by Lynn White of Lynn White Designs 

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A couple of weeks ago one of the members in a Facebook group I am in, was very emotional and upset. She was upset because she received an email from a website visitor criticizing her, quite harshly, for not having prices on her website. As a business owner, I know all too well about the constant battle of whether or not to have your prices on your website (that’s for another post)!

Because of this one email, she had decided to add pricing to her website and wanted to get the group’s opinion and experience in this area. She had her reasons for not having her prices on her website and had never done so in the four years she’d been in business. What I found interesting and amazing was that because one person (in four years) was upset that she didn’t have prices, and took the time to let her know, she was willing to change something in her business.

It made me think and wonder how many of us make business decisions based purely on emotion? I know I’m guilty of it and each time I have done this, I’ve regretted my decision. Because I have made this mistake more times than I care to count, I now make myself follow these steps before I make a decision when I’m emotional.

1. Consider the source. Think about what has prompted this possible change or why this decision must be made in the first place.
2. Sleep on it. I’ve found it is best to “sleep” on a decision or situation before you actually go through with it when your emotions are high. Things oftentimes seem different the next day or a few hours later and because of this, perhaps your point of view will change.
3. Seek advisors. Ask your mentor, business coach, or another trusted advisor for their advice. Gaining another’s perspective can help you to look at the decision that needs to be made in a different light.
4. Don’t block yourself in. Don’t let yourself believe there is only one choice. My Mother always uses the phrase, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” (If you are a cat owner or lover, I mean no harm). Why a cat is involved, I’m not sure, but what I do understand is that there is always more than one solution. If you only see decision “A,” then you need to broaden your thoughts (this is where #3 really comes in handy)!

Being in business is hard, but very rewarding! Don’t make things harder on yourself by making your decisions when you are emotional. Following these four steps can help ensure you make the best decision for you both professionally and personally.

P.S. In case you were wondering, the member of the Facebook group I mentioned at the beginning of this post decided to not make any changes, and did not add pricing to her website after all!

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Lynn White MBA is a Web Designer and WordPress expert who helps women entrepreneurs build websites that allow them to shine online and meet their business goals in the process. She brings an approach to design and development that helps demystify technology and put women in the driver’s seat for their personal brand. Lynn is a frequent speaker on WordPress trends and issues.