How to Keep Momentum in Your Business

It's true that everything that goes up, must come down. Businesses are no exception. Myself and every other entrepreneur I know experiences a challenge in keeping their momentum rolling all the time.

There's nothing quite like that burst of adrenaline when you're racing towards a visible goal. But the pendulum swings between the highs and the lows.

You can call that adrenaline rush of business activity your Jump Jive, the Motion of the Ocean, or whatever you want to call it. I prefer the term "in the zone."

When your business pendulum swings between your regular big deposits and your oh-so-predictable slow months, how do you keep the momentum going? How do you remain engaged, enthusiastic, and excited about your business when that giant pendulum comes crashing down? How do you remain "in the zone" so much that your customers and prospects haven't the slightest inkling of what may be happening behind the scenes?

But never fear. When the giant brick wall looms and you have no idea how to scale it, here's a couple of famous people who had their own set of tricks:

One of my favorite children's authors, Marguerite Henry, stated that when she didn't feel like writing, when her books weren't selling, and when she had writers block, she would read her favorite, mindless, easy read. It put her mind at ease and brought her back "in the zone."

Renowned Grammy-award winning songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman would take a break regularly and garden. "My best ideas come when my mind is relaxed," he says.

Tasha Tudor would sketch until something came to her. Hillary Clinton watches Grey's Anatomy before gearing up for the next debate. Olivia deHavilland has a short transition moment before entering the silver screen.

Although these are good ideas, I prefer to engage new clients, make strategic alliances, and qualify new leads. By actively telling others about my business, keeping busy with work, the dreaded lull won't last long.

My favorite momentum-building activities include establishing a relationship with someone from your local newspaper. You will be astounded at the response that comes from a little publicity. Take a reporter out to lunch. Form an alliance with another business. A wedding photographer and a dj, who are in the same industry but are not competing, can double their prospective client base by offering a discount to the other's clients. Think of creative ways to invite customers back for second helpings of your service offerings and actually do it.

Live like the next big win is going to happen tomorrow, but work as if it isn't going to happen until next year. If you stay in motion, then eventually the big break will find you.

Use the lull to rev up for the next big contract. That is the difference between surviving and thriving. If you spend the down time preparing for the next victory, you truly will live "in the zone."