| As small business owners, we have lots of
activities that demand our time and attention. In order to become successful, we need to
tend to the activities that provide the biggest return on our investment of time and
money.
1. Create your mission statement.
Your Company's mission statement will provide the focus for
what products and services you should be providing to your customers.
2. Define specific goals.
These clearly defined goals should support your mission
statement. Keep it to no more than three at a time for a higher success rate.
3. Develop action plans.
These step-by-step tasks should support your goals. Each
goal should have a complete action plan outlining the steps needed to achieve it.
4. Budget for business activities.
When all planned activities have a dollar amount associated
with it, you will know very quickly what you can and cannot do. In addition, this step
will help to prioritize what you will do first.
5. Form your circle of influence.
This is your team of supportive peers with whom you can
share ideas and receive constructive feedback. These individuals will be priceless to you.
6. Participate in professional organizations.
Decide which of the many organizations will provide the
much-needed information and networking opportunities to grow your business. Don't just pay
and become an attending member, but join or lead committees to get higher visibility.
7. Develop strategic alliances.
As small business owners you are strongly encouraged to
work with others who complement your services and have a desire to work with you - you
will become more profitable and experienced quicker than if you were working alone. Your
customers will also experience the great benefits derived from forming alliances.
8. Establish an exchange system.
It could be a referral or bartering system. All parties
agree up front what will be exchanged. This system should be a win-win for all
participants. Tit-for-tat does not work but fairness and trust will ensure its success.
9. Develop a database for contact information.
All contact information for customers, prospects,
associates, vendors and others should be maintained in one database for quick access and
updating.
10. Promote your business often.
At least once per month, think of opportunities and
activities to promote your business to your contact list (another great reason to maintain
a database). For example, an appointment by an official, community sponsorships, published
work and featured stories by the media. This will remind others about your business. |