Talk about FRUSTRATING? but have you ever felt like this in your business?

After losing my $36 million business in 2002, I was back on track in 2006.  I knew my target market and the business was growing by leaps and bounds.  I was actually winning by double digits (hence the basketball reference)  and then the unthinkable, I sold my business to my competitor, the same guy that I sold 2 other businesses to previously and, he lost both my business and his within 90 days.

That leads me to last night.  The Golden State Warriors were up with a significant double digit lead.  They allowed the San Antonio Spurs to battle back and tie the game after regulation.  Then in double overtime, lost the game.   Here is the link to one of my favorite articles http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2013/05/steph-curry-calls-playing-against-the-spurs-surreal/

SIGH… so overwhelming – I think I know how Steph Curry feels.  It feels like you want to give up and forget trying to battle back.  Forget this business and find a job.  This guy is a winner – no matter what, he gives to charity with his Nothing But Net program, donating nets for every 3 pointer he hits –(he leads the NBA with 3 pointers) . He also has YOUTH Camps teaching them his same skills, you can check out his camps here – http://stephencurry30.com/camps.  But what do you do after a devastating loss?

 How do you overcome the frustration in your small business?

When I looked at my business, there was no way to rebuild in its current structure.  All of the customers were now being serviced by another telephone company and I had lost all credibility.  Customers, media, family and friends said – we had been preparing for my failure.  It is too difficult to compete with the bigger, more experienced company.

As I watched the highlights, expert after expert said the same thing about Golden State Warriors.  They are young, not ready for the playoffs.  And it is too difficult to compete with the bigger, more experienced team.

As an athlete and an entrepreneur, how do you battle back after that?

First the frustration, then the WHY ME?? And then the lessons.  Million Dollar Equation RULE – The quicker you get to the lessons, the faster you will be able to rebuild your company.

Here are the lessons and I am sure that Steph Curry is reviewing these tonight!

1.        Never Let UP – at a certain part of the game, the Golden State Warriors, relaxed and let up.

1. Keep your focus on winning – Their focus drifted as a team.  They became a spectator in the game instead of playing in the game.  You must learn to close every quarter!  Every quarter!
2. Play to WIN always! – get as many baskets as possible.

NOW how does this apply to building a million dollar business?

Lesson #1 – Never Let UP?  You must consistently market in your business.  You do not have a crystal ball and you have no idea when your customer is ready to buy.  The only way to consistently win, is to consistently market.

Lesson #2 – Keep your focus on winning!  Testing is good, but keep your focus on what is working in your business.  I see entrepreneurs get distracted by new ventures, lured by thinking the grass in greener in another business model and lose their business.

Lesson #3 – Play to WIN!  When you get a customer, make sure that you are offering multiple products and services and you need to become the PROBLEM Solver for them.  Even though, I did not sell telephone systems, I was asked where to find the best one.  So I became the trusted resource to my customers.  Playing to WIN at every turn.

Now my new small business is flourishing and I love what I do.  BUT I always focus on these 3 rules no matter if I lose a double digit lead with 4 minutes left in the 4^th quarter.

How you deal with failure in your business, determines if you ever get to deal with success.  Be like Steph Curry and be ready to go again tomorrow night!

(I like to set daily, weekly , monthly and quarterly goals – so as a way to close out this week, I am offering deeply discounted consultations for $247 – plus you receive the COMBO package – both of my books, plus my BootCamp for Women 2.5 hours of info.)  CLICK this link

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Richelle Shaw answers questions about small business frustrations