Last week, McDreamy died. Grey’s Anatomy will never be the same. I kind of want to stop watching the show that I’ve followed for almost a decade. I also want to punch Shonda Rhimes (the creator of the show) in the throat. What was she thinking?! Here’s the deal, sometimes you’ve just got to shake things up, in a BIG way, if you want to continue to evolve. So, what does a fictional characters death have to with you? A lot my dear!
From time to time, every business begins to feel stale, if it is not evolving.
Do you ever feel like you’ve been offering the same products or services, to the same people, in the same way, for longer than Selena Gomez has been alive?
Even if what you’re doing is working on paper, failing to evolve in some way, shape, or form, can kill your business owner mojo. The same old routine gets boring after a while, and boring is the last word you want to use when describing your life as an entrepreneur.
After-all, you started a business because you wanted to give boring the finger, right?!
So, how do you shake things up a bit, without leaving your fans in sobbing heaps on the floor like the Grey’s Anatomy fan did with her latest shake up?
Try one of these strategies!
ADD SOMETHING NEW
Let’s say you own a cupcake shop, and have been making the same 10 flavors for a year. People love them, you can practically make them in your sleep, and there is always a line out the door at lunch time. Bravo! But, if you want to create some buzz, serving the same yummy goods just won’t cut it. Add something new, maybe even something unexpected (check out these crazy flavors, I would SO try the honey cupcake baked in ham with a pineapple on top!).
Create a little buzz by adding a new product or service to your bag of tricks, even if only for a limited time! Keeping people on their toes is a great way to keep them coming back for more!
Plus, I bet it makes you feel good to break up your routine a bit!
BE GENEROUS
I’m all about helping others, and I think doing something charitable is a wonderful way to banish the boring business blues!
Consider running a special where a percentage of your sales for a day, or on a certain service or product, will go towards your favorite charity. Run a contest where someone who could use a little pick-me-up wins something totally fabulous. Go out in the world and volunteer a little time to an organization that compliments your business.
Let helping others inspire you!
MAKE SOME CUTS
Business isn’t personal, it’s business, but all too often, the lines get blurred and we dump energy into things that really aren’t working. Take the time to look at your products, services, marketing, and branding subjectively once a month, and kill off the things that people just don’t seem interested in.
Rumor has it, Patrick Dempsey’s hunky character on Grey’s Anatomy was killed off because of a conversation between the actor and the creator that went something like this: “So, McDreamy, you’re acting like a McA-hole. I don’t take crap from anyone, so get it together or I’ll do you like I did Katherine Heigl and Isaiah Washington.” Supposedly, Dempsey continued to act like a diva, so he was hit by a truck.
If something isn’t working, declare it more trouble than it’s worth and move on, even if it’s something you love. Let the numbers decide what is working and what isn’t, and leave your heart out of it.
TAKE A STEP BACK
Sometimes, we all need a break, and forcing ourselves to stay on our daily grind leaves us feeling burnt out and at the end of our ropes. Avoid overwhelm by adding some fun to your business, and scheduling in plenty of time to do the things you enjoy.
Many times, I find that when I allow myself to step back from my business, I come back with AMAZING ideas! Why? Because I’m not trying to force something that just ain’t happening.
Being a business owner means you need to work hard, so that you can play hard! If you’re not doing any playing, you’re doing something wrong, and I’ll bet your business is suffering because of it.
If you’ve been doing the same thing for a little too long, and thinking of ways to shake things up feels like forcing a cream puff through a key hole, take a little time to do what you love, and recharge. $100 says you come back with some amazing ideas you can implement that will breathe life into your business!
GET CREATIVE
Seriously, getting creative is one of the easiest (and most fun!) ways to shake up your business.
I’m all for thinking outside the box when it comes to building a business; it’s the best way to ensure you stand out!
So, buy a journal (I know a lot of people that swear by these creative powerhouses!), go on a nature walk, create a killer playlist and have a dance party in your living room….anything that allows you to let go and get in touch with your creative side!
Once you’ve literally shaken off the boredom, head to your workspace, put on your thinking cap, and think of some unconventional ways to draw attention to your business!
Maybe you’re a photographer that loves being pampered- so team up with a makeup artist and hair stylist and offer Mother’s Day sessions where mom will be dolled up by a few pros so that she’s looking her best, and give her a $25 gift certificate to a local nail salon afterwards so that she can treat herself to a manicure.
If you sell mugs on Etsy, team up with someone that sells tea and include a couple tea bags with each order, and give a coupon code so that they can score a little discount if they love it and want to order some.
Little acts go a long way, and those are the kinds of things people talk about!
You see, sometimes the best way to boost your business is to shake it like a Polaroid picture.
Want more ideas for shaking up your business? Check out these ideas:
12 Ways to Shake Up Your Attitude and Your Business
Three Ways to Stay Excited About Your Business
25 Tips That Will Revive Your Marketing
11 Creative Ways to Get Press for Your Business
Have you ever done a major business shake up? Do you feel like now may be the time to make some changes? If you want some ideas on how to spice things up, leave a comment with the type of business you run, or shoot me an email at kim@kimberlyhaydn.com!
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