How many times have we all heard that booming, resonant voice of award-winning actor James Earl Jones in movies, on TV or in commercial voice-overs? His is a voice you never forget. It commands attention, making everyone sit up and take notice. You may not know it, but when he was a little boy, Ray stuttered badly and for eight years simply did not speak at all.
Fortunately for all of us, Jones overcame his communication challenges to become one of the finest actors we know today. Whether he is in character for a role, like Darth Vader in a Star Wars movie, ‘the voice’ of a television news channel or doing a voice over for a product marketing campaign, there is no mistaking who is delivering the message. To say he overcame his challenges and build his personal brand around his voice would be an understatement. What small business challenges are keeping you from achieving success?
Small business challenges that hold you back from achieving your goals come in many shapes and sizes. What is blocking your path? More importantly, what are you going to do about it? Jones overcame his handicap and went on to succeed.
Now is the time to step up to the line and face your challenges. If you are shy or nervous about speaking in public, reporting to your boss or board of directors, or just doing presentations to clients, it’s time to fix it. Take that bull by the horns, work on it and fix it. Sign up for a class in public speaking or get a speaking coach to help you get beyond your fears. Are you a leader who has lost control of your employees? Find a coach to help build your leadership skills. Look for a book on leadership online or in your library. Whatever it is that is holding you back, address it. Include your solution in your strategic plan.
Think of the things you could do if only you were able to overcome your own fears and handicaps. Are you behind in gaining control over technology that has invaded your industry sector? Are competitors getting ahead of you because they have embraced it? Don’t let it hold you back. Budget for new equipment, state of the art software and training. Think of it as an important investment in your business, and in yourself. Pick just one thing that you feel is holding you back and slowing your progress toward success. Do something to conquer it.
Please share issues you have dealt with and tell us how they enabled you to move forward, stronger than ever.
