My motivation for my business hit a real slump this summer. Sales were down, my number of listings dropped, therefore my income dropped. That sure didn't help get me pumped up to sell!

In talking to a few other eBay seller-friends, I noticed I wasn't the only one experiencing this.

I took a few guilt-free days off to think about things and I've finally rounded the corner. I have tons of listings saved and ready to go live when the time is right.

I thought I would share some of my Motivation Tips in case there are others out there feeling the "sales blues". We all need a little boost from time to time.

• Take a day off. Everyone needs a break, and sometimes the best way to keep on track is to take a break. Don't worry about what you should be doing. Enjoy the moment. Frankly, I have a hard time doing this, but occassionally you must. Take a walk, have coffee with a friend, play Playstation 2 (my personal favorite distractor), blog about non-eBay topics, take a nap (another top pick for me.) The possibilities are endless in today's world. Just give it a rest and relax for a while. You will be able to come back to task with renewed energy.
• Organize your workspace. "A cluttered space equals a cluttered mind." I don't know who originally came up with the quote, but it's true. Taking a little time to re-organize and clear the clutter can go a long way to helping you stay focused on the true task at hand - your business.
• Re-evaluate/Revamp. Several eBay sellers have been doing this since the announcement of the Store fee increase. But look at the minor details too. How often are you sending newsletters to your buyers? Does your logo need a face-lift? Is it time for a change in the wares you sell? Take a long hard look at the minor details (and some major ones too) to see if it's time for a change. Look at your auctions/store through a buyer's eyes.
• Let the past go. Yes, it's been a long hard summer. You may have made some mistakes. Whatever the case may be, let it go. Move on. Don't dwell on it. Make your changes and do better from here on out.
• Remember the successes you have had. You know that amazing sale you made? Post it on your About Me page. Add it to your pitch book. Heck, hang a copy of the pic/check/PayPal receipt on your office wall!
• Remind yourself what your goals are. Why are you here? Where are you going with this business? Give yourself a quick reminder of what your purpose is. Write down your goals for you business. Read them every now and then. Keep your eye on the prize! Stay focused on where you are going and look for markers along the way that tell you how you are doing.
• Make it happen! No matter how badly you want to change, just thinking about it alone will not "Gitrdone." The world is full of dreamers. Be a do-er!

This is far from a complete list, but it's a start. You can do this. But you don't need me to be a cheerleader for you. You have to find the motivation within yourself. Hope these tips help.