As a business owner, you’re faced with many challenges, from staffing issues, managing cash-flow and making sure customers are happy to name a few.
But one of the largest challenges you’ll face as a Business Owner, is staying strong and keeping the illusion of appearing to have everything under control… when in reality, you’re like a duck kicking madly under the water whilst looking all calm and collected on the surface.
As a business owner, it’s tough to talk about the ‘D’ word, or the ‘Black Dog’ as Winston Churchill named Depression.
Statistics show that 1 in 5 Australians will suffer with depression this year, with over 2.1 Million Small Businesses in Australia, there’s a lot of Business Owners that will find the Black Dog nipping at their heels.
As Mental Health week is upon us, it’s a great time to be reminded that being a business owner can be a lonely place and there is no shame in asking for help.
As an organisation that works with business owners to help them grow their business MaxMyProfit has found is in a lot of cases it’s the business owner that needs the most help.
“Many business owners that come to us have a lot of stress and worry, and this leads to relationship, health and self-esteem issues, and ultimately, bad business decisions. It’s just a vicious cycle that is going to get worse” says Managing Partner Ben Fewtrell.
No one starts a business with the goal of failing, yet, statistics show that 8 out of 10 businesses will fail in Australia, business owners carry a lot of responsibility. Being mentally fit and healthy plays a big part in the success of any business.
The business is a direct reflection of the business owner, if the owner is tired, worn out and lacks clarity and direction, their business will be the same.
After working with hundreds of businesses, founders Ben and David have seen many owners that are suffering from some form of depression, and usually, they’re not aware. Working long hours and juggling way too many tasks has become the norm.
They get so overwhelmed by deadlines and the pressure to look like they have everything under control, that they forget to stop and look after themselves. It can be difficult to let down their guard and ask for help.
As a business owner, mental health week is a great reminder that it’s okay for you to reach out and ask for help, or, if you know a business owner, ask them if everything is okay, you may just be surprised by the answer.
About the Author
Ben Fewtrell is a sought-after Business Coach, Keynote Speaker and trainer who has featured in Virgin’s Inflight Magazine and Entertainment Portal, SKY Business and “Secrets of Top Business Builders Exposed”. He is also the host of the popular Business Brain Food Podcast where he interviews leading experts on anything and everything business.
