Make your tea dream happen

Beginning a new tea business venture is exciting, scary, and comes with the occasional setback. How do you keep going when things feel frightening, overwhelming, or challenging? Here are some tips to keep you and your dream moving forward.

Research, Research, Research

There are two kinds of dreams: the dream that is true to your chosen lifestyle and personal vision, and the dream that, in the end, would actually drive you nuts. 

You don't really want to wear glass slippers, do you? Don't waste time or money on "fairy tale" dreams. Instead, find a tea dream that is right for your family, finances, and focus. Pick a tea business dream that you can hold on to and make it happen. 

Focus on Your Purpose

Something drew you to the tea business. You likely have a love of tea combined with a desire to create a health-friendly business, a love of retail, a desire to educate others about tea ... the possibilities are endless. 

Keep your original motivation at the forefront of your mind as you go about the more difficult aspects of your business. If needed, write it on a piece of paper and hang it in a place where you will regularly read it. This simple reminder can help keep your motivation strong.

Create Goals

There is nothing so rewarding as setting a goal for yourself and reaching it! Use goals to your advantage.

Set short- and long-term goals consisting of both small and large objectives. Daily and weekly goals keep you focused on the immediate tasks -- rather than becoming overwhelmed by everything you need to do -- and keep you energized as you continually reach each goal. 

As you continue to meet your targets, you are closer and closer to creating your dream business. You also demonstrate to yourself that you are capable and that you can and will reach your bigger goals.

Just Do It

Procrastination or avoidance of the harder things about business can stall or severely limit your business. If you do the harder things first, you can then reward yourself with the easier and more enjoyable aspects of running a business later. This self-rewarding practice will help you develop the discipline needed to run a business but also lets you have the fun that keeps you going.

Invest in Motivational Material

A few perfectly-worded tidbits of inspiration are sometimes all it takes to keep you going. Many books are available on the topic of motivation, as well as numerous websites and inspirational posters or wall hangings. Find the ones that work for you and keep them close for the times you need that extra bit of support.

Take Time for Yourself

Running a new business is hard. It takes time, energy, and mental focus. 

If you spend all your time on your business, you run the risk of running yourself too thin. Take time for yourself away from the business to recharge your batteries and prepare you for the tasks ahead.

Copyright © 2005 by Dawnya Sasse. All rights reserved.

Lady Dawnya Sasse is author of the world's first online tea business program entitled Start a Tea Business. To learn more about Lady Dawnya's seminars and CDs visit her website.

Part 1: Behind the lace curtains ...