As a work at home mom, I take my business seriously. If I don’t bring in the income and revenue, then we don’t eat! So I learned early on as a professional blogger and consultant to create several streams of income and treat my blog like a business if I wanted to be successful. Being that I worked in corporate America for many years, I did have an advantage. I knew how to write a business plan as well as how to market myself and write proposals. But there were many things I had to learn (and I am still learning) while on the job.
For many of us, working for ourselves and being able to make a great living while doing so is our ultimate goal. But oftentimes, we may find ourselves being stagnant or not moving forward. Sometimes, you need a catalyst to get you moving in the right direction.
So I compiled a list of 5 Things You Need to Do Now to Jumpstart Your Business, so that you can begin to work smarter, and not harder.
Here we go…
1. Be Strategic
Having a plan and being able to create strategies for your business is what separate the good from the great. Just going through the motions isn’t good enough.Take a weekend, sit down, and write out your business plan and create a strategy. Start with WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE HOW WHY. Answering those questions is the start of being able to build your business. Be specific. Do research. Do the hard work.
2. Get a Mentor
Having a mentor has really helped me in my business. Having a go-to person to bounce ideas off of and to go to for advice has really advanced my brand. If you don’t already, find a mentor that is in your same line of business and work with them to help propel your business. I have mentored a few others bloggers, and it has allowed me to give back and help others.
3. Build a Brain Trust of Accountability Partners
Accountability partners are everything. They are a group of people that you trust who will make sure that you are following the path you set forth for yourself. I have blogged before about accountability partners and they have really made a difference not only in my business but in my life.
4. Stop Putting Off What You Can Do Today
Laziness and fear are two factors that usually stop people from excelling in their business. These are two factors that are working against you, not for you. Write a to-do list, email it to your mentor and accountability partners, and have realistic deadlines that you can meet. Follow your list and try to complete at least one or two goals each week. Your mentor and accountability partners can help make sure you complete the tasks you set forth for yourself.
5. Know What It Is You Do & Why You Do It Better
You would be surprised at how many times I’ve asked someone what it is they do or what line of business they are in, and I get an answer that sounds like it was from one of the presidential debates—basically a non-answer with a bunch of words that mean nothing. Know what it is you do and be able to communicate that effectively to others. You are your biggest and best salesperson and marketer. Know your competition and what they do and don’t do, so you can up the ante and give people a better an alternative. Do not be afraid to toot your own horn!
Great businesses aren’t built overnight, but they are built with skill, determination, and a will to succeed. Utilizing these 5 tips will help grow your business and take it from stagnant to moving in the right direction.
What are your thoughts?
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