When your new business is in its early stages of development, motivation is probably the least of your problems. That enthusiasm with which you seized your opportunity to take control of your future will ensure that, for the first phase and probably a little longer, your commitment will be undiminished.

As the business begins to develop as a going concern, however, the importance of being able to maintain that level of motivation - not only in yourself but also in your workforce becomes more and more paramount.

Maintaining your own personal motivation

It might seem a strange thing to suggest that you have to work hard to maintain your own level of commitment and enthusiasm towards your personal pet project. However, after the pressures of establishing yourself, there might well be a natural falling off period of your motivation. But don't worry; this is perfectly normal and, what is more, can be dealt with by being aware of what is happening.

There are numerous seminars, books and videos available nowadays that are geared towards maintaining and increasing personal motivation. In addition, there are Motivational 'Gurus' - specialists who can, with their expertise, find the keys to unlock your inspiration.

By making realistic and attainable goals for yourself to aim at, and establishing certain rewards if you achieve your targets, you can definitely maintain your level of motivation. This can become even more inspirational if you then move on to deciding upon more demanding targets - setting your goalposts a little higher.

It's always useful to have a good supply of memorable, inspirational quotations that you can turn to when you need a psychological lift, or reminders of stories of people who have risen to the top by overcoming the problems that lay before them.

Keeping Your Staff Motivated

It is vital that the motivation levels of your employees are also maintained. A disenchanted workforce leads inevitably to feelings of exasperation and discontent. An important way to keep your staff fully focused is to always make sure that you listen to what they are saying. Be open to their suggestions, ideas, concerns - this feeling of inclusion will strengthen their identification with the business.

Try to establish a scheme whereby employees are rewarded for bringing something 'extra' to the daily routine of work. Have a Reward Scheme to promote ideas that will improve the procedures at work. Employee of the Month Awards can help elevate the status of the workforce.

None of these ideas is financially too onerous, but they will all have an impact. Another relatively low cost idea that can promote feelings of solidarity and, therefore maintain and increase motivation, is to have occasional, unsolicited 'treats' for everyone at work. If you win an important contract, celebrate with all of the workforce. Bring cakes in on birthdays. Arrange for company nights out together.

Don't be afraid to share your own store of motivational ideas with your colleagues; put posters around the building or send out inspirational e-mails.

A well-motivated, integrated workforce is essential to the development of a business and by establishing an ongoing method of rewarding the motivated employees - and yourself - you are investing in its material and emotional prosperity.