Take responsibility for the condition of your business*.
If it is
flourishing, feel proud. If it is barely making it, you know you need to
step it up. If it's failing miserably, you need to restructure and start
over. Whatever your business is doing today is a reflection of YOU. "Own it"
if you want to improve it.
*Put in at least 8 hours a day. *
If you were working for someone else you would put in an 8 hour day plus
driving time. Maybe you would even stay late or bring work home. Running
your own business requires MORE than it would take working for someone else.
A lot more. If you aren't sure what to do with all those hours, create
things to do. Educate yourself, read, learn from others. Keep doing. If you
don't have at least 8 hours a day to grow your business, don't be surprised
if it doesn't work. And, don't complain. The luxury of working only a few
hours a day comes from putting in lots of overtime for years until business
has grown to a point you can pay others to do things for you.
*Dress your entire business for success.*
Pay attention to every detail. Always look clean, neat and professional.
For maximal recognition, always use the company logo. If you want to promote
a separate name for your own company branch, incorporate it around the
corporate logo. I'm still amazed at why people don't use a logo that has
been seen for years or longer in lieu of showing their own. You're missing
out when you do this - someone eventually will recognize the corporate logo
and that person may be just the one that will buy from you.
*Stay positive.*
Nothing will destroy your business faster than negativity. No matter how
down you feel, find ways to stay motivated and alive. Use networking groups.
Read. Go to Chamber Mixers. Whatever it takes to keep you excited and up.
When you're down, good things don't happen.
*Give.*
Do something free. Giving things away can get you notoriety, publicity
and a second look by people who otherwise wouldn't pay any attention. Giving
freebies to the disadvantaged will not only help you get started but will
reward you in many other ways over time.
*Be productive with your time.*
At the end of each day ask yourself this very important question: Did I
do everything I could do today to promote my business? If the answer is
"no", start creating jobs and projects for yourself. Even if they seem to be
unimportant at first. You'll be getting more involved in the business, get
to know more people and come up with more beneficial ideas over time.
*Get the "must do" items done first each day.*
It's always better to get things out of the way that you 'have to' do
first. Make it a priority to deal with those things that you don't like to
do or dread right away. Then, the rest of the day can be more enjoyable and
you won't be filled with apprehension throughout your work day.
*Provide impeccable customer service.*
When you get an email, phone call or other request from prospects or
current clients, take care of it immediately. Do not put it off. Taking care
of issues and questions quickly will make a very positive impression on
others. Don't minimize this one item completely under your control. No one
knows what's happening in your life - and people don't care. They care about
their questions and concerns being taken care of right away. Show them you
care and are there to help as quickly as possible. Your reputation and image
will clearly reflect it.
*Read.*
Read at least one motivational book a month. Pick a topic that you think
your business (or you) need the most help with. Research the topic on the
internet and choose several books. Go to the library and get one that is
available and read it. This one task alone, can help you find solutions to
some of your biggest obstacles in building your business.
*Reach out.*
Strive to make at least 10 new email contacts each week in related
fields. This is not your own email list, it's anyone out there that you
think may be interested in what you do. Make contacts with people without
trying to sell them anything. Find out exactly what they do and see how you
could develop a relationship with them. Keep your name in front of those who
respond just like you would with the other long term relationships you've
come to develop. Keep these email addresses and names in a separate list .
Contact them regularly.
*Build Grass Roots.*
Meet at least one new person inside your community a day(weekday). Anyone
that you think may be interested in your niche. Just introduce yourself,
tell them what you do in a few sentences and get their business card. Let
them know you're a concerned member of the community who cares about people.
Your name will get circulated and before you know it, someone who has buying
power will contact you. Or remember you at a later time when you cross paths
again.
About the Author
Michele Silence, M.A. is a 23-year fitness professional, studio
owner, speaker and freelance writer. She is the President and CEO of Aerobic
Fitness Consultants, and the creator of KID-FIT, physical education classes
for preschoolers. Contact Michele at
http://www.kid-fit.com
