During my years with WineShop at Home, I’ve met a lot of people. I’ve seenconsultants come and go, leaders dive in and then move on, and any number of corporate employees/web designers/graphic designers/trainers/etc. fade away from the business.
It’s always hard when you come to rely on people and they move on. You like to think that everyone’s going to be in this business for the long run, but that’s not always the case. More often, people are seasonal and you don’t have time to get too attached. But sometimes you lose someone who’s been with you for a really long time… and that is a huge disappointment. This is more than a job so often, they become your friends, your partner in crime, or ying to your yang.
Getting through the Transition
I’ll be honest. Last month, my trusted virtual assistant, Melissa, came to me and told me that it was time for her to move in a new direction. She and I had worked together for over five years! It made me so sad to see her go, and she will be missed for a long time but she was ready for a new and different opportunity. A loss is a loss. Yes, it’s hard when you lose a great team member or a leader you were close to and you absolutely must take the time to mourn that loss. But once you’ve mourned, it’s time to make the choice to move on.
Everybody who comes into your life or your business has something to teach you, including the person who comes in to fill the empty space! Don’t put that new person in a box and expect them to do things exactly like the person who’s gone (If my new virtual assistant Dawn is reading this hopefully she knows I’m trying). Be open to trying things their way for a while and see what you can learn.
Here’s a good analogy: have you ever dated someone who had just broken up with a long-term partner? When they’re not over the other person yet, it can feel like they’re not really seeing you for you. The same happens in business – it’s important that we mourn our loss, and then make space for a new person to come in. You might not have even met them yet. At the end of the day, you have a business to run and you have to move forward. It’s important not to dwell on the things that simple can’t be changed because you are the most committed person in your business. Open Yourself to New Possibilities Have you ever noticed that sometimes a great loss turns out to be an awakening of something new and just as valuable? The old saying, “look for the silver lining” comes to mind. You’ve got to be flexible. You have to be willing to jump out of the plane and expect that your parachute will open. Know that everything will work out fine and stop worrying about what could have been. You’re in charge of deciding when it’s time to leave the pity party and move forward.
If you’re dealing with loss in your business, I can relate. I’m here to tell you that it will always be part of business, just like loss will also always be part of life! Keep plugging along because you’re on the right track. And if you need to, crack open a bottle of Fleur Bleu. Nothing like a glass of wine and a commission check to lift your spirits!