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You, Me and Business
 Burnout looms out there for everybody in business but now is especially threatening in a less than strong economy. In the Chamber business, for example, few jobs call for as many skills and as many intensive bursts of action as that of a busy Chamber exec. Few jobs also have as many bosses. Couple this with a limited budget and the struggle to find volunteer help and you have the recipe for big time stress overload. So allow me to share a few “burnout control tips” that I use at the Sun City Center Area Chamber of Commerce to keep us fresh and on track.
“Lively staff, lively business.” When things get a bit overwhelming, putting a little fun into your business is a huge stress relieving technique. This means sprinkling what traditionally may be stuffy repetitive work with creativity and fun. Our office laughs a lot over non-work things and that prepares us to have a sense of humor when we really need it.
“Take a break to get a grip.” Managers and business owners alike should remember to rejuvenate themselves while at the office by taking a walk around the block, calling a business friend for moral support, or just closing the door for a while. It’s amazing how a short bit of quiet can recharge those batteries!
“Get efficient.” Inefficiency breeds burnout in any office. When too many “Dilbert” cartoons start to remind me of my own office, it’s time for me to take drastic action. One of first things to do is to empower your employees to deal with things or reinforce their power. Remind them that this is their business, too, and what they do (or don’t do) is of great importance. Then make sure you are keeping good records and files so that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Take time after every big sales promotion or event to discuss and write down suggestions for the next time. And last, deal directly with issues and put them to bed, no matter how unpleasant or distasteful. Handle it, finish it and move on is an excellent motto for stress relief.
Finally, “you gotta love your business.” The critical factor in any business is reaching the point where you simply no longer enjoy coming to the office every day to do your job. The simple fact is, you either like it – the product, the problems, the pace, the different personalities you encounter – or you don’t. If you don’t, then your customers will pick up that feeling and your business will always fall short of success. But if, like me, you truly love the work you do; the people, the businesses, the interaction, but begin to feel overwhelmed at times, let me share this quick pick up. Take a moment to give yourself “a checkup from the neck up” – look at things as opportunities, rather than chores and it will make all the difference!
-- Elaine Brad is President of the Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce.
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