Feeling sick 😩 when last week I was buzzing…

The rollercoaster of business…

Just picture this: it’s just after Christmas, everything should be calm and bright, right? But there I was, staring at our bank balance, and oh my, the numbers just weren’t adding up. We had staff to pay, and suddenly, it hit me – we were short, not by a little, but by a whole lot. It felt like the rug had been pulled from under me. At what should have been a high point, I was facing a financial cliff.

I was scared, really scared. It wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about the people behind those numbers – my team. The responsibility felt huge. I was standing at the edge, unsure how to move without falling. But something stirred within me – a determination not to let this be the end of our story.

As a business owner, I’ve always felt for my employees. I know the frustration of not being paid on time. So, I asked myself, ‘What would I want to know?

How would I want to be treated?’ The answer was clear: honesty, no sugarcoating. So, I decided to contact each team member. It was the least I could do – to explain the situation face-to-face, or at least over the phone.

I rehearsed my speech, practising until the words were burned into my heart. Making those calls, my voice shook, but my resolve was firm.

Explaining everything – the lack of funds, the delay in pay, the uncertainty of January. It was tough, one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

But here’s the thing about business – the highs are like a euphoric dance under a spotlight. Days filled with laughter, success not just as an achievement, but a celebration. But the lows, they’re deep, they hit you hard. They throw you into shadow, where doubts and fears are loud.

That’s why I wrote ‘Finding the Light in the Darkness.’ It’s about those times when I’ve had to sit in the dark, gather my energy, and find a new vision. It’s about understanding that even in challenging times, there’s a chance to find a new direction.

Each high and low has taught me, guided me. Like a photograph developing in a darkroom, the full picture of my journey, with all its contrasts and shades, is gradually coming into view.

Fast forward 11 years, and here we are again, facing a similar situation. But our approach? It’s worlds apart from back then. You see, when you’re new to business, you tend to agonize over problems, get swamped by worry and fear. But stay in the game long enough, and you start to see these challenges differently.

This time around, I felt like I had a toolkit at my disposal, a collection of lessons and strategies I’ve gathered over the years.

To anyone out there going through tough times, remember this – these challenges are your teachers. They’re preparing you for the next hurdle, equipping you with the tools you need to handle whatever comes your way. And like Les Brown says, ‘You’re either in a problem, just left a problem, or heading towards a problem.’ That’s the rhythm of life, especially in business. So, here’s to handling it all with grace and strength. Happy Friday!

If you’re navigating through tough times, my book ‘Finding the Light in the Darkness’ might just be the guide you need. It’s about finding your way out of the dark, emerging stronger, and more prepared for life’s ups and downs. Check it out.

Happy Friday!