7 Tips to Starting a Successful Small Business
Getting your small business off the ground is a challenge to say the least. Here are some good tips which will prepare you for running a successful small business.
Set Goals
This is where it all begins – the foundation for a successful business. Know exactly what direction you are heading. What will the business ‘look’ like in the future? How will you know when your business is a success? When you wake up in the morning, do you know what actions you have to take to get you on the road to success? We have found that having a plan really works. Go beyond just writing down your goals, identify what steps you need to take to achieve them.
Take Action Everyday
The difference between successful businesses and failures comes down to the actions you take. Successful people do the things they do, not because they like doing them… They do it because they like the results. Failures are the people who know what they have to do but never do it. Successful small business owners take action on their ideas. Let go of the fear of failure and allow yourself to grow and learn.
Seek Guidance
There is a saying that guidance is the breakfast of champions. During the early days you must continually seek guidance in all aspects of your business. What works? What doesn’t work? What needs changing slightly? Speak to customers, suppliers, your bank manager, your accountant – anyone who can provide you with a fresh perspective. Most areas have business development centers that offer free help and advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Find Out What You Don’t Know
You can’t expect to know everything about running your business. Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses. Once you have identified where you need improvement seek out courses, books and advice, which will get you on track. Keep the passion alive by always learning.
Stay Focused
Don’t let anyone distract you from achieving your goals. At the start of every day get yourself into the mindset that you will just do tasks which will get you closer to your goal – nothing else really matters. We love Stephen Coveys book ~The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. Its a great read for staying focused and in the right mindset.
Take some Risks!
You won’t achieve anything if you’re not prepared to hop over the edge a few times! We’re not talking about dangerous risks which will put your business in jeopardy; just risks which are planned and thought out, yet at the same time test the edge!
Stay Positive
Yes, the oldest cliché in the book, but very true. Try to see the positive in everything. If something has gone bad train yourself to ask, “What good has come out of this?” An understanding that in every problem there is potential for good. Remember it easy to feel successful when you rich, helpful and care-free, learn to be positive and reward your efforts in the small things too.
