And no, I'm not suggesting you see an eye doctor. I'm asking about the vision you have for your business. And whether the passion you once held for this vision stills rings true for you.
Every business in the world came into being for the contribution it could somehow make to others. My company, New Radiance, originated with a desire to illuminate the work being done by the body-mind-spirit community in Florida.
Over the past 10 years, the vision for my business has evolved and expanded to where it now stands for "evolving business consciousness" - not just changing how we view business and do business, but drawing forth the soul of the business itself to operate at the highest potential and purpose its owners and participants are capable of.
In a small or home-based business, that's basically you and me we're talking about.
So the care of the corporate soul rests a lot on the level of our personal vision and passion.
What was your intention, when you first decided to hang out your shingle announcing your entry into the business world? Does your original vision still appear vividly in your mind, and does your passion for your work blaze brightly in your heart?
Or are you now just putting in time?
Perhaps, like me, your vision grew bigger and altered shape somewhat. In these fast-moving times, that's often needed, if we want to stay attuned to our life's higher purpose.
How fulfilled do you feel at the end of the day? Do you start your day knowing that the work you do is world-changing or life-altering? Does your work "feel like home?"
I'm a big advocate of business niches. The word "niche" comes from the French verb "nicher" - to nest. Our soul knows where home is.
Our corporate soul - the soul imbued in our business by its visioneers and passionate participants - knows what feels right. If sales slow down, do you do more of the same old, same old to get things going? Or do you get out your imaginary stethoscope and take the pulse of your business vision? If the old vision still feels true, then it's just a matter of re-enthusing yourself and others. But it may also be time for re-imagining the focus of your business.
As we grow personally in understanding and awareness, we may need to stretch our business vision as well. Sometimes, in a partnership or larger company, however, certain individuals can inhibit the full expression of company soul.
A top-down management memo isn't going to resolve this situation, either. The people involved will need to search their own souls for solutions for the highest good of the "group soul." As we evolve business consciousness, we'll figure out more win-win scenarios for resolving energetic anomalies within our companies.
See if you can connect energetically with the soul of your own business. Breathe. Relax. And connect with your feelings to the essence of the business you created. Does it feel vibrant and alive or diminished and confused?
If it needs reviving, are you the person with passion and vision to do it? Or are you ready to sell or terminate that business and move on to something you are passionate about?
Clients feel energy too, you know. They can tell a depleted business from one that's full of life. And, believe me, they choose life every time.
(Copyright 2004 by Barbara Casey)
