Over the years, I realised that I have collected, used and imparted some tips about what it is to be a business owner/entrepreneur. Did you know that I started off as a home-based business, working out of my rented room then? That was almost 10 years ago.
Although I made that leap out of the home and into an office, I still think that it’s no different really. Business owners have their own ways of doing things. Below I share some tips of how you can be a business owner too. Whether you are a solo-preneur or a 10-person firm, being a business owner is all about having the right attitude.
And having the right attitude is about getting your daily priorities right too.
1. Focus on 3 top priorities each day. Too many and you’ll get overwhelmed. Too few and you’ll be wondering what’s next. Plan them out on paper and mark each one off as you progress.
2. Call friends and clients. Keeping in touch is one of the surest ways to build relationships. It doesn’t HAVE to be about something. Sharing a joke or just a quick hello improves people’s moods and makes you a treasured friend.
3. Learn something new everyday, especially if it is of a business concern. Learn how to improve. Learn how to make your systems better.
4. Read. Spare 15 minutes to read daily. Early mornings are good times to be quiet and read. Read a book that motivates or read a book which soothes your soul. Either way, 15 minutes you spend with a book will help you become a better person.
5. Get involved in your community. This is not only a good break from your business but allows you to know your community, network with other people and exchange ideas and allow you to give back to your community.
6. Make a list of goals you want to achieve in the next 3 months. It’s easy to forget goals if you don’t have them right in your face. Stick them where you can see them. Read them aloud daily. Do one thing each week which moves you nearer to your goals.
7. Go to the library. If you want to get away from it all, switch off your handphone, tear yourself away from the computer and go somewhere where you will not be disturbed for a few hours. Browse books you would not normally browse. If you’ve always enjoyed fiction, try the non-fiction shelves. You never know what ideas this random book browsing might spark. Bring some pen and paper to jot down ideas too.
8. Exercise. A brisk walk around the neighbourhood park is not only a good way to attune yourself with nature but lets you breathe in fresh air. When in the park, focus on your walking. Admire nature. It’s a good way to stop thinking about work/business.
9. Manage your leads well. Do you have a system to manage your leads well? What do you do when you get a lead? How successful is your lead management system? Do you call your lead? Email them? A good lead system allows you to have continuous business all year round.
10. Get answers ready. Whether you sell a product or service, be sure you have all your FAQ answers down pat. This means knowing what your prospects will ask and giving a confident answer.
11. Let your customers talk. Respect them and allow them to talk. When they’re talking, listen. Listen to what they want. How they want it. Once they’re done, you can start. Listen to understand from their viewpoint.
12. Plan your questions before you meet your customers. This means doing research. Know whom you are meeting and know what questions to ask.
13. Always start by motivating YOURSELF. You are the best salesperson of your business. So get motivated by reading or listening to positive stuff in the morning before your business day starts.
I have lots more but this will do for now. 😉 Will share more later.
To your web success,
Nic