Written by Annette Densham, Chief Storyteller
Multi-award-winning PR specialist Annette Densham is considered the go-to for all things business storytelling, award submission writing, and assisting business leaders establish themselves as authorities in their field.
There is no smooth sailing in small business. With the economic ripples from the past few years still being felt and the rising cost of living, many business owners feel like they’re moving mountains to stay afloat. There are things in our power to keep moving forward. There are many more that we have no control over. This lack of control is like being stuck on a treadmill, going a hundred miles an hour but not getting anywhere.
Loz Antonenko is an accomplished wellness entrepreneur, speaker, and author with a passion for helping people create sustainable, healthy lifestyles. With over a decade of experience in the health and fitness industry, she’s built a reputation for her unique approach that blends practical wellness strategies with an emphasis on mental resilience and personal growth. Her methodology encourages people to focus on "less Is more"—streamlining wellness habits to ensure they’re impactful, manageable, and aligned with each person's unique needs.
As a champion of the importance of self-awareness, mindset shifts, and body positivity as the core drivers for lasting health, Loz has some suggestions on how to look after yourself.
Loz said it's not just the everyday challenges, many small businesses struggle to find skilled workers, get their heads around the constant change of this digital age, and keep up with customer expectations, which also change as quickly as Instagram’s algorithms. “Add to this the pressure to innovate, be stellar at sales, and juggle all the other balls in the air; it’s enough to drive a business owner to binge-watch Bridgerton. Procrastination feels safe, as that feeling of being stuck solidifies and the couch beckons,” she said..
There’s many ways to get back on track, but how do you do so when there are so many ‘experts’ with their offerings and the best way to get unstuck? There’s six Ms that can help get clarity and reignite your purpose. Using the six Ms – Momentum, Menu, Mindset, Movement, Mastery, and Mentorship – as leverage from that unstuck feeling can help you shift gears.
Momentum
Loz said momentum is the secret sauce that keeps everything moving. When your business feels like it's stalling, build momentum with small, achievable goals. Think quick wins. “If you're struggling with customer engagement, start by setting a goal to increase your social media interactions by 10% this month by posting more frequently, responding to comments and sharing more customer/client testimonials,” she said. “Or, it could be as simple as ticking some low hanging jobs off your to-do list. Or send a thank-you email to five loyal customers.”
Momentum is a boost to your brain. Every time you tick off a task, your brain releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine. This feel-good natural high hormone is responsible for pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. Try it. It’s amazing how something so simple as ticking off a task can motivate you.
Menu
Your business menu – the products or services you sell, maybe a little stale. How you can refresh your offerings to better meet your customers'/clients’ needs. How long has it been since you asked your customers/clients what they need? Do a stocktake of your products/services to see what sells well and what doesn’t. “Perhaps you’re spreading yourself too thin, and that’s why you feel stuck. A confused mind doesn’t like taking action,” Loz said.
Mindset
Loz said it’s the mental game that can make or break you. “When you look at what is stopping you, do you see insurmountable obstacles or opportunities for growth? It might be time to flip the script. Instead of seeing roadblocks, see stepping stones,” she said.
“Our brains have the remarkable ability to process and interpret the world around us. But when it comes to distinguishing between reality and fiction, especially in moments when we feel stuck or stressed, we believe what we tell ourselves.”
If you feel stuck, contact someone you trust as a sounding board. Getting out of your head and grounding yourself in the present can help you see things more clearly and stop your mind from running wild with negative scenarios. When you focus on what's real and actionable, rather than dwelling on imagined fears, you can break free from feeling stuck and start moving forward.
Movement
Movement is all about agility. Loz said this means keeping a handle on changes in the market, latest trends and new ways of doing things. “If you are clinging to ‘this is the way I’ve always done this’ you are living in a fixed mindset,” she said.
Psychologist Carol Dweck explains how our beliefs about our abilities can significantly impact our behaviour and success – fixed vs growth mindset. When you have a growth mindset, you embrace challenges and opportunities to change and adapt. It’s about being nimble, so you can pivot when necessary and embrace new technologies or strategies that move you and your business forward. We saw a lot of this in 2020, when many bricks and mortar retailers took to the online space, like ducks. to water. Many expanded their reach beyond their local area. It’s time to review your business processes to see what you can streamline or automate tasks for growth and forward motion.
Mastery
Mastery is about becoming an expert in your field. “When you continually learn and grow, you position your business as a leader in the industry. It’s all about honing your skills through focused and deliberate practice,” Loz said.
Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-hour rule explains that putting in around 10,000 hours of dedicated practice can make you a true expert in your field. Not just about logging hours, but investing in focused, goal-oriented practice. Mastery comes from consistent practice and looking for ways to improve. “Invest in training or workshops for yourself and your team. Subscribe to industry journals or online courses to stay ahead of trends. There’s many opportunities to learn and grow,” Loz suggested.
Mentorship
Having a mentor is like having a business GPS. “If you are seeking a mentor. You want one that has been down the road you’re travelling, so they can give you guidance, wisdom, and a fresh perspective,” Loz said. “If you’re a tech startup founder, connect with an entrepreneur who knows how to scale operations and avoid common pitfalls.”
How do you find a mentor to help you with the sixth M? Find people you admire in your space and ask if they’d be willing to mentor you. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Go to industry events or join professional groups where you can network and find potential mentors. We may be in business for ourselves, but that doesn’t mean we have to do it ourselves.
Annette Densham, Chief Storyteller Multi-award-winning PR specialist Annette Densham is considered the go-to for all things business storytelling, award submission writing, and assisting business leaders in establishing themselves as authorities in their field. She has shared her insights into storytelling, media, and business across Australia, UK, and the US speaking for Professional Speakers Association, Stevie Awards, Queensland Government, and many more. Three times winner of the Grand Stevie Award for Women in Business, gold Stevie International Business Award, and a finalist in Australian Small Business Champion awards, Annette audaciously challenges anyone in small business to cast aside modesty, embrace their genius and share their stories.
