Small business owners intrinsically wear multiple hats. They often manage their business, finances, marketing, client service and all aspects of their business with limited time and resources. The responsibilities of operating your business can be overwhelming. Burnout is a very real dilemma for small business owners who lack the appropriate support systems. After you experience burnout, stress and health issues can certainly cause you to have to close your doors.

Avoid burnout, reduce stress and work smarter.

• Develop an advisory board: Having a group of professionals, leaders and colleagues who can provide you with wisdom, knowledge and direction can prevent you from making hasty and uninformed decisions. Ultimately, business decisions are yours to make, but you want to make sure that they are informed and valid ones.

• Create your own personal network and collaborations: Seek out and cultivate relationships with other business owners who share your level of aspirations and acumen. Find ways to formally collaborate and support one another. Identify a set of products and services that would enhance your clients’ experience and move your clients through your circle of providers. Develop collaborative workshops and seminars that educate and enlighten your collective clients.

• Have an outlet – have someone you can vent to and express your frustrations without fear of judgment (i.e. friend, colleague, mentor, coach, micro business therapist, etc.). This will help reduce your stress level. Sometimes we just need someone to listen; not to preach or criticize but simply listen. It also helps to know when and how to relax and leave “the business” at the office.

At the very least, recognize your need for an adequate and uplifting support system. Take the time to put one in place. Never be too proud or ashamed to ask for help.

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A.Michelle Blakeley is in the listening business. As a Micro Business Therapist, she provides an open-minded and non-judgmental ear to listen to the real issues and concerns that start-up, emerging and women entrepreneurs experience and negotiate solutions through comprehensive discussions and practical micro business plans. She is featured in Forbes.com and the Financial Post as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter, contributor for the San Francisco Examiner and Fearless Woman Magazine; the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurs on BlogTalkRadio.com and author of theNEW e-book: “Get it Right and Move Along… a collection of practical tips, tools and techniques for small business owners.”

Simplicity Mastered