learn from your lows and celebrate your wins

In business, it’s important to expect challenges. Things won’t always be smooth-sailing and you’ll have to reach for the lifeboats more than once. But if you accept that these lows are learning opportunities – not setbacks – they will boost your momentum rather than reduce it. Doing so will inevitably lead to more highs, and no matter how humble you are, these well-deserved business achievements should be celebrated in full – with wine, chocolate, and the company of your badass support network. Speaking of which…

Surround yourself with those who lift you up

The Women’s Accountant cannot stress enough how important it is to surround yourself with people who’ve got your back. Business can be tough, and when it comes to maintaining momentum, the absolute last thing you need is someone sowing seeds of doubt into a hyper-stressed brain fertile for growing negativity. Keep people at your back, front, sides – wherever! – who boost your confidence, inspire you, and have the same faith in you that you should have in yourself.

But if you accept that these lows are learning opportunities – not setbacks – they will boost your momentum rather than reduce it.

EMMA BOWDLER

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