When you run an e-commerce business, the decision-making is constant — and can really take a toll on business owners. If you’re facing decision-overload in the marketing arm of your sleep business, these tips can help.
Every day you’ve got to make an unending series of decisions, large and small, and it can be draining in the mix of a busy day. Too many CEOs find they feel “analysis paralysis” at times.
When you’re on overload, there will be a temptation to act on impulse, rather than sift through the facts. Or you might “sit on it” for days, weeks, weighing your options. This overthinking leads to a sense of overwhelm that doesn’t work well in any situation, and certainly not in business.
As a small business owner, you must make tough calls — as your critical thinking skills will establish the basis of your business. If you bear the weight of those decisions, without a team to weigh in on your decision, your business’ survival may be at risk.
Steps to take:
Admit the struggle – Maybe you don’t feel that a leader should discuss these problems. You probably believe the responsibilities are the price of being CEO. If your employees, investors, or customers suspect your struggle, will they think less of you?
Truth is, leadership positions always involve highs and lows that can be draining. It’s only natural that you suffer from decision fatigue at times. When you acknowledge the struggle, you can help prevent real burnout. Being open about the struggle, rather than suppressing it, is the healthiest choice.
Create a healthy lifestyle – Just as you tell your patients/customers, it’s essential that you build a healthy routine into your daily life. Good nutrition, exercise, fresh air, and sufficient sleep will all nurture your mental health — so you can more easily make those big decisions. Without adequate sleep, your brain simply won’t function as well.
Establish your priorities – Don’t let all the small battles fill your day. You’ll be too drained to tackle the larger strategic issues. Avoid this by setting your priorities. This will guide you on the decisions you can ignore or delegate — or wait until you have sufficient time to address the more important issue.
Prioritise your calendar – Block out time for critical thinking about important decisions. Mornings are generally best for “big picture” decisions. Overall, take care to complete any small tasks right away so you won’t have a backlog.
Set deadlines – Plan your decision-making time well in advance, and set a deadline for yourself. This helps ensure you don’t spend wasted time overthinking some minor points.
Establish decision-making protocols – You might set up a decision matrix, listing your criteria and rating each option. Or create a diagram to map out each proposed path and the expected results.
Engage your team – You don’t have to make decisions alone. Your team is a deep well of support and experience, and can help. Most likely you can delegate some decisions to your team, removing great stress from your life. You’ll want to make the final decision, but empowering your team will help greatly.
Somnowell Marketing Can Help
Marketing and advertising are critical components of every business’ success, and having a dedicated team is a positive move. Our teams are comprised of specialists in SEO, social media, digital marketing, website development and advertising. With their guidance and assistance, your sleep business can thrive — and company leaders can relax a little, knowing experts are in charge.
Is it time to lift the weight from your shoulders? Give us a call, let’s discuss.
