What Are Your Business Non-negotiables?
since covid hit, I have been talking to small business owners and entrepreneurs more than ever. boutique owners, online influencers, brick and mortar business owners, and many others. a lot of the conversations we’ve been having center around the same concept: how do we pivot in our businesses during such an uncertain time?
how do we make this work in a new way?
While everyone’s business is unique and operates differently, a lot of the challenges that people are facing are in the same vein: restrictions on large gatherings of people, mandated masks, lost income, and a decrease in business in general. it goes without saying that all of these ‘new normals’ can be super overwhelming. the reality is, business as we knew it changed in 2020. and for how long? no one knows.
so, pivoting is necessary.
As you adjust and find what works for you during this time, i urge you to revisit your business non-negotiables. The hard and fast rules that you set for yourself when you first started out, and the ones you attribute to the success of your business before covid.
For me, the non-negotiableS I’ve created help me maintain growth, rhythm, and boundaries in my business. they’re the guiding principals that I turn to regardless of what’s going on in the world, in the industries i work in and in my personal life.
one thing I’ve learned over the last 10 years is that not everyone will agree with you. your boundaries or non-negotiables won’t be understood by everyone, and that’s okay!
The good news? they’re not for everyone, they’re for you.
I’m so much more than my Monat business. I’m so much more than a photographer. I’m so much more than my follower count. The higher the social media exposure goes, the more important these non-negotiables become so that you don’t lose who you are while building what you want.
If you haven’t sat down and compiled your own set of non-negotiables, make this the week that you do. having clarity around the most important aspects of your business is a huge relief during times of stress and uncertainty.
Here are a few of mine:
I work at a desk and set office hours, and the same goes for studio sessions! I have set hours/days I shoot.
all notifications are always off on my phone.
I require mutual respect in conversations or collaborations.
both of my businesses are a zero tolerance policy for drama or complaining.
if you want to work with me, you have to actually work with me. the business partnership or collaboration must be mutually beneficial.
I have personal business goals/numbers to hit, and I evaluate those on a daily basis.
I’ll never go into debt for my either of my businesses or ask anyone else to.
no means no and yes means yes.
family, friends, team, followers. in that order.
To start, have an honest conversation with yourself: how are you with boundaries/non-negotiables?
I can’t believe we’re already eight months into 2020! if you haven’t set those hard and fast rules for the year yet, now’s a perfect time to get organized to finish your year off strong.
I’m rooting for you.
