The Money Lady Speaks
People often say to me, “I want to start a business but I don’t know where to begin.” Depending on where you are along that journey the answer to that question can vary. So here are a few suggestions on where to start when starting a business.
A Baker’s Dozen for Business Startups and Entrepreneurs.
- Develop a prayer life. Ask for clarity, direction and strength every day because you will need it.
- Daily meditation and reflection. Examine each and every day and its impact on you and those around you. Ask yourself how you can be even greater tomorrow.
- Business journaling. Write about your vision and be very specific. Paint your picture in words.
- Reading and writing about your business. Read business journals, blogs, magazines, etc. about your business and industry. Don’t forget to take notes and ask questions.
- Remove negative energies from your life. Those people, places and things that drain you must go and the sooner the better. You don’t have to un-friend just prioritize and adjust the relationship.
- Communicate your plans to those that it will directly impact and ask for their support.
- Start walking in it. Even if everything isn’t in place start walking in the vision as if it is.
- Build a business plan. Don’t set yourself up for failure by not taking time to plan.
- Start your business. Just do it! Stop waiting for the right time or the right moment because in waiting it may pass you by.
- Work your plan. If you don’t know what your next steps are go back to your plan.
- Build your team. We’ve all heard it before; your network determines your net worth. Get a coach, mentor, or accountability partner and be prepared to pay for their services. If you don’t invest in you why would you expect anyone else to? Also be prepared for them to tell you some things you may not have been prepared to hear. They are not there to tell you what you want to her but rather what you need to know.
- Grow your business by working your plan and your network. Be prepared to make modifications along the way. Track your progress and keep it moving.
- Give! Give! Give! You must be willing to give of yourself in order to build trust and rapport. You can’t grow your business if no one knows your business so giving away products and services are a great way to make an introduction. Ask those receiving those freebies to do a shout out on your social media pages. Remember a little can and does go a long way when it comes to giving of yourself and your gifts. Wherever you are in your business whether seasoned or start-up you will need to repeat these steps over and over again not only to keep your business alive and growing but to keep yourself grounded and inspired. Being a business owner is a huge responsibility that takes a lot of resources including time, money and energy and should be taken to heart as your products and services have the power to impact people’s lives. Make that impact as positive as possible by being disciplined and diligent. Excellence is the ultimate goal!
The Money Lady
Turning Numbers into Money
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