Small Business Tips

This is the question you really need to ask yourself....
Do you really believe you are obtaining your goals, or are you pushing a car with block tires?

Well from experience I have had my shares of doubts and wins. But to keep the wins in perspective is probably the most challenging. They say that when you have success the trick is not to let your head get stuck in the clouds but to keep your nose down and use the motivation. I must say, this takes a special mentality to understand the full meaning of this. Most would enjoy the immediate success and promote the win to friends and family. But others would focus the promotion of the win on validating the reason to choose their company and increase their client base. While there is nothing wrong with sharing your success with your friends and family it really does nothing more than self gratification. This is the difference between the dreamer and the successful business person.

With this said, understanding what is involved in starting and running a successful business has many sides to it. The basic foundation of the business is built on the people who lead it. This is not to say that the employees are less important. But to build a successful business you need a knowledgeable, confident and motivated leader. This is who everyone looks to for guidance. Once this person is in place they need to have a winning team. I was told years ago that good leaders build a team of individual's who are born leaders. Always hire someone who is better then yourself.

Now that you have the team in place how do you market yourself and your products or services? WOW, this is the million dollar question. There are hundreds of books and sites that state they have "the secrete to marketing success". Some are good resources some are out for the quick buck. My suggestion is to do your research. Understanding who your competitors are and what they are doing right and what they are doing wrong. You always need to know your audience. Understanding who is buying your products or service is half the battle. Now the trick is to market to them. Most of us are working with a budget, so look to the free resources for promotion. Forums, blogs, directories, free press release services, articles, etc... Lets back up a second this step is assuming you have developed your business identity and brand. This is your first impression with everyone. Always carry your business card and be ready with your elevator pitch. This is the 30 second explanation of what your business is and what you do great. No one should know your products better then you do. So learn everything you possibly can about your products and services and who your competition is and how you set yourself apart from them.

Note: Always remember that the success of a good business is making sure you set it up correctly. Corporation, licenses, insurance, identity, business plan and a marketing plan

You now have the basics...Don't be a dreamer and keep your head out of the clouds and stay focused.

Good luck and much success!

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