I recently attended a dinner where a franchise owner of a fast food restaurant spoke. The owner had been in business for several years, 25+, and told of some of the trials she encountered along the way. She was a very engaging speaker and I enjoyed it very much. After she spoke it was question time. A person in the audience was the owner of a one-year old hair salon. Her question was, "How do you go home and not take the stress and worry of the business with you?" The speaker's answer was, “you always take it home but something that would help is to turn off your cell phone.”

Well, I agree with what she said about turning off the cell phone but there are other processes that came to my mind where the owner might benefit also. Here are some of my thoughts:

Do you have a business plan? If not, start today and put your vision and dreams in writing. It will help you to see the objectives that need to be achieved.

Join a CEO Roundtable group. It helps to meet with others that have the same type of issues.

If no CEO Roundtable, bring in a professional you can trust. Whether it is a business coach, advisor, or financial advisor. Do not hold back on the cost of good advice. They will become your confidante and friend, and will bring good advice and guidance for your business and you personally.

If you do not want professional help, reach out to your local Chamber of Commerce. They usually have a Small Business Center and have access to information that will help you to work through different processes in running a business.

As a business owner, I truly believe in a business plan. I have one for my business also. Mine is not for borrowing money but for giving me guidance as I try to grow my business to the level I have projected. I also have a marketing plan that is in constant state of change. Planning will not stop the stress and the worry, but it will help you to know what your next step is in the process. It helps to have your plans in writing, in your words, and share it with others. They are adaptable to the ever-changing growth and curves in your business. Refer to them frequently (monthly is good, weekly is awesome!). It is unbelievable how many businesses start without a plan. Start today! You have probably heard this—

Listed above are no sure-fire cures for stress and worry but it is a start on knowing what you need to do to accomplish your dreams. If you feel you are not heading in the right direction, modify your initiatives and plans. Dream big and plan to succeed!