Is your enterprise giving you more pain or gain 3 chapters
1. Is Your Enterprise Giving You
More Pain Than Gain?
Find out how much “pain” you should
really be handling in your small business.
by GBD Marketing
(http://facebook.com/MarketingGBD)
4. Table of Contents
Notices...........................................................................................................................i
Table of Contents..........................................................................................................ii
Personal Message From The Author...............................................................................i
Preface: No Pain, No Gain.............................................................................................ii
Chapter 1: Seven Simple Ways Minimize Pain In Small Business.................................1
Chapter 2: Five Main Reasons For Pain In Small Business............................................2
Chapter 3: What Pain In Small Business?.....................................................................3
Is Your Pain Giving You The Gains You Want And Deserve?, by GBD Marketing ii
5. Personal Message From The Author
Without a shadow of doubt there is absolutely nobody who likes the idea of having to endure any sort of pain,
regardless of how little it might be. The reality is that, as humans, we are programmed to enjoy pleasurable
experiences and avoid, at all costs, any association with pain or discomfort.
Nevertheless our physical world is filled with all sorts of contradictions to our understanding. We all perceive
similar experiences or set of events differently and, as a result, some of us experience some degree of
associated pain, while others do not. It does seem rather unfair, does it not?
When dealing with challenging issues some of us have the innate ability to outline in a straight line a viable
solution, a green light, whereas others struggle all the way and the end seems to be farther away.
From my personal experience I too have endured different levels of pain over the years. The unforgiving pain,
for me, is intellectual pain. Not only does it make me feel inadequate, as it diminishes my focus what lies
ahead of me. I feel forced to make an extra effort to regain my strength back and think of the best course of
action to take in the shortest period of time possible. It takes discipline, focus and determination. Whether I
get it right on the first attempt or not, I know that I have something on the inside nobody else has:
determination, objectivity and can-do attitude. In the face of “pain” or discomfort these elements are my true
allies I can count on to move forward and progress in life.
The purpose of this book is to shed some light to small business owners out there who feel they are constantly
fighting a lost battle in their enterprise, or who feel they are swimming against the current, and are being left
out of the rewards they know they deserve to get, as well.
The ideas contained herein, in my personal view, will assist you to understand and overcome your pain in the
right time. You too can and should turn what is negative into something worth of YOU and your time!
I am adamant your business life can improve beyond your most inner beliefs. All you need to do is take the
first step towards your goals in a well-defined, planned fashion, and using the right vehicle, in the right way,
to get to your destination. By giving yourself a chance your restless self will gain more tranquility and peace.
Your results will be proof of this temporary period of change.
There has never been a better time to pull your sleeves up. Now is the time to re-think your business goals
and your life expectations.
Small Business Sufferer: How much is your life worth after all?
Is Your Pain Giving You The Gains You Want And Deserve?, by GBD Marketing i
6. Preface: No Pain, No Gain
The well-known expression “no pain, no gain” is widely familiar to us all. In simpler terms is means that
without perseverance there will be no rewards to be gained at the end.
How many times have we heard this saying, understand it, and yet forget to live by its principles? By doing so,
it might be safe to point out that many opportunities are overseen or even lost along the way...
The reality of having pain in our lives imposes a much deeper analysis from our end: What can we learn
from pain? Are we given an opportunity to stretch into another level of awareness, by living an
experience that will test our abilities on physical, intellectual, and emotional levels?
How many small business owners have tried countless times the same old tricks to retain customers,
attract more customers or even sell more products or services, but with poor results?
How many business owners keep trying the same tactics as the rest, knowing their efforts will either take a
long time to generate decent results, or will simply not generate any results at all?
Answering these questions may be quite confronting to many owners out there who are doing it tough.
It is sad to say that not many people have the ability to see beyond the uncertainty, the smoky air, the
turbulence of the present moment.
The fact is that it is up to each and every one of us to learn to deal with pain in a more productive fashion. By
facing FACTS in a SWOT 1
analysis, for example, there is a clearer perspective of a much brighter future
ahead. How many business owners use this tool and if so how effectively?
Pain does not have to be in vane if you, small business owner, are determined to turn your life’s events
around the smart way. You must accept there are things you can control (marketing skills, determination,
can-do attitude, planning), as opposed things that are out of your control (local competitors, expensive ads
from big companies, or the evolution of the Economy).
On one hand, there is bad news you should prepare yourself for: there will always be some degree of pain to
endure. It is a fact of life. There is nothing you can do to change it. Ditto!
On the other hand, there is fantastic news: you can and should minimize the amount of pain and its effects on
your enterprise, by learning how to become a savvy business owner. You should improve on your strengths
and take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. These are the two cards you have up your sleeve.
Use them wisely.
1
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats Analysis.
Is Your Pain Giving You The Gains You Want And Deserve?, by GBD Marketing ii
7. Chapter 1: Seven Simple Ways Minimize Pain In Small Business
As mentioned before when results take longer to show up or simply are non-existent, a whole deal of pain is
instantly created. It is the discomfort feeling, the uncertainty, the insecurity that causes negative, irrational
thinking. But there is a better way to deal with discomfort and uncertainty.
I like to start each calendar year, on the 1st January, by creating my Vision Board in detail. It is a tool I turn to
when the going gets tough later down the track. I know for a fact that life will through at me many obstacles.
I can either look at them as pebbles along my path or insurmountable mountains. Either way will determine
my own personal experience. By remaining focused on my goals and objectives I define how I wish to move
forward. This alone helps me greatly in dealing with associated pain in my daily, business journey.
Another tool I find very useful is a Bucket List. It is an extension of my Vision Board, where I list all the things
I want to achieve over the course of a pre-defined period of time (12 months). I only list what I am hungry
for, and I know I deserve to achieve. It helps me stay focused and propels me forward. Another amazing tool
to help minimize the effects of pain in my journey of life.
I could not go any further without sharing the Business Plan. It is mandatory! This tool contains the main
steps to reaching pre-defined goals and objectives. It is like a road map where the destination (goal) is the
only thing that should be the main focus. This tool is undoubtedly the most important tool in business.
Within the Business Plan other tools are extensively used: Prospecting and Follow Up Plans. I would be
completely lost and off track without these. Not only do they contain specifics of what “vehicles” to use and
the best way to use them, as they also provide a crystal clear insight on the results I can expect. It allows me
to compare different strategies over time, and conclude which strategy brings the best results, with the least
effort. These are my day-to-day tools I use and keep accurate, written records of.
In addition, I have developed a Leverage Plan. It is what I call make the most of what I have with less effort.
In each and every situation I experience in business, I know how to make more with less, because I have
explored in detail ways to maximize each and every opportunity. This tool is a lot of fun!
Last but not least I have outlined an Expansion Plan. It translates where I want to be in 5 years from now. It
is working my way backwards, so I know where I am heading for along the way.
All the above tools cost me zero to create and implement. I dare you, small business owner, to do the same as
I have done. It reduces significantly the amount of pain in running my business. Guaranteed.
You too can and should expect the best, particularly when you put your best efforts to ensure the best
happens for you.
What else can you do to get better results from this point forward?
Is Your Pain Giving You The Gains You Want And Deserve?, by GBD Marketing 1
8. Chapter 2: Five Main Reasons For Pain In Small Business
A vibrant balloon is filled with air, floating in the air. Over time it loses its shape, leaks air and starts to lose
altitude.
With small businesses the same occurs. They all start fired up. As time goes by that initial enthusiasm seems
to lose its power by the minute. Some businesses even reach a point where it is no longer feasible to continue
as they have lost complete control. Frustration and immense deal of pain settle rapidly, unless some sort of
“comeback plan” is put into action.
How can small businesses regain their former glory?
Whilst working with clients I have found there are 5 recurring sources that explain why pain is a constant:
1. External factors (economic fluctuation; fierce competition);
2. Internal factor (poor Marketing skills);
3. Excuses, excuses and more excuses;
4. The “blame game”;
5. Complete and utter denial.
Irrespective of the source of pain, the truth is that results speak for itself. There is no such thing as failure or
success. Only results will teach you, small business owner, what works and why, as opposed to what does not.
As outlined in the previous chapter, there is a simpler way in dealing with pain. However, in order to put the
wheels into motion, you must do some framework first as follows:
Step 1: Acknowledge that you have an issue needing a viable solution. You must understand you cannot
change what you do not acknowledge. Denial is a weed you want out of your rose garden;
Step 2: Assess your precarious situation carefully. Gather as much information you can that will substantiate a
change in direction. Remember, time is money! The longer you take to act, the more money you loose;
Step 3: Be the hero of your own story. Take ownership and live up to your responsibilities as the business
owner. Become accountable for what you are accountable for. Set a standard for yourself and your staff;
Step 4: Decide on a “Plan Of Attack”. Act accordingly. Remain focused and determined to reach each and
every milestone. Every attempt to move forward will get you closer to your ultimate goals;
Step 5: Re-assess your activity. Check your performance as you progress along the way. Keep written records.
Learn to interpret the results for improvement. If you do not test and measure your results, you will have a
hard time to know when, where and how to improve;
Step 6: Learn to deal with obstacles (pain). You must anticipate them, to break through the barrier of pain, as
obstacles are part of the dynamics in Communication.
Is Your Pain Giving You The Gains You Want And Deserve?, by GBD Marketing 2
9. Chapter 3: What Pain In Small Business?
As much as we all dread the notion of pain or having to deal with a painful situation, the reality is that it is a
necessary element that can and should be harvested to our own advantage.
From my own personal experience I see pain (or discomfort) as a way to tune in with a much better lifestyle I
know I want and deserve.
It represents an opportunity for small, incremental change, avoiding a great deal of increased pain (torture) to
take place, and make matters even worse.
To me it is a feedback mechanism letting me know that things are out of line, and therefore I must take
necessary action to improve my situation. By improvement what I really mean is a change of direction. With a
fresh start in mind, I have the ability to start over. It all comes down to choice: shall I become my best friend
and try again, or shall I live in denial, with all sorts of unjustifiable excuses, and blame others for my
complacency? Shall I embrace it or resist it?
I have pain as an ally I can count on, because I know it will help me create conscious decisions for re-
evaluating situations and events in my favour.
Although I might become more vulnerable to take steps to realign things, it will allow me to do better and
come out stronger at the other end.
The true essence of pain is only perceived by the beholder, as we all see and feel pain differently. The more I
deal with uncomfortable situations, the more I grow in awareness. We expand our minds and become better
equipped for what lies ahead in the future.
Pain plays an important role in the way I feel and see the world. It gives me clues as to what I have
overlooked before and should have taken into account in the first place. It is like a constant reminder that I
can go back and reinforce my strategy of attack, despite my mind telling me it might be too late…
It is the card up my sleeve. My intuition will let me know whether I am in sync with my goals, or whether I
have deviated from my goals.
The pain I feel on the inside dominates my thoughts in a constructive fashion. I know I will have to come up
with better ideas to solve a certain problem, re-evaluate a certain situation in a completely different light, or
overcome an obstacle that is now easier to handle.
Pain is really what you choose it to be. Embrace it and make it your ally. Resist it and get more of it racing into
your direction, even faster than before.
How will you deal with the pain (discomfort) from now on?
Is Your Pain Giving You The Gains You Want And Deserve?, by GBD Marketing 3
