7 ways to create a sense of fun in your business.

Dec 8

Building a business takes work. You already know this. Heck, creating anything that has any kind of value takes time, work, and effort.

When this is a long-term prospect, and you know the journey will have its twists and turns, I honestly feel like you need to ask yourself an important question.

Am I having fun in this moment?

Now, I know this might seem surface-level talk to some, but hear me out.

When you enjoy what you’re doing, or you’ve found some way of creating ease and a sense of play in your process, it’s less tedious and much more fulfilling. In business and life, there will always be moments when you just can’t stand the task or the process you’re in - and that’s fine.

We’re all human - and it’s but natural to have those I-can’t-do-this-anymore FML times.

Here are a few ways I make running a business FUN:

ALIGNMENT WITH PEOPLE + BRANDS I LOVE and ADMIRE:
Let’s face it. Business is about teamwork and the most important people? Your clients.
Finding and working with brands that you get, and more importantly - who get you. There’s nothing quite like the synergy of people who are devoted to an idea and who come together to make awesome things happen. When you work with the right people, or the right team, everything is easier - and the hard work you put in feels appreciated and, oh-so-worth-it.
WORK AT YOUR ‘PEAK’ ENERGY
Our energy ebbs and flows throughout the day. For some of us, a 6 am start is the best thing ever, while for others, working into the late hours of the evening is where it’s at. Following a 9-5 routine doesn’t work for everyone, and honestly, it’s just not worth trying to get into a routine that doesn’t suit your natural flow.
I’ve experienced this time and time again when I try to force my body to work, sit through creative meetings or execute on creative projects when it’s just not feeling it.
DON’T ATTEND MEETINGS YOU DON’T NEED TO
This one may be debatable for some. As a business owner, don’t you need to attend every meeting that the
client sets?
NOPE.
This is where boundaries come in. Communicate with your client in advance exactly how much time you’ll spend in meetings, and where you don’t want to be included. This especially applies to working with corporate clients where you have more than the one point of contact, and multiple team members.
Remember, it’s ok to say no, when you know that your presence is just not required, and when a simple email or 2 minute call will suffice.
SAY ‘NO’ MORE
Not in a rude way, but more in a boundary-setting, energy-protecting, living with power way.
Saying no to the wrong things means you get to say a resounding YES to the right ones.
I promise, when you live in this kind of alignment, the right opportunities, collaborations and chances will come
to you.
COLLABORATE WITH FUN CREATIVES
That graphic designer whose work makes you drool? Contact her.
The animation expert who you know would make the perfect addition to your project? Reach out!!
Running your own business is fun, but it’s a lot more fun when you collaborate and create with other like-minded, passionate people. After doing this consistently, you’ll find that over the years, you’ve made a few contacts who’ve collaborated with you on several projects, and even become good friends! (The best part!)
CHARGE YOUR REAL WORTH
Business is fun when you’re able to profit from it. If you’re not creating for profit, get a hobby. Earning your worth, especially for new businesses is vital. Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. Make a plan for how you position your offer, and if your client can’t afford it at that point, then change your offering, not your price.
It’s better to negotiate the amount of work / time / energy you put in, rather than lower the price of what you offer.
TRUST YOUR GUT
I don’t know everything, but one thing I know for sure? Your gut is never, ever wrong. Those hits of intuition, nudges, signs that you feel are communicating something to you are all legit. Logic might define a lot for you, but the indelible feeling - when you know, you know - that your gut offers you? Don’t ignore it. It’s your greatest ally.
DANCE BEFORE AND AFTER CREATING
Dance, yes DANCE.