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#SmallBizLessons |
Business Mistakes do not have to derail you.
If you look at them correctly, they can be a great way to re-focus your business and find greater success than ever before!
“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” Winston Churchill
We have all been there. We think we are firmly on the right path. We have done what we need to do and are ready to start or expand our own business. We are slowly building up our client base, providing a quality product or service, and generally on our way to success.
Then it happens...................
All small business owners know that potential problems are everywhere. We also know that even if we are not at fault, these problems need to be resolved in order to keep our clients happy and our company on the right track.
Of course hindsight is 20/20, but I will share with you 10 lessons I have learned over the course of my business.
Yes, I wish I could go back and do some things differently, but I believe it is more important to identify and rectify these mistakes than to believe they could have been averted.
10 Things You Need to Know about Small Business! "Tweet This"
What I have Learned about Business:
- You Need to Be Specific about the Scope of Your Business
- You Need to Write a Business Plan
- You Need to Spend Your Time on “Smart” Marketing
- You Need to Value Your Worth
Each moment you spend has value. The lesson I needed to learn early on was not to short change myself. You may have to study your competition to get a feel for this, but it is worth it - and will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
- You Need to Be Willing to Outsource Things You Can’t (or Just Don’t Want to) Do Yourself
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- You Need to Stay Motivated
For me, that means re-evaluating at the end of each year and re-inventing myself with what I have learned (check out my end of the year blog article on this here). When I am able to shake things up a bit, it keeps me interested and committed.
- You Need to Find What Works For You
It is important to focus on why you are different from your competitors, not how you are the same. As I stated previously, find your unique “niche” and run with it.
- You Need to Realize the Need to Separate “Professional” from “Personal”
I have found that it is essential to “unplug” and recharge. I can then return to work refreshed and able to focus on the tasks at hand.
You can find out more about the need for downtime in "Stop ~
Why it is time for You to Unplug from Your Job!"
- You Need to Be Authentic to Build Trust
Many business owners are under the misguided impression that true “honesty” cannot be accomplished in business. This is a big mistake.
Being “fake” or not genuine will be found out. Those that promise the moon but deliver nothing may win the initial battle, but will surely falter in the long war!
- If You Can, You Need to Go It Alone
No one knows your business like you do!
These words cannot be said often enough. You know the direction you want to go, and you know the steps you are willing to take to get there. Face it, only you know your product or service inside and out.
Having the freedom to take your business in the direction you alone choose is exhilarating!
Just remember, making mistakes and learning along the way can be a good thing.
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#Einstein & Me in DC |
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Thomas Edison
The bottom line is, despite mistakes and misdirections, you can succeed. By its very nature, running your own business is at times filled with uncertainty and fear. It is your ability to look past those mistakes and fears that will define you as a business owner and as a person.
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Great article and it was so exciting reading a quote by Veronica! I completely agree with being genuine, in all walks of life, not just professionally.
ReplyDelete~Penny
iPenShop.com
Thanks Penny, and it is pretty obvious that being genuine is in your make-up! I especially think that when you write something like a blog, you really need to make your "voice" as authentic as possible. Otherwise, your credibility goes out the window.
DeleteI am also constantly working on separating my personal from professional life. I really see the need for those boundaries.
Once again, I thank you for your thoughts!
Kim
Great article! Valuing my worth is definitely something I need to work on this year.
ReplyDeleteI think placing a value on your worth or your time is hard for many of us, especially women. We tend to short-change ourselves in this department. You are already on your way in the fact that you recognize the problem and have made it a priority to change. I wish you luck and would love to hear what steps you are taking!
DeleteI would also like to thank you for taking the time to read my article!
Kim