Using Your Intuition in Your Business

My best business decisions were not based on any class I took, advice from a mentor nor a popular business book. Nope – my smartest choices were “G Moves” (G as in “gut”, not gangsta – although my street sense is pretty phat!).

In fact, my intuition is what led me to entrepreneurship in the first place. I didn’t have one lick of business skill when I started. But steely determination and killa instincts helped me to build a solid biz that was sustainable from day one.

When I’ve listened to my hunches, I have managed to:

Create a tarot business that has been going strong for over two decades
Started a mini yoga studio that is in its tenth year – with a waiting list
Made fun and useful products that have sold well
Hired a great team that has served my business beautifully

There were times where I didn’t go with my gut and those lessons were disastrous and painful. From risky investments to dubious partnerships with ne’er do wells – I learned the hard way when I refused to follow my inner intelligence.

I’m not the only one who has been guilty of that. Often I come across other entrepreneurs who have made costly, embarrassing blunders – even after they saw a bright red flag right in front of their eyes.

Why do we ignore that little voice within when it comes to business?

I feel that we turn a blind third eye because:

We think we’re being irrational or illogical. Especially if we don’t have “facts” to back up our feelings.
Sometimes we worry that we are being judgmental (that’s always my concern when I have a bad first impression of someone – I assume I’m being critical).
Others may shame us into believing we’re being kooky, impractical or too “woo woo”.
Or we worry that our instincts might be too crazy to work – especially if our ideas are outside the standard business box.

These mindsets can shut down your intuition in a heartbeat – and when you look back later, you find yourself saying “I had a feeling” or “if only I would have trusted my gut”.

It doesn’t have to be like that. In fact, if you start acknowledging that voice within, you might just save yourself and your business a ton of heartache (and cash) down the road.

Here is how you can begin doing just that:

BREATHE. The more centered you are, the more accurate your instincts. Panic rarely leads to anything except impulsive decisions.
Pay attention to first impressions and feelings – especially before you embark on a venture with anyone. If something feels off about that person (or the offer), give yourself permission to create enough time and space so that you can get clarity on those vibes.
If you are feeling doubtful or unclear, meditate. In fact, I highly recommend meditation for any business person. Often my best ideas bubble up after a session.
Look for signs. Sometimes they may seem to be random or weird – but pay attention. For example, I recently had a session with PR whiz Melissa Cassera. Right after we were done, I hopped in my car to run an errand and David Bowie’s “Fame” came on the radio. That was my sign that the info I received from her was valuable. (This may seem odd or off putting to logical types – but for those of us who look to the Universe for validation, we usually find it easily – and in the strangest ways.)
If you receive advice that doesn’t seem right for your business, it’s okay to take a pass. Not every business whiz – nor their advice – is right FOR YOU or your business. Always consult with the guru inside your gut to see if the information resonates.
It is perfectly fine (and smart) to question your feelings – but resist the urge to analyze + paralyze. Over analyzing will often create inaction. Keep a balance between heart and head, always.
Never let anyone shame you for trusting your gut. Honor your feelings and don’t let anyone make you feel like a freak for believing and respecting your inner wisdom.

In business (and life) it’s often the illogical and not so obvious that turns into the most brilliant and useful wisdom. Stop looking to the gurus for direction – instead look within yourself and you’ll find that your wisest and most creative advisor has always been right there.

“Good instincts usually tell you what to do long before your head has figured it out.” ~Michael Burke

Blessings!

Theresa

PS wanna tune in to your intuition? Get High Fives and Bitch Slaps From the Universe and get that third eye open today!