With the right tools at hand, discipline and a go-getter attitude any business can achieve its full potential. Let me show you ten steps that can put business owners on the path to success.
1. A Business Should Have An Objective: Decide why you are running a business. Increasing cash flow should be your secondary motivation for doing so. Its important to realize that any business starts with an idea. These ideas arise, as a way to inspire change, address a need or find a solution. In other words, your reasons for doing business should in one way or another coincide with your own personal goals and values. Do not forget, that business owners are there to make improvements, introduce new forms of thought and aid the people in their communities.
2. Make Friends Not Clients: True leadership comes from an understanding that we are not clients, consumers or numbers; we are people. A good businessman or woman, constantly seeks to inject themselves into the community they cater to. People relate to honesty and enjoy being humbled through their experiences. Where possible, offer advice, extend a helping hand and create a working environment where people want to be. I am going to go out on a whim and say, money’s made with honey.
3. Stand Out From the Crowd: Think about what makes you unique. Keep in mind that innovation and creativity are essential when it comes to doing business. Don’t be a copycat, instead, think on your feet and reinvent the wheel. Be open to exploring possibilities and offering off-the- cuff solutions. By bringing forward fresh ideas and responding favorably to your market’s needs you will generate positive feedback and gain loyal followers.
4. Momentum And Forward Thinking: Entrepreneurial spirit is the spice of any business. Don’t get hung up on manusha. Pick up your stride and keep moving ahead. Focus on your long term goals such as integrity, ingenuity and reputation. Stay positive in working towards your vision. Wasting energy on trivial activities will only hinder your progress.
5. Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone: Be accountable for your actions. Learn to take calculated risks, work with others and own up to your mistakes. A good entrepreneur must learn to advance, adapt and adjust. If you fail to respond to the changes around you then, in the words of Anthony Robbins, “If you do what you’ve always done, you will get what you’ve always gotten”. Be open to new perspectives and welcome constructive feedback.
6. Serious Entrepreneurs Have Fun: Don’t add to your stress by being a sourpuss. Smiling is your best antidote against failure. Stay focused but empathetic. Taking your business seriously does not mean you should bury your face in paperwork and stop having fun. If you show that you truly love what you do, people will naturally gravitate towards you.
7. Stop Competing With Yourself: It’s true. There is plenty of competition out there who you should be aware of. Realize though, that your worst competition is you. When running a business, you must constantly reinvent yourself. Take a closer look at your habits, internal conflicts, negativity or anything else that might stand in the way of your success. Make a conscious decision to get over any preconceived notions and toss out unnecessary mental clutter.
8. Its Always About the People: Remember what I’ve said earlier, the number one reason for starting a business should be to make improvements or to address the needs of your community. This means, that people should become your number one priority. In my own work I try to adhere to this formula; purpose, people, profit. The happier the people the larger the profit. Your business model should serve to inspire and motivate. Prioritize building relationships through interaction and contribution, the money will follow.
9. Use Your Friends And Partners As Vehicle For Success: Don’t disregard the people closest to you. Instead, use them as your secondary sounding board and inspiration. There is nothing more satisfying than working together. They will appreciate the effort and it will not go unnoticed.
10. Never Stop Learning: Always be curious and continue to learn. Stay open to new experiences and seek out people whose views and opinions differ from your own. Do not separate your business from the rest of your life, instead choose to explore; delve into your social responsibilities and personal motivators. Your business will thrive with you.
Use these steps to help you succeed in business and entrepreneurship. The Academy of the Impossible offers an interesting course related to this topic: Learn all about how to get paid in the current knowledge economy. Go check it out. http://impossible.ws/getting-paid-in-the-knowledge-economy. You can also visit the WizOf.Biz blog for more helpful business articles and advice.
