What To Say When Asked: “How’s Business”?

When things are not going as well as you would like in your business it can be difficult to share that when you're asked: “how's business?”

Sometimes you are tempted to omit or stretch the truth which doesn’t feel good. 

So in this blog post, I will share with you some ways you can share with integrity and create opportunities for getting help.

My mom had many different sayings but the more that stuck out to me the most was "the truth will set you free."

And that was the thought I had when I joined one of my mentors on a for a coaching session in our mastermind group.

I said to myself,  Colin, you must open up, share what's really happening in your life and business.

This is the only way you will benefit from this coaching call.

At this point, I was two years into self-employment.  Building my online business and it wasn't going the way I expected.

I was barely making enough money to cover my bills, and I was not doing the type of work I truly wanted to be doing.

I knew I had the potential to do better. But something was holding me back.

During that call, I realized the thing that was holding me back was me.

Me not being totally honest with myself and others about how things were in business.

I wasn't faking it till I made it, but I wasn't sharing the whole picture.

Here's what I mean, when people asked about my business, I gave them the default answer, "things are going great"? It was in some aspects but not when it came to the overall business.

Does that answer sound familiar?

Choose Transparency

There are many reasons why I chose to not be transparent. My ego, fear of judgment, being in denial, comparing myself to others, and I could go on.

The decision not to share the truth caused a lot of anxiety.

It slowed down my personal growth, my business growth.

It cost me thousands of dollars in income and opportunity.

But most importantly it caused me not to have the type of impact I truly want to have on other's lives.

How's Business? How To Answer

Tip: The more willing you are to share the truth about your situation, you're more likely to find the help you need to overcome to your challenges.

If you're not having the type of results you want in your business and someone ask: "how's business"?

Show up powerfully with integrity and answer honestly.

I've found it easier to share the truth by using variations of these responses.

"Things are getting better and better as I work through some challenges".

Other times, after sharing some of your wins, I would add:  "but they are some challenges I'm working on overcoming".

And this: "things could be a lot better if I had some help with...(insert where you need help).

No, you don't have to dump all my issues and challenges on unsuspecting people who were just being polite by asking "how's your business coming along".

But by using some of the answers I suggested above, some people will ask about your challenges.

Then you can share on a high-level what's going on.

When they continue to show interest and it's appropriate you may expand on what's going on in your world.

When you becoming more willing to share your challenges and struggles, you open yourself up to find help and solutions to overcome them.

Benefits of Being Transparent

By being transparent with your answers:

• You will release the burden and stress of keeping a secret that holds you back from operating at a higher level.
• You will get clarity and new distinctions.
• You will start to see, you're not the only one who has these struggles.
• You will get access to resources, advice and help to overcome your challenges.

Initially, I felt some shame when admitting to my struggles, and you may too.

But you will get over that when you take the focus off of you and focus on what achieving your goals will make possible.

Like every things else it takes practice to get out of your own way and give others the opportunity to help you as you work on your goals.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what the next step is in your online business you can get back on track if you're using a framework.

With a framework, you know the next steps to take in your business, and can quickly make adjustments when you get off track.

If you're not currently using a framework to build your online business,
click here to learn about my The 5-Step Profit Plan.