All posts tagged motivation

Quick Start to Your Day

Quick Start to Your Day

As a kid, you probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  As a working adult, you most likely now realize how true that statement is!  Just as eating a healthy breakfast gets your metabolism off to a great start, there are other things you can do to give your mind and body the head start they need for a productive day.  Try to set up a morning routine for yourself that includes some or all of the following suggestions.

  • Avoid the rush.  This may be especially relevant if you work outside the home.  If you find yourself rushing around in the morning for whatever reason, consider waking up earlier.  Even 10 extra minutes can make a world of difference.  Usually when we are pressed for time, our bodies respond physically: increased heart rate, perspiration, headache, etc.  Set your alarm for a few minutes earlier than usual, and try it for at least a week.  Once you get an idea of how much better it is for you, you won’t want to go back to sleeping in.
  • Get inspired by the words of others.  Motivational quotes are quick and easy ways to get an inspirational pick-me-up in the morning.  Sometimes we get so bogged down in our own responsibilities that we forget to be thankful for what is good in our lives.  Take a few seconds in the morning to read an inspirational quote; if you have a smartphone, there are several apps on the Apple, Android, and Blackberry platforms that provide one a day.  However, if you’re more conventional, get yourself a mini desk-calendar with a motivational quote for each day of the month.
  • Use “positivity Post-Its.”  The invention of the sticky note has allowed all kind of people to find creative uses for them in all aspects of their daily lives.  Try taking out a stack and jotting down a few positive words or phrases that will motivate you, help you handle stress, and remind you of what you feel is important in your job or your life.  For example, one man who took a part-time job so his wife could stay home with their two daughters put sticky notes around his home, car, and office that said three simple words: for my girls!  Reading those words repeatedly throughout the work week motivated him to continue and reminded him of what was the most important thing to him.  Find your positive thoughts in words and phrases and place them in plain sight so that you will come across them throughout your day.
  • Just breathe.  Sounds easy, right?  Of course, you’re breathing all the time and not noticing it.  However, sometimes our obligations get the better of us and we just go through the motions of our day without taking any time for ourselves.  When you first sit up in bed in the morning, try a 2-3 minute deep breathing exercise.  Such an exercise can relax your muscles and focus your mind.  The internet is full of descriptions of different techniques, and YouTube has a great deal of videos demonstrating these techniques, such as Quick Calm seen here.  Give it a try tomorrow morning; you’ll notice the effects right away!

Starting your day off on the right foot will increase your productivity and improve your state of mind.  How do you get a jump on your day?  Please share your ideas with us below!

How to Create an Effective Action Plan

How to Create an Effective Action Plan

Throughout the course of running a business, you will need to set goals for yourself along the way.  These may be related to customer service, marketing, professional development, or anything else that will contribute to the success of your business.  However, it isn’t enough to simply set a goal; you must create a plan of action that will guide you in achieving it.  For most people, a step-by-step guide that includes benchmarks and due dates is effective.  Here is a list of things to consider when creating your action plan.

  • Prepare for success. Think of an action plan like a race. Just like in a race, warm up your body and mind before you make your action plan. See yourself reaching the finish line, celebrating the win, and have a reward ready for once you complete your tasks. Successful people know they will win before they even start the race.
  • PrioritizeMost projects or goals require a multitude of steps to complete, often overlapping and dependent on each other.  As with any other aspect of business, time is of the essence, and you likely will not be able to exclusively work on this project all day every day.  For this reason, prioritize the steps included in your plan so you can work on the most imperative ones first.  Tip:  When deciding on an item’s priority level, also put the most difficult tasks at the top of the list.  This is especially important if the list includes items that you dread.  For example, if your action plan includes making follow-up calls to collect overdue payments from clients, it’s a good idea to put it near the top of the list.  Asking for money, even money owed to us, is never pleasant, so instead of procrastinating, get a task like this out of the way.
  • Break down long-term projects into smaller chunks.  If you have something that needs to be done within the next six months, for example, create more short-term checkpoints that will allow the project to be completed on time.  This way, even if you don’t get to work on it every day or even every week, you will still have a plan in place for getting it done because the tasks involved are more manageable.  If something seems too overwhelming, we tend to do nothing because we don’t know where to start.  Breaking down projects into smaller tasks will prevent this from happening.
  • Plan realistically.  Because you are the backbone of your business, you should have a very good sense of how much time you have to commit to all of your responsibilities.  Keep this in mind when writing the action plan, especially when choosing deadlines and benchmarks.  If you only give yourself three days to completely overhaul your entire filing system, you are setting yourself up for failure.  Consider not only your other business responsibilities, but also your personal ones as well.  If you are the one your family depends on to take your turn in the soccer carpool, have dinner ready when everyone comes home, or walk the dog every evening, don’t forget to factor those types of things into your day.  Planning too much in too little time will only frustrate you, add stress to your life, and even prevent you from accomplishing your goal altogether.
  • Revisit and adapt as needed.  Sometimes in life and in business, things do not play out as we had hoped or planned.  To prepare for and deal with the unexpected, take the initiative to review your action plan and change it if necessary.  Let’s say your goal was to implement online ordering by the end of the quarter.  However, your local competitor has just launched a new website that includes this feature.  You now need to go back to your action plan and re-work it so that you can get your website up and running by the end of the month so you don’t lose customers that want this convenience.  As business owners, we must always be flexible, prepared, and willing to adapt to change and unforeseen circumstances.

How do you create an action plan for your business?  Please share your ideas below!

Free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!

Using Your Strengths to Build Your Business

Using Your Strengths to Build Your Business

Look back on your childhood and think about activities you enjoyed: sports, playing an instrument, performing in a play, etc.  Why did you enjoy the activity?  Most likely, it was because you excelled in that area.  When we have some level of success, it motivates us to continue learning and striving to improve ourselves even further.  Applying your strengths to your business is crucial to achieving your professional goals.

  • Identify your strengths.  Believe it or not, some people don’t even know what they’re good at.  Make a list of things you do well, even if you don’t think they are relevant to your business because there’s a good chance that you can tap into it for even the most minor aspect of being your own boss.  If one of your strengths is that you are well-organized, apply that to anything in your business that requires short or long term planning (marketing strategies, seeking referrals, etc.).  Furthermore, if you are good at making people laugh, then use that in your interactions with customers and prospects.  People always remember others who make them feel comfortable, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.
  • Start with who you know.  If you know other small business owners or direct sellers, pick their brains about areas of your business you’d like to improve.  Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and even for some referrals or contacts if appropriate.  Even if you don’t know anyone personally, consider secondary contacts, such as your best friend’s cousin, who owns the local pastry shop.  Any connection you have to successful people in business can be an asset to your own.
  • Be yourself.  You may have a lot of competition, but there’s only one you.  Both employees and customers alike will be turned off if you present yourself as someone you’re not.  People respond well to sincerity, especially in business, where it is imperative that you build meaningful relationships with others.  If you’re uncomfortable talking about yourself, get the other person talking about themselves.  Ask questions that will give you some more insight about how your product or service can help them, and show a genuine interest in what they are saying.  The more at ease you are with yourself, the more the customer will be at ease with you.
  • Have fun!  You’re probably involved in a business because something about it appealed to you.  Maybe you have always enjoyed cooking, so being a consultant for a kitchenware company allows you to share your culinary talents with others.  Even though owing a business requires hard work and can be stressful, don’t forget why you’re doing it.  Take the initiative to share your love of what you do with others in creative, out-of-the-box ways.  For example, in addition to throwing a traditional home party for that kitchenware company, host a community cook-off where local residents can demonstrate their own recipes using different products, vote on the best, and the winner can receive a nice prize from your catalogue.  By showing others that you enjoy what you do, you spread a positive feeling that people want to be around.

Reflecting upon your strengths and not letting your weaknesses become obstacles are two key elements to small business success.  How do you use your strengths to build your business?  Please share with us in the comments section below!

Free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!

7 Steps to Create a Winning Mindset

7 Steps to Create a Winning Mindset

In life and in business there are many unforeseen obstacles. Some of these obstacles can trip us up and cause us to fall flat on our faces.

How do you get back up? How do you make the pain of falling on your face go away? How do you keep going?

If you have a winning mindset you can overcome these obstacles and use them to motivate yourself to push forward and succeed. Here’s an outline to create your winning mindset.

  1. Define your WHY. List three top reasons that you want to succeed. The first reason should be personal and for yourself, the second reason can be based on loved ones and the third reason could be for anything important to you.
  2. Make a plan. The plan should include short, medium and long term goals. Then include the how, when, where, who and what.
  3. Accountability. Share your plan with a friend or family member that is willing to cheer you on and be honest with you. Even better, get a small group of supportive, positive people who will hold you responsible and keep you on your plan.
  4. Make a daily routine and schedule. A winning mindset is built on momentum. Checking off each thing on your to-do list daily will help you see progress and give you motivation to continue.
  5. Use visualizations. See yourself and your goals as a campfire. Like a fire you need to keep adjusting it, adding wood to keep the fire going and make it big. Every step makes the fire bigger and sometimes a misstep or problem may diminish your flames. That means you need to adjust quickly and keep the fire going.
  6. Make a plan for when you fall. Like with any injury you will need time to heal, to evaluate what happened and maybe some physical therapy to get back to full strength. Have a system in place that you’re comfortable with to help you evaluate and learn from your mistakes. You could keep a journal, take a walk or draw a map. See mistakes as detours that help get you where you want to go more quickly.
  7. Perspective. Goals are destinations and mistakes/missteps are detours. You will get lost from time to time and sometimes you’ll speed ahead. That’s the nature of a journey. It doesn’t matter how you get there, as long as you get there. Having patience will give you the long-burning fuel you need to reach your destination.

Creating a winning mindset is like being a great baker: it’s part science, part self-confidence and part ingenuity. The science is in the plans you make, the confidence is in the belief in yourself, visualizations and your perspective, and the ingenuity is in finding ways to get things done.

Did we leave anything out? What else would you include in a winner mindset? Please share with us in the comments section below!

Free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!

How to Use Fun to Increase Business

How to Use Fun to Increase Business

If you’re like most people, you can recall a joke or two that you learned in your childhood and still retell it perfectly decades later.  The reason you remember those jokes is the power of humor.  When we find something funny, it signals our brains to store it in our memory.  Using this idea can be highly beneficial to your business.  Read on for some tips on how to incorporate fun elements into your business and increase your bottom line.

  • Make marketing fun!  Many successful companies have created brands that don’t take themselves too seriously.  For example, a pet waste removal service by the name of Doody Calls is one of the most successful in its locality.  Why?  Its name is simple, memorable, and invokes a laugh, giggle or at least a smile at the sound of it.  Consider using wordplay in your marketing materials; it‘s a great way to stand out from the crowd.
  • Encourage friendly competition.  The reason that gamification has become so popular in business is because it caters to our innate needs for recognition, praise, and the ability to express or display our accomplishments (think trophies and badges).  Companies like FourSquare and Shopkick have taken this to the next level by posting leader boards and reminding you where you stand among your friends.  Even if you are just starting out, create small ways for your customers to “play” and compete with each other for special gifts and incentives.
  • Create a progress tracker.  This works really well on websites, but could also be applied to tangible incentives, like punch cards.  For example, when customers place an order on your website, incorporate a progress bar that displays how close they are to completing the process.  They could even get an extra reward for completing a brief survey upon placing the order.  You could also create a punch/stamp card or other reward system, similar to the one used by Subway, where your card gets stamped with the purchase of each sub up until the 10th one that you get for free.  Something so simple rewards loyal customers and motivates new customers to continually come back.
  • Bring some fun to professional development sessions/team meetings.  Fun is a highly effective motivator, so incorporate it into the contact you have with your downline or other staff.  Create a theme for the meeting and select an appropriate, upbeat song to play as people arrive. (A meeting about personalized customer service could kick off with “Any Way You Want It” by Journey.) Have people pair up to solve a quick riddle or conduct a brief interview with each other.  When you make such events fun for your team, they will look forward to coming, and in turn will enjoy the work part of it even more.  A happy team makes a motivated team.

It’s no secret that success in small business takes a lot of “blood, sweat, and tears” so to speak.  However, making your business fun for yourself, your customers, and your team will increase your ability to maintain success in the long term.

How do you use fun to increase business?  Please share your ideas in the comments section below!

Free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!

DSEF & CBBB: Happiness is…

DSEF & CBBB: Happiness is…

Happiness is…..

By Carol Odell

Have you ever considered that mind-wandering can affect your happiness? And your productivity?

Matthew Killingsworth discusses his findings from his research study in the article, The Future of Happiness Research in the January-February 2012 Harvard Business Review.

Killingsworth says that our mind wanders nearly half the time and that lowers our mood. We have always heard that we need to feed ourselves positive thoughts. Now, we know why. Right? If we don’t make an effort to be positive we tend to think negative or neutral thoughts, and down goes our mood.

I was floored when I read what Killingsworth says about how much our minds wander. It’s 60% while commuting, 30% when talking to someone and about 50% of our work day! Obviously, we don’t stay focused as much as we think or want.

As managers, employees, spouses, parents, and/or friends, staying focused is important and we need to improve. Killingsworth suggests that when we get up in the morning we should ask ourselves, “What am I going to do with my mind today?”

Reflective listening helps me stay focused when someone is talking. In other words, I rephrase what the person has said, and say it back to him. When I am working or reading, I repeat thoughts out loud or read out loud to stop my mind from wandering.

What do you do? We all need tips to keep focused and happy.

Killingsworth also talks about happiness on the job being more about our moment-to-moment experiences rather than a high salary or a prestigious title. Once again, we are hearing it’s the small things that count.

What are the small things that make a difference in your day or happiness? Pass your thoughts along and you could help make a difference in our happiness, too.

 

DSEF and Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) fosters 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. Visitwww.bbb.org/us for more information.

Positive Self Talk Helps You Succeed

Positive Self Talk Helps You Succeed

Have you ever noticed how positive people are often more happy and successful? How do they do it?

Imagine a coin that helps you decide how you will perceive your world. One side represents negative self-talk and the other side represents positive self-talk. Most people go through their day flipping this coin and allowing the flip of the coin to dictate their self-talk. Successful people flip the same coin, but if they get the negative side they simply keep flipping it until they see the positive side.

The characteristics of positive self-talk are a can do attitude, attractiveness to others, the ability to see more possibilities and an empowering mind set. Here are some tips on how to get started.

  • Commit to listening to your positive self-talk. Many of the obstacles we face in life and limits we put on our abilities have been placed there by us.  Remember that flip of the coin; you have the choice between the two.  Which will you choose?  Self-talk is that internal GPS that will keep you on the right path and help you reach your destination.
  • Recognize and replace the negative. Catch yourself in the act of negative talk and replace it with a positive pep talk. Acknowledge that you can work through this, learn from it and ask yourself how you can make the most of it.
  • Practice makes perfect.  It might feel strange at first to feed your mind with confidence boosters and little cheerleaders.  Anything new feels strange at first, but the more you do it, the easier and habitual it will become.  Positive self-talk is especially useful when you have a lot riding on something, such as a big presentation or an important networking event, and this type of internal coaching will help minimize your nerves.
  • Create a mantra.  Mantras are meant to be repeated over and over to put one in a meditative state.  The purpose is to focus one’s mind and clear out anything else that might get in the way. Consider coming up with a mantra that can be your go-to phrase whenever you need an extra vote of confidence or when you catch yourself thinking negatively.  Read more about the use of mantras in business here.
  • Embrace your new power. Only you can control your self-talk; no one else can. There are and will continue to be people out there whose actions and words can make you second guess yourself. Don’t let them.  Remember, you can only modify your own behavior, not the behavior of others.

Understand that your experiences are represented by that coin and that you will always have two sides to choose from. You have the choice. You have the power. With this great new power comes happiness and success.

How have you used positive self-talk to succeed?  Please share your ideas below!

Free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!

Common Sense Business Tips

Common Sense Business Tips

If you’re thinking of starting your own business, or even if you already are an entrepreneur, there are certain common sense business practices that apply to any industry.  Check out the following list to see how many you currently incorporate into yours.

  • Keep accurate records.  This includes not only records of transactions, but also receipts from purchases, invoices for services performed or products sold, and all tax documents.  You can choose to keep hard copies, electronic copies, or a combination of both.  However, don’t forget to have a backup somewhere for anything electronic.  The more accurate and organized your records are, the easier it will be to correct a problem if or when it arises.
  • Organize your desk/office.  Wherever your main workspace is, it should be well-kept area; a cluttered, disorganized area will inhibit your productivity.  Even worse, you may be unable to locate an important document or product you need when you actually need it.
  • Treat customers and employees/colleagues with respect.  You’re bound to encounter difficult situations involving the people with whom you do business.  The way you handle such issues speaks a lot about your character and business ethic.  Sometimes problems cannot be avoided, but handling them calmly, professionally, and respectfully will help you maintain relationships that are important to your business.
  • Create a budget and stick to it.  Even when you’re doing well and money is rolling in, it is important to be frugal whenever and wherever you can.  Actually put your budget in writing, and revisit it frequently to see where changes need to be made so you can adjust accordingly based on your business’s evolving needs.
  • Cut down on the multitasking.  It’s inevitable that there has to be some level of multitasking involved in being a small business owner. However, don’t make it the norm.  Start and finish one task at a time to prevent you from losing your train of thought and forgetting important details.  Practice the self-discipline it takes to complete one task at a time and do it well.
  • Seek help, advice, and education.  Identify some industry experts and read their materials, take their workshops, subscribe to their blogs, etc.  There are countless successful entrepreneurs who have come before you; use their experiences to continually learn about how to run and grow your business.
  • Have a positive outlook; expect challenges.  Of course, you want to maintain a positive attitude about your business.  That is why you should always challenge yourself to be the best that you can be, but at the same time, be prepare for the challenges that may arise.  For example, before sinking every last dime into that new marketing plan, figure out what you would do if it falls flat. Being financially and emotionally prepared will help you move past any setbacks.
  • Get involved in the community.  Connecting with other businesses and organizations within your community is extremely beneficial.  It shows that you are vested in the best interests of the community and that you have something valuable to contribute.  Furthermore, it is a great way to network and meet the very people you hope to do business with.  Get in touch with your local chamber of commerce for ideas about how to get involved and who to contact.

How many have you implemented?  What other common sense business tips do you think need to be added to our list?  Please share your ideas below!

Free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!

How to Surround Yourself with Success

How to Surround Yourself with Success

Have you ever been sitting next to someone, and they suddenly yawn?  What happens next?  You also find the need to yawn.  It’s a strange phenomenon, but it applies to the way we are influenced by those around us.  People who are positive, upbeat, ambitious, and persistent can be wonderful inspirations because those desirable qualities rub off on us.  Therefore, it is important to reflect a bit on the people with whom you associate and decide if they are having a good influence on you or not.  Read on for some suggestions about how to surround yourself with success.

  • Identify the three major business relationships you have.  Ask yourself questions such as, “Why does this relationship exist?” and “How is each of us benefitting from the relationship?”  Also identify what characteristics of these people are either boosters or detractors.  Do they help you succeed and meet your business goals?  If the answer is no, then consider forming new professional relationships with successful people that you can bring to the forefront of your inner circle.
  • Learn from the negative.  No matter what industry you’re in, there are going to be a number of negative people and/or situations (think Eeyore).  Instead of letting this negativity bog you down and keep you from doing your absolute best, use it to learn what NOT to do and bolster yourself onto your own successful path (think Tigger).  Mind over matter is really important here because sometimes it’s difficult, if not impossible, to avoid being around some level of negativity.  However, you can control how you handle it and what your attitude is going to be.  Will you be an Eeyore or a Tigger?  The choice is yours.
  • You don’t have to actually know successful people to learn from them.  If you are just starting out in your business and have yet to form these ideal relationships, then use resources that are available to you that can reinforce positive and inspiring messages regularly.  Find some successful industry experts that you can aspire to be like; read their books, attend their seminars, follow them on Twitter, etc.  Take what they can offer you about success in business and apply those things to your own situation.
  • Pay it forward.  Maybe those around you who seem negative just need someone to inspire them.  Don’t be afraid to be that person.  For example, it’s a proven fact that people who are trying to lose weight are more successful when they do so with a friend; they might exercise together, plan meals together, or even just drop each other an encouraging email every week.  The same goes for your business relationships.  Your determination to be successful can certainly influence someone else in a positive way if you exude your optimism and drive in all that you do.

Surrounding yourself with success, like many other aspects of business ownership, can be a challenge.  However, it is an important one to take on because your attitude is a key indicator of your success.  What are some ways that you surround yourself with success? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!

Top Ten Small Business Pitfalls

Top Ten Small Business Pitfalls

Did you ever hear the phrase, “Hindsight is 20/20.”? It’s easy to look back on our mistakes and identify what went wrong after the fact.  It is of utmost importance to avoid common pitfalls made by millions of others before you.  By learning from their mistakes, you can make smart decisions for your business and enjoy making your entrepreneurial dreams come true.  Here are the top ten pitfalls to avoid in your business and how to avoid them:

  1. Failure to educate yourself before you begin – There is so much that goes into owning a business that goes beyond knowing your industry.  Small business ownership is a marathon, not a sprint, so stamina is the key.  Since you will most likely be watching your pennies, take advantage of free resources, like those provided by the Small Business Administration .
  2. A non-existent or hastily written business plan – Believe it or not, too many people start up businesses without a plan.  Don’t worry; you don’t need an MBA degree to write up a business plan.  An effective business plan should include a description of your business; information about your industry, competitors, suppliers, and target demographic; a marketing strategy; and finances.
  3. Spending money unnecessarily – To control startup costs, consider the following: leasing any equipment you may need instead of buying, buying supplies second hand, purchasing a minimal amount of inventory to avoid overstocking, and dealing in cash as often as possible.
  4. Not collecting payments promptly – Remember, you are held to a tight standard in having to pay your own creditors; hold your customers to the same standard.  Always provide an invoice no matter how small the amount, follow up when necessary, and don’t be afraid to implement a cash upfront policy for delinquent accounts.
  5. Forgetting to plan for a rainy day – So your efforts are paying off; inventory is flying off the shelves, you’re teeming with new customers, and profits are way up.  Enjoy it of course, but don’t forget to save some of that hard earned cash for an unforeseen setback.  Just like the overall economy, certain industries experiences cycles of good times and bad.  Your business will be able to survive the hard times if you put away some money and have a contingency plan for if things suddenly go south.
  6. Getting set in your ways – Even the most successful business owners can have a difficult time adjusting to new trends in the industry.  Keep abreast of any changes, including innovative new products/services, a shift in customer needs/wants, price points, marketing techniques, and technology.  Chances are that your customers are aware of what’s new, so don’t get left in the dark.
  7. Doing it all yourself – If you have employees, trust in their abilities and delegate responsibilities.  Trying to meet every obligation on your own and micromanaging are both recipes for burnout and disaster.  Empower your staff by handing over certain tasks and projects; you’ll also find that they will become more invested in the success of your business when they know they are an important part of it.
  8. Inability to step away – Once you have established your business, you should make decisions that allow it to run smoothly without you once in awhile.  There will be times when you need to take a few days off for personal obligations, and let’s face it: who doesn’t need a vacation every now and then?
  9. Poor marketing – From traditional marketing methods to those of the 21st century, there are more ways to market your business than ever before.  As with anything else in your business, do your research to decide what is best.  It might be a good idea to only focus on one or two methods at first, such as targeted direct mail campaigns and an effective website.  Collect information about what is working and adjust your marketing efforts accordingly.
  10. Lack of discipline – This is especially important if you have a home-based business.  Our households are rife with distractions such as laundry, cleaning, a ringing phone, and even our own children.  These things take time away from your business, which in turn takes money out of your pocket.  Create a strict schedule for yourself and stick to it, make a list of what needs to be done and when, and minimize needless distractions.

What pitfalls have you encountered in your business?  Please share your problems and solutions with us in the comments section below!

Free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!