Business ownership can be an intimidating, overwhelming process - especially as a new entrepreneur. So much about succeeding, is not only about having knowledge and expertise, but also being effective and intentional in everything that you do.
The challenge that comes with doing this is most people are trained to do a job, but not on how to be an entrepreneur. As a result, what starts out a joyous endeavor, and a great sense of renewal, in the end, becomes a grind, or worse, a failure.
The good news is, it does not have to be this way. By implementing the right strategies for growth and long term sustainability, you will achieve success and experience a great sense of self-fulfillment, joy and purpose.
Here are 5 tips to grow your business and achieve success:
Get your finances together - if you are still working full time while also launching and growing your business, this can be especially hard. With proper budgeting, and curtailing of lavish expenditures, you will save and invest more toward your business. Focusing exclusively on expenses that quickly generate revenue for your business is key. Additionally, get your "books" in order by finding a reputable accountant to help you manage your finances.
Niche to be rich - it is better to be perceived as an "expert" in your field than a jack of all trades and master of none. To avoid this, get super clear about your specialty and your target audience. To the extent you can establish an immediate rapport with a specific audience, and communicate effectively how you help them, the better.
Bring in the troops - please retire the wonder woman cape! You can not do it all and do it well. Your family is a viable support network and capable of doing more for themselves. Bring them along; they are also part of this journey. Outsourcing through third party vendors, is also essential to building your team. The bottom line is if you do not allow others to help, you will be hard pressed to stay the course and burnout over time.
Surround yourself with like minded people -it is important to associate with other women who are passionate about achieving success in their life and their business. This passion shared by like minded women is infectious - so get bit by the bug!! In addition, join a network or group that will offer support and elevate your business building skills.
Get on the "information highway" - the internet is the single most utilized tool for finding information quickly. Because of this, everyone uses it. Be sure your business can be found there too. Not only is having a website, critical for establishing yourself as a legitimate business, it is also one of the easiest, and most viable means for collecting leads (e.g. capture contact information of prospective clients or customers). When you collect leads, you are able to build your list and enter an ongoing, trustworthy relationship with your targeted audience.
Zenobia Garrison is CEO of Success Transitions, LLC. She is a business success coach, helping new women coaching & service entrepreneurs launch while they work, and grow their business. Click here to learn more about keys to business success and to receive my free e-course.