How to Choose a Legitimate Business Opportunity

How to Choose a Legitimate Business Opportunity

The prospect of starting your own business can be exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time! Freedom, independence, the chance to call the shots…these are all the things you hope for. But at the same time, there is risk involved, and choosing a business wisely is a huge part of your ultimate success. You have many options when starting a business…doing everything completely on your own based on an idea, investing in a franchise and following the rules laid out by the parent organization, or starting a direct selling business by purchasing a business kit and following the training plan laid out by the company and your sponsor, to name just a few.

All of these options have led to success for some people, while others have not been as successful and have lost time and money. Choosing your business wisely, therefore, is essential. And avoiding the scams that pretend to be legitimate is even more important. How do you know what is legitimate and what is not? Here are some tips:

Do your research – Look up the company online, and talk to people that are actually in that business. If the business has a social networking presence, find out what people are saying there. Check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the business, and/or the Direct Selling Association (member companies in the DSA agree to comply with a code of ethics.) Realize that you may find some negative comments about any business you consider, since it’s rare to find a business where everyone who tries it is successful. Some people are just more suited for a particular business than others. But are there more positive reviews than negative? What do people who are currently in the business say? What about the people who have left it? Understanding both sides will give you a more realistic picture of what’s involved in truly succeeding in the business you’re considering, and the type of people in the business who are successful.
How will you learn the business? – Does the business you’re considering offer training? Or will you have to learn everything on your own? Is training included or will you have to spend additional money to learn? Remember that learning the steps you need to follow to succeed is a critical component in your overall success, so be sure there’s a plan in place to give you the education you need and that you consider it as you plan your overall budget and investment in the business.
Consider the investment – What is the initial investment in the business, and can you afford to lose it if you’re not successful? A franchise is going to cost you a lot more than a direct selling business, and a business you start from scratch might cost less than a franchise initially, but doesn’t give you any support at all. How much will it actually cost you in the first year, second year, fifth year, and so on? How much can you realistically make in that time frame, and when can you expect to begin seeing profits on your investment? Is it worth the amount of time you will put in? Think about how much time you can realistically put in to make your business successful, and then base the amount of money you can make on what you can earn in that time frame.
Make sure you understand the business – Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you understand the work involved in becoming successful (and be sure you’re willing to put the time in to do it.) One of the biggest reasons people are disappointed (and unsuccessful) in a business they start is because they did not realize what they would actually have to do to be successful. They believed the hype instead of learning the facts. Lay out on a calendar the work you would do each day in your new business, and the amount of time you will need to invest. Consider the time for finding customers, marketing, sales presentations, learning, follow-up, etc. Will you be happy spending your time this way? Are there any questions about what you would be doing? Ask questions, and make sure you go in with your eyes wide open.
Does it sound too good to be true? – If you’re led to believe that you’ll make a lot of money with very little work, be wary! Legitimate business opportunities lay out clearly the work that’s involved in becoming successful, and it always takes effort. If a business opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is. (Do your research!)

Owning your own business can be incredibly rewarding. But be sure you go in with your eyes wide open so you don’t spend more than you can afford and wind up disappointed. With a little bit of research, you can save yourself a lot of headaches and enjoy the experience of being a business owner!

Are you a business owner? How did you research your opportunity before getting started? Considering a business opportunity? What questions do you have? We would love to read your thoughts in the comments below!

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How to Plan for January Business Now

How to Plan for January Business Now

December is often an exceptionally busy time for retailers and small business owners. The holiday demand for products can keep you just going, going, going until the holidays finally arrive and you’re left exhausted. Unfortunately, right after the holidays many business owners experience a slump in sales…unless they’ve planned ahead. Here are some tips to keep your business going strong right into January:

Use the holiday business to your advantage. Don’t just coast through the busy holiday selling season without planning ahead. Put a specific emphasis on the advantages your customers will experience by coming back to you in January. Talk it up! And be sure to make a list of all the things you can be doing with every customer to encourage them to shop with you in January, so you remember to tell your customers about them.
Make a list. While your customers are shopping with you during the holidays, be sure to gather their contact information, and get permission to contact them later. That way, you have a marketing mailing list you can take advantage of after the holidays are over.
Offer coupons and other incentives that can be used in January. Every customer that purchases from you, and hostesses that host for you, should receive a special coupon that offers additional discounts, gifts, or other offers for coming back in January. Make it a “just for you” offer that allows them to pamper themselves after taking care of everyone else during the holidays. But get your customers thinking beyond the holidays. People still need things in January. Make sure they think of your business when they need them.
Hold a post-holiday sale. Many retailers offer special post-holiday discounts on merchandise, and customers expect these. Think about a sale that your business can offer after the holidays, and give each customer a flyer or email reminding them about that sale.
Offer a January promotion related to weight loss, New Year’s Resolutions or self-improvement. One of the keys to successful marketing is talking about the things people are interested in. In January, there is always a huge emphasis on New Year’s resolutions and weight loss. think about ways your product line might fit into this. For example, if you sell candles, you might have a promotion that focuses on the resolution to make more time for your spouse (candlelight dinners, anyone?) If you sell skincare, craft a promotion that focuses on “New Year, New You” and teaches techniques for improving your skin or updating your look. If you sell cooking products, focus a promotion on healthy cooking techniques. No matter what you sell, there’s a way to tie it into what everyone is thinking about in the New Year. Create a promotion that takes advantage of this to build your business, and make sure your customers know about it now so they’re ready.

To keep your business income consistent, you need to focus on the activities that will keep customers coming back in January. By applying these tips, you’ll attract customers who are ready to shop for themselves.

What are you doing to build your January business now? Would love to read your thoughts in the comments below.

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DSEF & BBB: The Customer is Always Right – This Minute (Part 3)

DSEF & BBB: The Customer is Always Right – This Minute (Part 3)

By Lance Trebesch

Timing Is Everything

In Parts 1 and 2 of this series, we established that always-happy customers represent 1% of the average organization’s customer base. The other 99% are likely willing to flock to your competitors or slander you on their social networks the moment you fail to please them. Your window for rectifying the situation, addressing their problems, and proving your loyalty to them is small and shrinks quickly.

You have a two-fold strategy: first, identify problem areas and address or eradicate them before your customers have an unpleasant experience to begin with. Second, create mechanisms that allow you to instantly communicate with anyone who still isn’t satisfied.

Likely, you already know what areas are causing trouble in your business model. As Mark Hurd demonstrated, most of your customers are willing to pay more money for better service. Now is the time to invest in improvements:

Product Quality: Obviously, address this first. If your product or service is substandard, why are you in business? Sell something worth selling.
Website Design: Everything needs to load properly, be easy to use, and look up-to-date. If customers can’t interface with the site, you can’t sell online.
Delivery Options: Partner with a reliable company. Offer multiple options. If your product is expensive, consider whether free shipping gives you an edge.
Support Staff: You need smart, friendly people, familiar with all aspects of the business, able to deal with cranky customers, and ready to fix problems.

Most people with complaints would rather complain to someone who can help them, rather than barking randomly into space. Be available to hear problems. Go out of your way to make it easy for people to provide feedback. It’s far better if they complain to you than to a public website!

Webforms: Your website should include an easy-to-find link where customers can contact you. Any complaints should be answered immediately.
800 Number: If call volume is low, maybe you only need twelve hours of customer support a day, but for bigger business, 24-hour toll free numbers are a must.
Social Networks: Your customers are connected. Are you? Many people head for Facebook or Twitter first. Be there, waiting for them, ready to answer.
Reach Out: Don’t wait for folks to complain. Customer surveys and other direct contact soliciting feedback help you provide everyone with what they want.

DSEF and the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) foster honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers—instilling consumer confidence and advancing a trustworthy marketplace for all.

About the Better Business Bureaus
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit www.bbb.org/us for more information.

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What Your Team Needs

What Your Team Needs

A strong team is not only good for business, but it is also essential to overall staff morale and your own peace of mind. Each individual contributes something of value to the team as a whole, so fostering those strengths is important. Your role as a leader is to provide the tools your team needs to succeed. Here are some suggestions for doing so.

Teach practical skills. Team members obviously need specialized skills that work specifically for your business, but don’t overlook the importance of teaching practical skills. These skills allow your team to function autonomously in a variety of tasks. Skills such as time management, problem solving, organization, and delegation are all necessary to succeed no matter what industry you are in. Teach directly when necessary and always lead by example.
Teach skills instead of trying to change personality traits. If you try to change who a person is, you’ll likely spend much of your time banging your head against the wall, figuratively speaking that is. If one of your team members has a shy personality and doesn’t assert himself with clients and colleagues because of that shyness, focus on teaching him tangible ways in which he can be more assertive. Encourage him to initiate follow-up correspondence with customers, prepare a script to anticipate objections, and give a firm handshake with consistent eye contact. The person will always tend to be shy, but that doesn’t mean he can’t succeed as part of the team.
Assess improvements continually. Be on constant lookout for improvements your team makes, both large and small. This can be done through regular meetings, informal briefings, and even frequent observation, such as sitting in on a work session. By taking a proactive role in your team’s well-being, you can help steer them in the right direction or possibly help them get back on track if they are losing focus or approaching a project in an ineffective way. Nurturing a team atmosphere requires your continual awareness of what improvements are being made.
Reinforce and support their improvements. Part of your job as a leader is to build up your team and recognize their good work. Positive reinforcement is an incredibly effective confidence booster and motivator. When your team is succeeding, show them that you notice with some kind words, a pep talk, or even treating them to lunch once in a while. Your opinion matters to them, so demonstrate your willingness to help, cheer them on, and support their hard work.

Team dynamics vary from group to group, so being able to recognize what the team needs is an important skill all in itself. Lead by example and practice positive reinforcement to motivate your team to succeed.

How do you provide for your team? Please share your ideas below!

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Five Ways to Increase Repeat Sales

Five Ways to Increase Repeat Sales

Repeat sales can be the difference between a thriving business and a failing one. In order to increase the amount of repeat business you do, the most crucial thing to remember is that friendship is more important than sales. By treating your customers just as you would your friends, you instill a sense of trust in your business, and give them plenty of reasons to continue patronizing your business instead of your competitors’ business. Begin seeing your customers as friends and increase your repeat business in the following ways:

Create opportunities for friends to buy, rather than having sales. The main idea here is that you want to appeal to your friends. What is it they need or want? Think about their favorite products, what they’ve expressed interest in, or what they’d like to see more of. For example, a customer wants to purchase your organic hair care starter kit for several of her friends this holiday season, but is hesitant to spend so much money at once. Even though you aren’t planning on discounting this item in particular, offer a special for this specific customer at a price that works for you both. Your willingness to satisfy her need as well as the personalized service will encourage her to come back again and again.
Truly believe that your product/service helps your friend. If you sincerely believe in what you are selling, that will shine through to the customer. Think of the last time you ate at a fabulous restaurant with delicious food and an outstanding wait staff: Didn’t you tell your friends and family about it right away? When we experience something pleasurable, we naturally want to share it with others. Your products and services are no different.
Always deliver excellence. Aside from making good business sense, a commitment to excellence will give you a leg up on your competitors and big business counterparts. When something goes wrong, fix it. When something goes right, commend those involved and integrate it into your regular business practice. Whenever possible, anticipate issues before they arise. The best way to deliver excellence is to be proactive.
Keep your promises. Of course everyone makes mistakes, but failing to keep promises is a surefire way to drive people to take their business elsewhere. Don’t promise something that isn’t 100% guaranteed, like something you cannot control. If a customer inquires about an out-of-stock item, an honest answer such as, “We expect the shipment on Monday afternoon,” will be much more appreciated than, “It will definitely be on the shelf by Monday.” What if the truck is late or goes to the wrong address? What if the order is wrong? Always be honest and only promise something when you’re sure you can deliver.
Focus on conversation, not a sales pitch. Because you see your customers as friends, you should take a true interest in their lives. Strike up conversations that aren’t disguised as sales pitches. Ask about family members by name when possible, find common interests, and share something about yourself as well. Remember that friendship is a two-way street, so don’t forget to do your part.

A commitment to building relationships is necessary for increasing your repeat sales. Focus on your customers as friends and do everything you can to help them.

How do you generate repeat business? Please share your ideas below!

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5 Ways to Build Next Year’s Business this Holiday Season

5 Ways to Build Next Year’s Business this Holiday Season

If your business is like most, the holidays are your busiest season. It can be very easy to just be swept up in the “busy-ness” of it all, and fail to take a breath until after the holidays. Unfortunately, this approach means that once January rolls around, you have to work very hard to build up business again. But by taking a few strategic steps throughout the holidays, you can put the seeds in place that guarantee a profitable January and new year. Here are some suggestions:

Incentivize January Purchases. When someone makes a purchase from you during the holidays, offer a special deal or coupon that can be used in January. Be sure to collect their contact information too, so you can follow up in January and remind them!
Reward Hostesses Well. If your business is built on parties, offer a special gift for people that host both during the holidays as well as in the early part of the new year. Folks may choose to host a party at home during the holiday, and then another at the office in January, in order to take advantage of the special deal.
Reward Wellness. The new year is when everyone goes on a diet, and it’s the busiest time of the year for gyms, diet and exercise programs. Consider partnering with a local gym or diet support group to offer a special discount percentage folks can treat themselves with based on pounds lost or minutes spent exercising. The more weight lost or the more minutes spent at the gym, the bigger the discount!
Sponsor a 5K. Again, since in January people are focused on weight loss and resolutions, consider sponsoring a 5K race that helps a good cause while helping people to get fit. Offer special discounts to participants in the race on your products as a reward for helping others. This also provides your business with great exposure as you market the event.
Have a New Year’s Sale. The New Year is a great time to clear out old merchandise in preparation for your spring line. Have a special sale after Christmas that you first open up to Hostesses or Preferred Customers who have spent at a certain level during the holidays (they get first dibs at the sale), and then to all of your customers. Market the sale through advertising and social media channels, as well as your email list, so that everyone knows and can take advantage.

By taking a few minutes in the last few months of the year to plan your new year’s strategy, you can help your business thrive in the new year without having to start from scratch.

What are you doing now to build your business for the new year? Would love to read your thoughts in the comments below.

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How to Improve Face to Face Meetings

How to Improve Face to Face Meetings

In this digital age where much of our communication is electronic, etiquette for face to face meetings is becoming more and more relaxed. Stand out from the crowd by taking steps to ensure you are taken seriously and can be productive when interacting with someone in person. Many of the following suggestions also apply to virtual meetings, but they are especially important when conducting a face to face encounter.

Set a specific goal. What is your desired outcome of this meeting? Perhaps you’re there to make a sale, land a client, or brainstorm a new marketing strategy with a colleague. In an effort to make the most out of the allotted meeting time, you should always have a specific goal in mind. Furthermore, this goal, when appropriate, should be communicated to the other party. Doing so prevents misunderstandings and keeps everyone involved focused and moving forward.
Prepare an agenda or written notes. There may be a few things you want to make sure are addressed or perhaps questions that need to be answered. Take some time before the meeting begins to write down an agenda or some notes that you can easily refer to while you’re meeting. Prepared notes also facilitate a smooth transition from topic to topic instead of relying solely on your memory and risking forgetting an important talking point.
Adopt a professional appearance. You should not only be dressed appropriately, but make sure you are well-groomed and demonstrate a professional demeanor. When possible, avoid lugging your morning coffee and donuts with you into a meeting as it can be distracting to others and may even convey a lack of time management skills.
Arrive early. Whether your commute is an hour’s drive or a walk across the office to a conference room, get there early to prevent making others wait for you if unforeseen circumstances occur. A flat tire, a forgotten document, or a disruption of internet service can all hamper productivity. These occurrences may be rare, but arriving early will make you better equipped to handle the problem and keep the meeting going smoothly and seamlessly. This practice also communicates that you respect the time of the others you are meeting with, which creates a positive impression.
Practice humility, positivity, and politeness. Avoid bragging, focusing on negative people or circumstances, and other rude behavior. Be humble when discussing your accomplishments, keep a positive tone in even the most stressful of situations, and always be polite even if you aren’t receiving the same courtesy. If you possess these three qualities, you won’t give anyone a chance to say a bad word about you. A good reputation will follow you just as easily as a bad one can.
Listen with a purpose and be responsive. Just as you should have a goal set before the meeting, listen to the other person with a purpose as well. What should you take from his or her message? What is the other person looking to get from you? Part of being an effective listener is knowing how to show the other person that you are, in fact, listening. Make eye contact, take notes if appropriate, ask follow-up questions when given the opportunity, and respond when needed.
Know your product/service. You don’t want to waste your prospect’s time, or your own, for that matter. Familiarize yourself with the product or service to the point that you are an expert. Doing so will instill confidence in both the other party and yourself. You should be able to talk freely about what you have to offer, and have to refer to notes or literature as infrequently as possible.
Always follow up. No matter the outcome of the meeting, take a few minutes to follow up. Depending on the situation, a thank-you email or handwritten note will suffice. In other situations, a phone call to touch base or schedule a subsequent meeting is needed. Decide your best course of action and make it a priority to follow up promptly.

What do you find is the best way to handle face to face meetings? Please share your ideas below!

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7 Skills to Greatness

7 Skills to Greatness

We all have a vision of our ideal selves, a version that is hard-working, successful, inspirational, and fulfilled. You should always strive to achieve that level of greatness in both your professional and personal life, but it is also important to recognize and embrace your flaws. Only then will you truly become a realistic version of your ideal self. Here are some skills you can focus on to achieve greatness and make yourself proud.

Be punctual. For some people, this is an easy skill to master. However, if you’re one of those people who is perpetually ten minutes late, this is an important one for you to work on. Punctuality conveys a multi-faceted message to others; being on time shows that you respect other people’s time, that you take your commitments seriously, and that you are prepared and responsible enough to get where you need to be on schedule. Lateness, on the other hand, conveys exactly the opposite. Even though you may not consciously mean to be disrespectful of others in any way, tardiness demonstrates a negative message. Find ways to make punctuality a top priority.
Be consistent. If you are consistent, it translates to others that you are dependable and can safely be relied upon to keep your word. This goes for everything from your adherence to company policies to your overall demeanor when interacting with team members and clients alike. People with whom you do business are more likely to trust you when you are predictable in the most positive way.
Be responsive. Whether you are listening to a customer’s complaint or a colleague’s concern, don’t throw on your poker face and make the other person wonder what you are thinking. Respond immediately, sincerely, and respectfully to the matter at hand. Demonstrate your desire to help others by addressing questions and comments promptly.
Be respectful no matter what. There is bound to be that rare occasion when someone acts in an unprofessional manner, perhaps by using inappropriate language or targeting you as the cause for dissatisfaction. Don’t worry about whether or not you are right; always act respectful even if you aren’t being shown the same courtesy. Later on, when cooler heads prevail, you will never have to worry about how you acted in the heat of the moment. Levelheadedness and decorum are never criticized.
Help others. There are several ways to help others while still running your business, such as performing community service, donating to local organizations, or becoming a mentor to a future business leader. Helping others is a great way to use your own success to give back to your community and its members. If you need assistance getting started, contact your local chamber of commerce, parent-teacher organization, or community college.
Be right as much as possible, but be okay when you’re wrong. With enough preparation, research, and knowledge of your industry, you will often be right. Equally as important, however, is accepting when you are wrong. Instead of trying to cover up your error or blame it on someone else, admit your mistake and act quickly to rectify the situation. No one expects you to be perfect, but you are expected to be honest and caring about your desire to satisfy your colleagues and customers.
Forgive yourself and others for mistakes. Just as you can’t expect to be perfect, don’t expect it in others. You should certainly expect professionalism and hard work, but forgive yourself and others when things don’t go as planned. Solve any problems that arise, identify how to prevent the same thing from happening again, and move forward.

If you are lucky enough to love what you do for a living, then make the commitment to master these skills. Not only will your business be more likely to thrive, but you will command the respect of those around you.

What qualities do you feel are evidence of greatness? Please share your ideas below!

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How Friends and Family Can Help You Start Your Business

How Friends and Family Can Help You Start Your Business

Starting a business with support from your loved ones can make all the difference in its ultimate success. Sure, you may be able to go it alone, but your chance of succeeding is much greater when you have the help of those who matter to you the most. The following is a list of steps that will help you gain the support of your friends and family.

Educate them about the business. If you sense some skepticism from your loved ones, it may simply be because they don’t know what exactly you’ll be doing. Talk about the industry itself and what you will be contributing to it by starting the business. What unique qualities do you have or what novel ideas have you come up with that will give you an edge over your competitors? Make sure you answer their questions as specifically as you can to not only educate them, but also to demonstrate your own expertise.
Tell them exactly what kind of help you need. Some people just need the peace of mind that their friends and family will provide them with moral support and encouragement. Others may need physical help to set up a retail space, for example. Still others may need financial help or even just some assistance spreading the word about the new business. Tell your loved ones what you need and how exactly it will help your business. It is so often the case that friends and family members want to reach out and help, but don’t know what they can do.
Put their referrals first. Did your mom refer her friend from her book club? Is your newest customer your best friend’s landlord? Make referrals that come from friends and family your top priority. Think of them as having VIP status with you; if your referrals feel appreciated and important because they “know the owner,” they will be eager to talk about your business with their friends and family, and provide you with even more referrals.
Show your appreciation for their help. Gratitude can be shown in a myriad of ways. The most important thing is to be sincere. Consider taking them out for a nice meal and making a thoughtful toast, sending them a gift basket with all their favorite goodies, or spending the time to write a handwritten note or letter telling them how much their support means to not only your business but to you personally.
Go above and beyond their expectations. Find ways, both big and small, to exceed the expectations of your friends and family members. They are the most important people in your life, so make the effort to show them in both your personal and professional life. Don’t take their support for granted; no one is obligated to help you just because of your relationship with them. Your efforts to go above and beyond will likely not go unnoticed, and you’ll feel good about doing right by those you care about.
Remember that relationships come first. Whatever you do, don’t let your business get in the way of your relationships. There may be times when you feel disappointed that someone hasn’t supported you in the way you had anticipated. Not everyone will be able to help you for a variety of reasons. Maintain the relationship regardless; your loved ones should come first in your life.

Having the support of friends and family is something we all want when it comes to big decisions, like starting a business. Be informative, unafraid to ask for help, and willing to return the favor. How do you enlist the help of your loved ones? Please share your ideas below!

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Build Your Brand on Your Strength

Build Your Brand on Your Strength

Building your business brand goes way beyond marketing and sales tactics. A brand must be an authentic representation of who you are and what you stand for. In order to achieve this, you must identify the characteristics of yourself and your business that embody this, and embrace them to create a long-lasting brand that people remember. Here are some steps help you do just that.

Define your strengths. When doing so, don’t just consider the various skills you have, but also think about the different facets of your personality. Are you witty and able to think on your feet? Do you have a knack for showing others they can trust and confide in you? Do you have a strong creative side? Any of these strengths can be used to build a business brand, so it is important that you take the time to define your strengths realistically.
Identify what makes you unique. What is something that people always remember about you or the experience you provide to others while doing business with you? This is a very significant question because it can separate you from the competition. If you don’t know where to start, go back to your list of strengths and figure out how you demonstrate those in way that no one else does or can. You are your business, so evaluating yourself in this way is a necessary part of building your brand.
Ask yourself how you can make your industry better. What is missing or lacking in your industry? In what ways can you improve it? Even the smallest things can make a big difference. For example, the photo processing industry has certainly changed since the availability of digital cameras and online services such as printing and scrapbooking. However, one photo lab owner noticed the growing trend of customers taking their memory cards and flash drives or even uploading their pictures to large chain pharmacies for printing. This is convenient, but the results are often pictures that come out underexposed or grainy since there is no longer a trained printer at the helm adjusting the prints. His solution? Offer a service where customers can bring in their pictures printed from anywhere else and he will make the necessary improvements. His small part in improving an industry weakness helped build his unique brand.
Focus on one thing at a time. Building a brand can be an overwhelming project to undertake, so be sure to focus on only one aspect at a time. For instance, you may begin with increasing your level of engagement with your customers by increasing and engaging more with your social media presence. Once you feel you have built some great momentum, go ahead and tackle something new. This also prevents you from stretching yourself too thin and burning out. If you want to build a brand, you need to commit to it for the long haul.
Build on each success. Use each success to bring you to the next level. Using the example above, when you have effectively learned to engage with your customers, you will consequently have increased your following. So now give them a reason to continue talking about you. For example, you might provide an incentive like a special discount for your online community, or create a fun contest where your online customers can win free products. You should also celebrate your accomplishments to reward yourself and keep moving forward.

Taking a good, hard look at who you are and what you want your business to be is a necessary part of building your brand.

How do you build your brand? Please share your ideas below!