Word Of Mouth Advertising is Vital
Although social media is the primary way businesses advertise themselves, word of mouth is vital. I know, this sounds SO old-fashioned, but I promise you it’s still just as important as it used to be.
People tend to trust their peers and seek their recommendations when trying a new product or service. It’s important to remember that platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are a tool many people use to ask for recommendations on products… so make sure yours is being talked about!
I’ve thrown a lot of money at advertisements and marketing strategies, but nothing has been as helpful to my business as people talking positively about my services.
Clients Need To Be Your 1st Priority
Without loyal and returning clients, your business will struggle. The sacrifices you make for your clients will eventually make up for those days you didn’t take a break. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for taking a day off for yourself. I believe balance equals success.
However, all too often I see business owners take too many of these self-care days and their business starts to crumble. The key to success is being of service and if you’re trying to start a successful business, you’re going to need to provide a lot of it.
Some People Aren’t Going To Be Supportive, but… That’s okay!
Here’s the best piece of advice I can give you is that validation doesn’t come from others, it comes from yourself.
When starting your own business, the first few months or even years are often faced with disapproving family and friends.
Now, I don’t think this comes from a lack of love or care, I think it comes from a place of wanting to protect you from yourself. Everyone will have an opinion… but it’s not your responsibility to take that on. It’s merely a reflection of their own insecurities.
Keep focusing on your big vision and these disapproving voices will stop holding so much weight in your mind and soul. Eventually, you’ll be so successful, they’ll have nothing negative to say to you. You got this!
Consistency, Consistency, Consistency!
The internet and social media create a world of forever-changing trends. Although it’s strategic to stay up-to-date with trends in the media and the different marketing techniques, don’t change things up too quickly. You’re going to feel pushed and pulled by the newer techniques, but it’s best to stay true to what’s working for you and don’t feel persuaded to change things up.
Authenticity is going to be your biggest asset. Consumers can feel when businesses are just trying to stay ‘relevant.’ Staying true to your brand and your values are going to be a huge game-changer for your businesses’ success. Relevance isn’t everything.
Running a Business is Never Easy or Fair
I know, I know, you see these businesses on Instagram that are so successful and you’re thinking to yourself, “I’m doing everything they are doing… why am I not thriving as well?”
I know it can feel like you’re doing absolutely everything in your power to create a successful business but it just never measures up. Don’t try to copy them… that’ll never work.
The reason some of these businesses are so successful is that they never strayed from what made them authentic and unique, we all have different strengths and weaknesses to play on. Use yours for as long as possible and try not to cave into social media’s pressure.
In my experience, I’ve had the most success by staying true to my brand and my values. I have always tried to remain kind, generous, and positive. You receive the clients you market towards - so hang in there, it does get easier.
Make Time To Connect With Yourself
Stress, hard work, and constant socializing can do a number on your body and mind. Take the time to breathe and reconnect with yourself apart from your business. Like I said before, business requires focus, but there needs to be a balance.
Constant work can cause frequent ‘burn-outs.’ When a business owner is burnt out, that’s when their business starts to fail. I suggest creating a little schedule for yourself.
Write down the hours you plan to work in a day. If you plan to work from 9 am-5 pm, do that. And use that extra time to do the things that reignite your passion. Do everything in moderation, that includes your business.
You Will Have Financial Ups and Downs - Be Prepared.
It’s easy to say that having your own business equates to a steady income; but that is rarely the case. My business has quieter seasons and months as I’m sure yours will or already does - prepare yourself for that.
Create a financial plan that works for you and your business so you’re not in a mess when you have 25% fewer clients than the month before.
Here’s one piece of advice that is vital for your success, do not take it personally. The reason some months are quieter than others has nothing to do with your ability and has everything to do with the client.
So, for the sensitive souls running their own businesses, prepare yourself for these times and try your best not to take it to heart.
Get Out There and Make Some Money!
Don’t get me wrong, I think training courses and learning how to strategically build your business are great assets. However, you eventually need to move on and start trying things on your own. Focus less on the education, and more on using what you learned to better your sales.
Start prioritizing trial and error. Find those little business techniques that just work. It’s important that you get comfortable with all of your money-making activities in your business. Happy clients mean more income, and more income means more opportunities for your business.
Whether your income-rich activity is building a new website or upping your social media game, give your all to these. Make your money-making activities a priority!
Go Explore the Outside World
Your business is most likely an online start-up. You probably speak to clients and staff via video call or text and use your computer for the majority of your work.
However, constantly being online causes burnout… a dangerous, sometimes fatal feeling to experience when running a company. I value face-to-face interaction with local clients.
I also try to incorporate offline work into my week. Whether this work is recentering myself with my passions, reading an inspiring book, or just meeting for coffee with local clients or employees; it’s vital.
I believe it’s super important for business owners to never forget the power of their in-person presence. It’s easy to get wrapped up in this virtual world of ours, but getting back to the basics could potentially save your company.
Systems are Just as Important as Techniques
Here are a few simple processes and systems that I have found extremely helpful in my business:
I made a detailed welcome package and a well-thought-out onboarding process before providing services to clients.
Then, I thought about a signature program that will go into detail about what I will offer.
I made sure that my payment process was easy for the customer as well as simple for myself. Receiving money never has to be complicated.
I developed a profit-first approach. I consistently invest into a tax-holding account from the percentage of the money I pay myself. I also make sure to meet with a bookkeeper to make sure a professional is checking over my earnings and processes.