Monday, 27 February 2012

3 Skills You Need For Small Business Success

By Denise Lones


In spite of the odds against them, there are so many successful businesses out there that it is hard to imagine. Yet, success can be hard to achieve. There's one skill that all thriving small businesses have. What is it? It's a simple concept, but tough to implement and it has virtually nothing to do with IQ, education or how long you have been in business - discipline.

It is the secret to success in everything - regardless of whether you are in the business of running an eatery, operating a magazine store, or doing real estate coaching. Most small business owners understand this and insert it into their lives each day. If you can carry through with what you intended to do each day, you'll enjoy success. When we talk about business, there are three disciplines that you need to excel in.

First, you have to develop the discipline of follow-up. Be in contact with your target market. Be in front of them monthly talking about your business. Remember to concentrate on your business. If you're not a baker, do not be sharing cookie recipes. If you aren't a sports business you probably shouldn't be talking about the last baseball game. You have to link your name to what you do. When your prospects hear you or see you, they should intuitively think about what your business does first.

Next, master the discipline of marketing. Nothing about your business should leave you without your brand on it. If you're a business, then chances are high that you are the whole "corporation" and customers hire you because they know you and want to do business with you. But if they do not know who you are and what you're representing, then you'll be ignored. Ruthlessly edit and polish your marketing pieces. Invest the time and capital to get it right or you may look amateurish and no-one will call you.

Finally, master the discipline of having a plan of action. Few business owners have a business plan, fewer still have an action plan, but this is absolutely vital. Know what actions you are going to take. Know what systems you will implement. Know what steps you need to start taking to achieve your goal. Write it down. Most importantly, break it down into activities you can act on so that every day you can take action and be closer to achieving those goals.

Successful small businesses are disciplined business. Master your discipline and be successful.




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