Starting a business is tough.. no exaggeration. To start and run a business is both nerve-racking, petrifying.. and a dozen other emotions. It doesn’t matter if you are drafting the initial business plan, just opened the doors, or been around for awhile. Planning will alleviate much of the risk, but not all. You can’t control everything in life, nor in business.
Want to grow your company? Here are five guidelines to help you do that. Many accomplished business owners wished that someone had told them this at the beginning.. and look at us giving them away to you.
Guidelines to Grow Your Business
1. Realize that you can’t do it all
Being your own boss is part of the appeal to start a business. The owner of a small business will have to be contented to wear many hats – that of a sales assistant, bookkeeper, marketing director. However, this does not require that he or she should do it all on his or her own. Now is a good time to consider outsourcing some pieces of your business to a virtual assistant and a bookkeeper.
You will certainly be able to do it alone for a short time and even manage to flourish, but in order for the business to develop, it can’t go on like that forever. It is crucial to know when to find capable people with the same vision. You can only do so much and if you want the business to thrive, you will have to accept that you need help.
It should not be necessary to relinquish your new found freedom or your control to get help, but you are only one individual.
2. Don’t spread your doubts
Confidence, drive and passion are needed when launching and running a prosperous business. It is, however, normal for doubts about this new undertaking to creep up on you, but essential to know to whom and where to voice these uncertainties.
Don’t tell influential people outside the company like a capitalist that might invest in your venture or the local credit union’s manager. They will only finance someone who is confident about his or her business. So keep your game face on when you approach investors for much needed money. In the same way the employees must be sure that they can believe in you. Don’t when times get tough, don’t express your emotions and doubts openly for all to hear.
It would be lying to say that not everyone have fears and uncertainties. A business owner, however, should arouse confidence in his or her employees. So think about how you act when you are with them, especially when things aren’t happening like you would like it to.
3. Work towards that business you would want
There’s an expression that says that you should fake it until you make it. You should adopt this principle, particularly in the beginning of a business venture.
Don’t intentionally deceive clients about the business’ scope or what services you can offer them. New clients should be instilled with confidence in your business, until your reputation has been established. So, run the business as if it is already the business you would want, even if it is not there yet.
Apply this concept to all aspects of your business venture – from the way potential clients are greeted to the language used on advertising materials and the company website. If a confident air is projected when new customers are dealt with, a first impression is made that will offset the small size or lack of experience.
It is not necessary to approach all dealings as the president of a worldwide organization, but think big when you want to grow your business. Make sure any material or employee who have direct contact with your clients, represent your business the way you would want to.
4. Deal with the negative answer of no
It is only you who can decide to open your own business, an adventure that you yourself decide to go on. Regrettably, to make your dream come true, you’ll have to involve other people whose opinions will have to be heard about the way things happen.
Starting out as the owner of a business you will often hear “no.” Potential customers and clients will not be interested, your idea will be passed on by investors, and your banks loan applications will be turned down. Don’t feel dejected because rejection is essentially fabulous.
How so? For the reason that every time you hear “no,” you must choose to appreciate it as a break. Maybe your bank loan application was turned down, not because of your idea but because of a problem with the business plan. Perhaps a non-interested client could force you into developing your pitch or making your offered services more convincing.
A business owner should look at rejection as inevitable, but it is your choice how to react to it.
5. The business bank account isn’t for your personal use
This is a big one, so read it again. And again. Once your business is going strong, the temptation will be there to use your business account for personal use, to borrow money from the business or treat yourself with lavish payments, but don’t do it, especially in the beginning.
Even a successful business will admit that to grow cost money. Every time you take from the business’ money, the chances of growth diminish. You should be sure to adequately compensate yourself for the work you do, but your salary must be modest and reinvesting in the business must be your main concern.
To grow a business will cost money because everything needed for growth like equipment, talent and space costs money. Therefore the smaller amount you put back, the slower the growth. The more money put back, the faster the operation can be expanded and the more profits can be made.
About Out of the Office Virtual Assistance:
Since 2006 Out of the Office, has offered ideas and ways to increase your productivity, decrease your workload, and work more efficiently. We nurture a successful business relationship, while continuing to grow as your business partner. We are focused on streamlining your administration, social media planning and execution, and offering creative solutions for your business success. Schedule your free 30 minute consultation by visiting our website.
