By John Sanpietro, Certified Business Coach
Peer pressure.
It's a term, and a phenomenon, we most often equate with high school teenagers. It's the stuff Afterschool Specials are made of.
The truth, though, is peer pressure exists in all demographics, and is a dominant force in many different peer groups.
One of the groups where adult peer pressure is strongest is in direct sales!
In fact, if you're being honest, there probably isn't a single person reading this who has not been influenced by peer pressure at least once as a Demonstrator.
Why is peer pressure bad? Well, peer pressure can cause you to do things you may not want to. Things you know are not necessarily good for your business, but you just go along because you don't want to stick out. You're worried about the backlash.
Peer pressure can also cause you to not do things you want to. Even though you may think an idea is good for you or your business, you may be concerned that nobody else likes it and you don't want to deal with the backlash.
Whichever scenario, succumbing to peer pressure is simply bad for business. And even if it didn't have an impact on your business one way or the other, peer pressure is time consuming, as well as emotionally and (sometimes) physically draining.
So… how do you deal with peer pressure? How do you address it so it doesn't hurt your business or cost you time, as well as preserve your physical and mental well-being?
Here are four tips:
1. Have a clear understanding of who you're doing this business for
Why are you a stamping business owner? Who are you trying to please? Yourself? Your family? Or are you more concerned with what your fellow Demos think? If you're trying to please everyone, you'll probably end up pleasing no one… or, at the very least, end up with a less-than-dynamic business. Decide who the priority people are and focus on pleasing them… and only them!
2. Have a clear understanding of what you're trying to accomplish with your business
Your objectives should be the overriding concern… not what other people are going to think. You should ask yourself, 'will doing this thing get me closer to my goals?' The answer to that question should determine whether or not you go forward… NOT the opinions of your peers.
3. Remove yourself from negative environments
Usually, there are just one or two places where you really feel the stress and peer pressure. Identify those places and remove them from your life. People can talk all they want. It's your choice whether or not to listen.
4. Live a good life
Nothing is more annoying to a naysayer than when you actually prove them wrong. Do what you want to do, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Your results will silence those around you more effectively than anything else. Peer pressure is very real, and I can't tell you how many times I've watched Demonstrators self-sabotage their business because of it.
Don't be one of those Demos. Stay focused. Stay true to yourself and your goals. And run the business YOU want to run!
Warmest regards,
John Sanpietro
Certified Business Coach
STAMPING IS MY BUSINESS!
