Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference in Business

I work out of my home in a dedicated office space downstairs. Before I had my laptop I was confined to that particular space, which wasn’t a bad thing as my office is set up pretty efficiently with all the things I need at arms reach. However, I’ve found that these days I work a lot less in my dedicated space.

Do you like the atmosphere at Starbucks or Caribou Coffee? I love these two places because they have a relaxing, warm feel and are great places to work. I often spend time there but then I decided I could create the same atmosphere in my home and so I decided to create what I call my “Caribou Room”. I work in this room when my focus is on strategy, business development or I’m involved in some creative project like writing.

When I’m in my Caribou Room, my mindset changes. I feel less overwhelmed and more focused. I’m not surrounded by in-boxes and to-do lists and often don’t take the phone. I’m still working on the décor, but the room is simple. I have a chair, a miniature table (which can hold my laptop and a cup of tea) and floor pillows (sometimes I sit right on the floor and work or read).

Other times I opt to work upstairs in my dining area. I haven’t figured out the catch just yet, but I’ve found this too is a great place for me to refocus my energy. My dining table is near a window so it could be the bursts of sunshine that come through, or maybe it’s the elevated position I’m in (upstairs vs. down). Either way I’ve found it to be productive space for me and have taken to working in this area more often (I’m writing this blog in this area right now).

The point I’m making is sometimes small changes can make a big difference in business, whether it’s a shift in location (literally) or a shift in position (both literally and figuratively), the little changes can often impact how you feel, think, and are.

So if you find yourself stuck, unfocused, stressed or overwhelmed here are a few small changes to help make a significant difference in your business and life:

1. Change Your thought process and the way you’re thinking. This is a big one that takes very little to implement. It’s as easy as taking your traditional thinking and turning that upside down. Try taking another view and see if the outcome changes.

2. Change Your location. Get out of the office, take a walk, go to the library, go to another room or go to one of my favorites locations (mentioned above). A shift in scenery can make a really big difference in your view.

3. Change Your route – A friend mentioned this one to me and I thought it was a good idea. He shared that he often takes a different route when he’s driving to and from work or home. Who knows what you’ll find or discover just by implementing this small change.

4. Change Your routines – Similar to that above, this gives you an opportunity to do and explore something new. Do you eat lunch at the same place everyday or perhaps order the same meal? Try something different today. Do you always network in the same area with the same groups? Why not venture outside of your local area. Do you read the same papers, books, and magazines? Try reading something totally different and see what you learn.

5. Change Your Outlook – If you’re one of those individuals that often falls prey to the negative side of situations – the economy's bad, I need better clients, gas is too high, or I’m not going to make it, then stop it right now and change your outlook. Instead of looking and focusing on everything that’s not right, think about what’s going well in your life. Regardless of the situation, there is a way to turn things around. Find a solution and change your outlook.