Guest post by De Francis (learn more about De at the end of this post)
I attended an entrepreneur course several weeks ago. Many aspects were discussed that revolved around entrepreneurship and small business ownership. One day we had a guest speaker and reflecting on what stood out the most during his visit was the following:
1. Talk about your purpose and passion! Or more specifically “why” are you starting up your own business? Are you doing it to:
- Make a difference in the world, in your community, in your family?
- Right a wrong?
- Improve the quality of life?
- Fulfill a need?
Out of your purpose grows value. What do you value?
- Giving back to the world, to your community, to your family, to yourself?
- Creating opportunities for win-win solutions?
- Doing something wonderful that makes a difference or has meaning?
2. Evolve into a really good salesperson
- Approach selling with a creative mindset. One of the most difficult things to do is to do something that hasn’t already been done. That is where “creativity” comes into play. Take something that has already been done and repackage it in a way that attracts or addresses a need from a different target market!
- Sell what you love. If you do not love it then do not sell it!
- Sell relationships not just a service or product. Yes, a good product may encourage sporadic customers but a good relationship will establish long-term, loyal customers.
3. Develop networks
- Strong networks provide endless opportunities to get more things done in a more efficient and effective manner. There is exposure to learn from others with different experiences and knowledge and the multiple connections associated with networks is invaluable.
- Use networks strategically…ask for favors! Ask the people in your network to keep you in mind or refer you when they come across business opportunity within your specialty; and of course do the same for them. Ask for feedback on your website, services, marketing, ect.
- Do not keep count of favors. You never know when that one person within your network will come through for you when no one else did!
4. Be proactive; take action
- Sometimes our biggest obstacle to success is ourselves! Address personal fears, listen to your own instincts and intuition, and start believing in yourself to have the tenacity and drive to see your goal of business ownership actualize.
- Avoid having those around you that tend to be a major source of discouragement and negativity; including friends and family members.
- Develop a planning process that consists of setting measurable objectives. Measurable objectives will help with keeping track of progress thereby combating negative talk and thought.
- Offer support to others with similar goals of business ownership. You will be a source of encouragement to others thereby keeping yourself encouraged, focused, and committed to success.
5. Give praise to the strength of others
- Give recognition when recognition is due
- Let those with strengths do what they do best and be a strength to someone else by giving guidance or references to those with areas of weakness.
About the Author
De Francis is the owner of CAST on Call, a Virtual Assistant practice that specializes in providing specialty administrative and business solutions to small business owners and veteran-owned business. Visit her website at www.castoncall.com or send her an email at [email protected].
Susan Gunelius
Susan Gunelius is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women on Business. She is a 30-year veteran of the marketing field and has authored a dozen books about marketing, branding, and social media, including the highly popular Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing, 30-Minute Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing for Dummies, Blogging All-in-One for Dummies and Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps. Susan’s marketing-related content can be found on Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, MSNBC.com, BusinessWeek.com, and more. Susan is President & CEO of KeySplash Creative, Inc., a marketing communications company. She has worked in corporate marketing roles and through client relationships with AT&T, HSBC, Citibank, Intuit, The New York Times, Cox Communications, and many more large and small companies around the world. Susan also speaks about marketing, branding and social media at events around the world and is frequently interviewed by television, online, radio, and print media organizations about these topics. She holds an MBA in Management and Strategy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC).
Follow Me:
