Are you very human like me? Have you made mistakes running your business that you "could" have prevented? Very costly and painful, isn't it? Remember what happens after you lean from this painful place called "development"? Once everything has calmed down, and you look at that situation again, 94% of
time you can say, " Boy, I saw that coming!" or "I noticed that and didn't pay attention to it."An alternative to "learning hard way" is to learn by evolving - not easy but worth trip! You'll need to stay ever "present", be patient and courageous, practice and learn to trust your gut. You'll learn to recognize "red flags" life has given you and pay attention to them rather than neglecting messages completely. Evolving is about noticing that universe is asking you to do things differently. So, turn anything that isn't working into "feedback," and go from there. You're worth it! For my readers, as well as myself, I hold intention that our lessons will be learned from a place of "evolving."
The titles below are things I've heard new business owners say that usually invite painful lessons. Each summary includes some ways to evolve - grow, shift way you're thinking, and do things differently from get go. Been in business for while? Then look to see where you are "stuck" in development problems below - and evolve onwards!
"I need money, so I'll start a business." If you need money to pay for food, clothing or shelter, go get a job. If you have a job, keep it while you start a business. If you have at least two years worth of income plus $10,000 for business start-up costs, you have opportunity to work on your new business full time without having another income. If you start a business from a needy place, that is message that will come across to prospective clients. When you come from need, it shows in so many ways - most of which you're not even aware of because you're not one watching and listening to you.
"I hate my boss and I hate being told what to do, too." Keep you day job until you change your attitude. When you own your own company, it's your responsibility to make sure that everything gets done! And all your clients become mini-bosses!
"I don't need much start-up money because I'm not renting office space." Supplies, memberships, licenses fees, lawyers, accountants, desks, phones, business cards, lunches, phone service, web designers, logo designers, and hiring a coach/consultant. Guess what… they all cost money! Make sure you have enough money so that you can pay others while you build a strong solid business foundation. Keep asking yourself "what will be best use of my time" and consider bartering for services.
"I don't need a business plan for a home business." Wrong. Every business owner needs some sort of plan. At a minimum, start by designing a Dream Board . The business plan I send each client is called The One Page Business Plan. It's a fun business plan workbook (yes I said fun) and by completing book you'll have information for your brochure, website and more. My final note on business plans is this... if "doing it perfectly" has stopped you from starting a business plan, forget about owning a business! "Something" will always "come up" and life will change as much in business as it does anywhere. Business Plans are guides to be used wisely and to be looked at and adjusted every 6 months, too.
"I don't know who my ideal client is." If you know who your ideal client is, you can market effectively. Not sure who your ideal client is? See who you are attracting to your business, know what your professional values are, keep an index card around with your ideal client credentials. Knowing who you're marketing to will save you some money, too.
"I don't have any marketing plans." Design a marketing plan around ways you enjoy marketing, market with integrity, and learn how to stretch a little, too. Find ways to market that highlight other skills you have, allow you to do things that give you energy, and won't get boring as time goes on. Then every 6 months sit back and take a look-see what worked and what didn't. Make adjustments where necessary.
"I'm running an inconsistent business." Read E-myth Revisited for lots of ideas on how to run a consistent business. The book suggests looking at your business like you'd like to franchise it - even if that's not what you really want to do. "Brand" your business using same colors on all your marketing materials. Keep customer service and other policies consistant. Give advance warning!
