Ben Franklin's Secrets For Success
Are you overwhelmed by all the advice on the internet about how
to become a successful small business owner?
The sheer volume of information is overwhelming and worst of
all, many of the "experts" disagree.
Every so often my business will experience a slow down and this
week was one of those weeks. I could easily blame the holiday or
the normal summer vacation period, but that wouldn't solve my
problem.
I needed to step back and rethink my business plan.
The response for most online business owners is to pick their
favorite "guru" or "gurus" and start studying their advice.
That works well for a lot of marketers, but sometimes I like to
think outside the box. There are some time tested ideas that are
universal and will work if applied to any situation.
I studied Ben Franklin's simple system for self-improvement. The
system may be simple to develop, but that doesn't mean it's easy
to follow.
In his autobiography Franklin talks about his need to constantly
monitor himself. Old habits are truly hard to break.
Although Franklin used this system to reshape his personality,
it can just as easily be applied to improving your skills as an
online entrepreneur.
If you're looking for a quick fix, this isn't for you.
Here's a step by step plan to becoming a more successful
entrepreneur.
1. The first step is to pick the 13 areas of your skills that
need the most work.
Step back and take a look at your business and find 13 skills
that would improve your performance. The hard part for me is
limiting the list to 13 skills.
I'm such a techno-dummy I could work on hundreds.
2. Put the 13 skills you've listed in order of importance. Label
them from 1 to 13.
3. Decide to spend one week working on each skill. Spend time
every day for a week working on improving that one area of your
business.
For example of you chose writing better ads as an area needing
improvement, spend daily study time working on your ad writing
ability.
4. After you've spent a week working on the number problem on
your list move to number 2.
5. After 13 weeks go back and work on number one again. Follow
through on each skill for another 13 weeks.
6. By the end of one year you've spent four weeks improving 13
of your biggest obstacles to business success.
At the end of a year re-evaluate your business and determine
which skills still need to be worked on and which ones you've
mastered.
I know this seems like a lot of work. It's taking time away from
making your first million.
Well I have to let you in on a little secret. Making a go of
your online business isn't easy and if you're not willing to
work at it, you'll spend your time asking:
Is anyone really making money online?
Well there are small businesses making money online, but they've
done their homework and honed their skills.
If you're truly serious about making money on the internet, this
plan is as good a place to start as any.
Don't rely on luck. You'll find the harder you work, the luckier
you'll get.
Wishing You Success