By: Todd Skinner
Over the past few months I have been reaching out to my network of clients, business associates and contacts across the world as well as here at home to learn what others are doing to succeed in 2011. With slight modifications and removal of some proprietary content, I have been asked by many to share these simple yet powerful suggestions with you!
For your business to grow in 2011, YOU must grow in 2011. If you think the same thoughts and do the same things in 2011 that you did in 2010, why would you expect any different results? For a better 2011, YOU must grow your mindset, knowledge, strategies and habits.
1 Stay positive For your business to grow, YOU must grow. Feed your mind with a consistently positive diet … listen to uplifting, motivational and educational CDs for your drive time … create a positive University on Wheels. Be willing to expand your vision, mindset and possibilities for yourself and your business. Above all else, as an owner, stay positive and remain confident.
2. Keep and expand what you have Focus on client retention and expansion. Visit with the Top 20% of your clients in Quarter One. Ask how you might better serve them in 2011. What are their 2011 goals and what other unmet service needs they may have? Stay close to your top customers as they are someone else’s top prospects.
3 Maintain a marketing mindset No matter what your business is never forget you are really in … The SALES & MARKETING business. Marketing is not just about placing an Ad, it is about educating others on why it’s in their best interest to do or continue to do business with you.
4. Business is a contact sport Growing your business is all about building trust, establishing relationships and helping to solve problems for others. You can’t fully achieve that dynamic without face-to-face interaction. Never under estimate the value of meeting with clients, prospects and referral sources on a regular basis. Set a goal to meet in person with 10 people a week.
5. Face your mental demons As an owner, you can only advance when you are standing on the firm ground of TRUTH, not the quicksand of DENIAL. Be totally honest with yourself and determine the Top 3 Limiting Beliefs/Excuses holding you back from greater success, happiness and fulfillment.
6. Beleive Believe in yourself as a worthy owner, believe in the value/benefit of your products and believe in the endless number of clients/customers that truly need your help and solutions. If you don’t believe in yourself and your offering, why would anyone else?
7. Hire a business coach Busyness, denial and distractions are some of the greatest enemies of small business owners. It’s hard for entrepreneurs to see the reality of their situation as they are often too close to the action and have subjective blind spots. An effective business coach will keep you more focused, effective and strategic.
8 Accountability Put more accountability in your life and business in 2011. Everyone needs someone to help us achieve our highest potential. Surround yourself with others who will not allow you to make excuses or succumb to your limiting beliefs.
9. Get sales help Enroll in sales training/coaching to improve your sales confidence, capabilities, sales process metrics, and your overall sales effectiveness. Lead generation (marketing) and lead conversion (selling) are two critical areas to focus on in 2011. Sales coaching will provide a significant and immediate impact to your bottom-line results.
10. Own your results Take full responsibility for ALL your results … the good, the bad and the ugly. Playing the blame game can do harm in the short and long-term. You can either make money or make excuses, you can’t do both.
I wish you a very prosperous, happy, healthy and fulfilling 2011. You are 100% responsible for your success and happiness … take charge and make the necessary changes for a better business and life.