| Why would a woman making a six-figure
salary in Silicon Valley choose to leave her high profile position with Cisco to create a
product that used no 21st Century technology?
Because almost thirty years of working with Silicon
Valley's top technology companies can take a toll on a gal's ability to stop and see, much
less smell the roses! During a trip to Italy, far away from friends and family and
immersed in a culture that lives in the moment, I realized what I'd lost sight of.
And that's where the idea for Adesso Albums was born. Six
years later, Adesso Albums is an international company with more than a million dollars in
annual revenue.
So how did I do it?
10 tips for Success in Business – Based on My
Personal Experience:
1. Embrace change. It's an inevitable part of running a
business. Rather than fighting it, wasting valuable time and eventually losing, you're
better off anticipating, planning for, and embracing change. As a small business owner you
should be nimble and react quickly in a variety of ways. If you look at change as an
opportunity to grow, you will!
2. Use technology. Do more with less by automating routine
processes with web-based applications. These applications increase productivity and free
you, your staff and your resources to focus on more important tasks. And, these
applications can be accessed from anywhere
3. Keep your eye on the ball. It's easy to get caught up in
the day-to-day minutia of running a business. Constantly ask yourself if your daily
activities get you closer to your overall goals for the company. It will keep you on track
and stop you from spending time on the wrong things.
4. Know your differentiators. Compare your products and
services to the real, as well as the perceived competition. A competing concept can be
even more threatening than an actual product. Unless you have thought about what
differentiates your product or service from everything that's out there, your marketing
efforts will fall short.
5. Lead by example. Peers and subordinates alike will learn
from your example. They “listen” with their eyes more than with their ears. Your
actions mean more than what you say to them. Make sure your processes and actions both
inside and outside the office are things you want emulated.
6. Give the illusion of participation. Everyone likes to
feel like they are part of the decision process, so let them! Then do what you think you
ought to do anyway. It's not necessary, and often actually a hindrance in a small business
environment to employ the decision by a committee process.
7. Control timing. We often miss opportunities because we
think we have to respond immediately to stimuli such as phone calls or emails. Just
because the phone is ringing or an email comes in, it doesn't mean you have to react. Your
day shouldn't be a series of interruptions. The more you control your distractions, the
more effective you'll be.
8. Know what you don't know. It's inconceivable that you
could have an in depth knowledge of every aspect of your business. Acknowledge your weak
areas and surround yourself with competent resources and trusted partners and learn from
them.
9. Stay organized. It is critical to update, edit, add and
delete from your list of to-do's on a daily basis. Nothing feels better than crossing
things off. And, with a well-maintained list for you and your team, everyone will stay on
track and your chances for success are enhanced.
10. Plan for success. Formalize your processes as you go.
Plan for and build infrastructure ahead of your growth. So when your growth spurt comes,
you're ready for it. And don't forget to celebrate your successes along the way. Stop and
pat yourself and your team on the back as milestones are achieved.
Following these ten tips not only helped me grow Adesso
Albums to over a million dollars in annual revenue last year, it also helped me reach tens
of thousands of people and help them live in the moment. Everyday we get cards, letters,
emails, pictures and even videos from our customers telling us how Adesso Albums have
touched their lives – and in so many ways – both personally and from a business
perspective.
From the couple who just got married and looked at their
original instant photo guest book every day of their honeymoon to the military family who
used an album to chronicle what happened while the dad was on tour for a year, to our
international distributors who each used the albums at their weddings and have since quit
their day jobs to sell Adesso Albums in their part of the world – its' all very
humbling. With a good idea, a little luck and my ten tips, you are well on your way to
success too! |
