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	Monthly Business e-Tips	Vol 4 Issue 8

Put Excitement Back in Your Business

When you receive this newsletter, I will be on an adventure in Africa. I have been planning for several years to go in celebration of a milestone birthday. My intent is to travel to an intriguing part of the world, to do something exciting and challenging. My sense of curiosity and discovery will be heightened. I intend to bring some spice into my life and I am sure it will spill over to how think about my business and work with my clients. I am filled with anticipation of a new perspective of a world larger than I have known. My goal is to make my life and work fulfilling, adventurous and stimulating. Bland and boring is not in my vocabulary.

What about you? What about your business? Is your business feeling old and dull? Would you like to bring some new vigor into your daily routine? There is something comfortable and predictable in sameness but it can also numb you to new ideas, different perspectives and needed change. If it is lackluster for you, how is it for your employees, your customers?

However, change shouldn’t be only for change sake. During a recent visit to Rockport, Massachusetts, I went though the shops. Some of them have the same predictable merchandise they’ve had for the past five years. Other shops have changed their products from artistic craftsmanship to tourist trinkets made in Mexico and China. I saw items you can get anywhere. The town has lost its appeal. I’m not sure I will want to go back next year. It is no longer interesting or reflective of the wonderful people who live and work in this seaside town. Change is good only when it fits with your goals, vision and environment.

How can you find a way to make your business feel new and exciting short of going on an exotic vacation?

• Add complimentary products and services. This can help expand your offerings and provide new life for your business, you, your employees and customers.
• Change your look and your message. It will give you and your business a lift if you alter your image. Any enhancement will give you a fresh perspective and make you feel good about your new look. You may need to modernize your logo, update your message, renew your physical space and revise your Web site.
• Take a course or workshop. Get some new ideas. Try a new marketing tactic, management technique, coaching or other new skill to help you develop yourself and your business.
• Develop a partnership or alliance. You can gain a lot of fresh ideas and a general boost from forming a working alliance. Plan joint marketing initiatives with partners. You and your partner may develop a product or service together that can add a new dimension to your business.
• Evaluate your business. Does it still fit your personal goals? Is it time to do something else in your life? Don’t let your business die a slow death. Either pump it up so you maintain your passion for what you do or make a change.