Running a Successful Business: What's Health Got to Do with It?

When I think of transcription business, I think of the work that I do, the work that my team does. I think of transcribing the spoken and written word. I think of headsets, foot pedals, transcription software. I think of interviews, meetings, an office surrounded by office equipment. I think of huge research work being conducted. I think of websites.

Indeed, I think of being in business. It is what we do.

So, what’s health got to do with it all? Good question. Simple really.

After 15 years in the transcription business I’ve learnt there is a lot more to business than just what we do. More than just transcription, and all the things listed above. Much more. We cannot conduct transcription services without people! I have an amazing team to look out for, and also my own self. Life happens. It gets in the way. We have families, other jobs, and oftentimes, health issues arise.

People have to be relatively well in order to front up to work every day. To be able to perform and conduct their tasks, and whatever may be required of them. Deadlines to meet. Meetings to have. Appointments, interviews. Travelling. It all adds up. It all can take a toll on the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing – on every aspect of our psyche.

After three major operations in the lifetime of my business, thus far – life stops us in our tracks, teaches us lessons – lessons we often do not want to learn, and resist with all our might, until we crumble.

I recall my second major surgery: sinus drainage. I was fortunate to get in to see my surgeon fairly quickly one year, and he mentioned surgery in a few short months away from our appointment time. I resisted and when I got the letter for an appointment time, I declined.

Why would I do that?!! Yep, I was afraid. I didn’t feel ready. Ready? You mean, suffer enough!! Because that’s exactly what happened. My sinuses troubled me to no end, causing me much grief and it affected all of my psyche for a long time, it was beyond bearable most of the time.

18 months – two years later, I was so fortunate to get another appointment with my surgeon fairly quickly. I walked into his office; he sat in his chair facing the door – ready for me!! I walked in rather sheepishly and felt yuk. He said, “Ah, so we’re ready to listen now, are we?!!” I smiled and then I sat down and just cried.

He didn’t waste any time. He dug deep and hit me right where it hurt – the TRUTH. The cold, hard truth. I consented this time to surgery. I couldn’t take it anymore.

The surgery was a success. He said, “You made me work so hard. I don’t know how you lived.”

So, what’s health got to do with running a business? With performing tasks and meeting deadlines, often on a daily basis. Running a transcription business, requiring running, caring for, and managing a team. Looking after amazing customers. Providing excellent transcription services.

What has health got to do with it?

Simple. Everything!! We have got nothing if we don’t have our health. So here’s the thing, to take on board so you can be a success and know that you are doing the right thing for yourSELF, yourTEAM, and yourCUSTOMERS.

• Change your mindset.

• Think health, life, wellbeing.

• Think family.

• Choose to eat good healthy food.

• Know everything that is going into your mouth.

• Read the labels.

• Do your homework – its easy. We have time for whatever we CHOOSE to have time for.

• Exercise daily

• Remove all obstacles – the biggest one being our own SELF.

• Be immensely grateful for all of the above and more.
  
  

Now, go do your mahi and do it well knowing you have things balanced and in perspective. Go be successful. Go make money. Go reach people and lighten their loads – yes, even in the business world. That’s what we do. Go and be great!