Business success strategies - 5 Things I Did Right in 2005
All in all, I'm pretty happy with how 2005 turned out. My
business is taking off. I've built a solid foundation to support
even more growth (which I forecast for 2006) and I've even
managed to take some time off.
I'd like other entrepreneurs and business owners to feel as good
about their business as I do about mine, so I thought I'd take a
moment to share 5 things I attribute to my successful 2005.
1. Attended seminars. This one is HUGE. Nothing beats getting
out of your office and away from your computer and actually
meeting people face to face. I've come away from these events
with clients, joint venture partners, and more. (And that
doesn't even include the great information I absorbed and was
able to put to use in both my business and my clients'
businesses.) If you only put one of my 5 tips to use, this would
be the one to do -- that's how valuable I've discovered
attending seminars to be.
2. Hired a coach. Again, this was another tough decision to
make, but I'm really glad I did. It's difficult to see your
business objectively, so having a neutral observer on your team
is extremely valuable. Coaches help you get out of your own way
(and believe me, that's a biggie for us entrepreneurs.) They can
help you with both your inner game (your habits and mindset) and
your outer game (your skills and business structure).
3. Started systemizing my business. Unless you want to be
chained to your business night and day, you have got to start
systemizing your business. Yes, all businesses should have
systems in place, even if you don't have anyone else working for
you and you primarily sell services. The best part is when you
do have systems in place, your business suddenly starts running
a lot more efficiently and effectively (and you can start
sleeping better at night and relaxing on vacation).
4. Outsourced. For all you control freaks out there, this one is
for you. If you don't start hiring some help, I guarantee you'll
never be able to grow your business because you'll be constantly
doing tasks you have no business doing. Do yourself a favor and
get some help...NOW. I've just hired a project manager/director
of client services, plus I have 2 backup writers and 2 virtual
assistants. Building a team has been a big stress reliever for
me.
5. Focused on my inner game. Shifting my mindset away from
"freelancer" to "business owner" was another big piece of the
puzzle. As soon as I made that shift, all the other four
techniques fell into place because it suddenly made them easier
to do.
It's tough to change your inner game on your own -- hiring a
coach is probably the fastest way to do this. But there are some
good resources out there if you want to begin dabbling in it
first. Do a search and see what comes up, I started my journey
with free ezines and articles.
Creativity Exercise -- Make 2006 the best year ever
Go back and reread my list. Now get out a piece of paper and
start brainstorming ways you can integrate my tips into your
business. Which one do you think will bring the quickest
results? Which one will be more difficult for you to start
doing? Which is the one you SHOULD be doing?
Have fun with this exercise, really play around and see what
comes up. Don't censor yourself, just write down the answers
that bubble up even if it doesn't seem right. You might discover
something important about yourself and your business that might
be the key to launching you forward faster than you ever dreamed
possible.