10 Things You Can Do To Grow Your Business Before Christmas!

This is an interesting time of year – a time of Thanksgiving and celebration and early preparations for Christmas, too. For many entrepreneurs, this can be a time of frustration and panic if, in fact, you have not reached your goals for the year. What to do?

In my conversations with many solopreneurs, in particular, I have learned that time management skills are an area for improvement.

Time management and self-discipline are essential when growing and developing your business. Lack of focus can be the culprit too if/when you have not reached your goals.

“If we did all the things we are capable of doing we would truly astound ourselves.” – Thomas Edison

My intention, with this article, is to provide you with hope and information that you can apply today – to get your business where you want it to be!’ All you need is the sincere desire to make things happen (you’ve got to be hungry!), belief in yourself and in your products/services, and a commitment to take action.

1. Get to every networking event you can. There are plenty of opportunities out there, local and virtual, with which you can get involved. You are not typically going to grow your business by staying behind your computer, day in and day out. Get out there – take lots of business cards – practice your (results-based) introduction……..and let people know who you are and the solution you provide.

2. Hire a VA (virtual assistant). If you are acting like a ‘lone ranger’ and doing everything in your business all by yourself, that’s one of your biggest mistakes! Hire a VA right now, delegate everything that is not your talent – thus, freeing up the time for you to do Step #1 – Get out there!

3. Call your “A” clients and ask for referrals. I trust that you have at least one happy and satisfied client. Call them – be bold – and ask for a referral. Do not let your shyness, your mindset or any other thing get in the way of doing this. I’ve heard some of my clients say ‘well, I don’t want to bother them” – excuse me! The way I described this to an individual the other day was simply this – ‘do you actually believe in your product and/or service? Yes? Who do you think should NOT have access to your product/service? Consider it like you are in a boat and you are rowing by someone who is in the water and struggling to keep afloat……..would you just row on by and let them sink? NO, of course not. You would provide a service and help them. Well, no different in your business! Happy and satisfied customers will know other people who need your help. If/when you truly b elieve in what you are doing/providing, then you have a moral obligation to do anything and everything you can to get that out there to the world. So, do it.

4. Take a look at all the business cards you have gathered over the past few months. Have you connected with those people again? Pull out 5 cards, call those people and make a ‘date’ to meet with them this week. I call that a ‘get acquainted’ meeting – keep it to 30 minutes – go with a clear intention of getting to know them and helping them to know you and what you do. (You had best be very clear on describing what you do and the transformation you help to create.)

5. Begin each day with a revenue-generating activity. That means back away from e-mail! I guarantee you that when you begin each working day with a revenue-generating activity, you can double your business in a month. Focus, focus, focus.

6. Sign up as an affiliate to someone’s program/products that you know, trust and believe in. I know that many of you have not created any products yet. That’s ok. You certainly must be aware of other good products on the market, and on line. Sign up as an affiliate, start actively promoting that product and get paid as an affiliate.

7. Ensure that your voicemail message is ‘client attractive’ – keep it clear and succinct with a message about what you do and invite them to your website. This is an incredible way to build your list, raise awareness about your work and invite people to get engaged with you. This is so simple that I want you to stop reading, right here, and go do this now.

8. Raise your rates. In the words of my good friend, Suzanne Evans, “Your rate is your message to the world about the confidence you have in what you do.” Many of you are severely undercharging for what you do – and/or you are not charging anything at all. You are giving away your services. Stop that. Do not under-value what you do and/or what you offer – if you do, so will your potential customers. Raise your rates today – and get on the phone and round up some new customers.

9. Get booked as a guest on radio, or blog talk radio. This is another way, and a very effective way, of getting out there. Blog talk radio hosts are always looking for good guests. Here are a few tips though: research, on the internet, what shows are being aired; listen to a few to ensure you have synergy and rapport with the host; prepare a brief overview of what you have to offer as a guest (be aligned with the theme/intent of the show) and then start making contact. Fill your calendar!

10. Get into a master mind group! There is no better place for an entrepreneur (solopreneur, homepreneur, speaker, coach, healer, author, consultant, virtual assistants, etc.). You can not do it alone. I know that, again, at this time of year, many of you are feeling isolated and overwhelmed. There is no reason to be going through those emotions. Find a master mind group and get involved. It is critical to the success of your business. (Read “Think and Grow Rich” by Napolean Hill to learn more.)

There are so many things you can be doing, right now, to grow your business. What I have learned from my coaching clients is that you simply do not know what you do not know. As well, it is a ‘new day’ out there – we must do business different in order to succeed and live our legacy.

CONCLUSION

It is easy to grow your business at any time of the year. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting – to expect otherwise is the definition of insanity. It takes excellent time management skills, self-discipline, focus, good information and surrounding yourself with the right people. I also advocate having fun! It is easy to turn the feelings of panic and frustration into joy and satisfaction.

Make a commitment today to implement the steps listed above and watch the difference a day can make.

What is the first step you will take today to grow your business?

YOUR ASSIGNMENT

1. Choose 7 of the steps listed above and start ‘working those steps’ each day this week.

2. Be aware of your mindset and your self-talk as you take action on these steps – keep it positive and uplifting.

3. Keep track of your successes and celebrate YOU at the end of the week. You can do this!

4. Get into a Master Mind group!