Getting Out of a Business Rut with eBay multi-channel selling

Is your eBay business struggling, or, well, just plain unexciting? Do you find it difficult to maintain a long-term vision of business success? Are you feeling frustrated or at a loss for direction? What about eBay multi-channel selling?

Well don’t worry, because you’re not alone.

And while everyone has their own approach for getting out of a rut, what helps me gain insight when I’m feeling lost is to think in terms of myths. Because they speak to our inner nature and provide direction.

In fact, a myth can help us to see where we are, how we got there, and what to do next to get to where we want to be….like plotting a course on a map.

Hero’s Journey

Arguably the most famous of all myths is the “hero’s journey,” a term coined by Joseph Campbell in his book, “A Hero with a Thousand Faces.” But a phenomenon that is as old as time itself.

It is a human story of journey, transformation and return that can apply to just about any aspect of our lives. Going on a hero’s journey can show us where we are stuck and how to move forward.

I’ve broken down the basic path of a hero’s journey as it applies to a business. Keep in mind this is not a rigid process; rather, it is a fill-in-the-blanks map to locate where you are and plot your own best course.

1) Acknowledge the Rut

This is easier said than done. No one wants to admit possible failure or that their business hasn’t turned out how they thought it would. Nevertheless, this is a powerful way to take charge and begin moving forward.

It’s the hero hearing the call.

Now is the time to ask questions about your business. For example, perhaps you need to reevaluate your product line or rethink your marketing strategy (think eBay multi-channel selling!) Maybe you’re not happy with your storefront.

Acknowledging the rut will help you to question what it is you want from your business and an idea of what it will take to get there.

2) Be Intentional

As a result of acknowledging troublesome business issues, you should now have a good idea of how to get unstuck and move forward.

Are you ready to create some meaningful goals for your business? Go ahead and write them down, no matter how difficult or hard-to-attain they may seem right now. Just get them out of your head and onto paper.

I know this can be a little scary, because more often than not it is at this point where we enter unfamiliar territory. And face our first major challenge, uncertainty.

Should I stay or should I go?

Every hero has to make this choice. Facing the unknown is part of the journey. Have confidence in yourself and know that you can do this.

3) Map a Clear Vision to eBay multi-channel selling

A great way to gain confidence is to look at each business goal, and then break it down into small, workable parts.

So, now, instead of trying to figure out how to get from Point A to Point E, then back to Point A, you’ll have a map for all points in between. You also might find alternative routes to explore along the way, which is fine too.

Because you know where you’re going and can easily find your way back to the main road, if need be. In fact, your map gives you the freedom to see.

And then it happens. . . .

You finally have a clear vision of the big picture and your purpose in it. This is a life-changing moment for heroes, because they have entered the unknown, confronted a few dragons, and discovered the treasure of their true selves.

4) Persevere and Persist

Don’t rest on your laurels yet. There will be more challenges to overcome and obstacles to face that will test your endurance levels. You must have patience, but you can get there with the treasure intact.

So roll up your sleeves, keep at it, and be patient. Remember, you know where you started, where you’re going, and how to get yourself there.

5) Renewed Purpose

Successfully returning from this type of hero’s journey will bring you a renewal of confidence and certainty, as well as new acquired knowledge about your business. And something else too.

You now realize that everything has changed because you have changed and in the process you’ve gained an invaluable treasure that is crucial to your continued business success. You now understand your purpose.

This is very general information. In future articles, I’ll go into more detail about specific business-related concerns that eBay sellers and other entrepreneurs face in day-to-day business, and how these concerns relate to the hero’s journey.

I would love to hear your feedback and suggestions below.