Starting a business is no small feat.
But once you’re over that hump of incorporating and finally opening your doors, it’s not time to put on cruise control just yet. Obstacles will present themselves. The success and growth of your business depend on how you handle these obstacles.
Answer the following three questions to see if you’re on the right path to success in your business.
1. Are You Being Reactive or Proactive?
Are you just floating along through your day, going whichever way the current takes you and scrambling to avoid boulders when they pop up in your path? Or have you done your research, know what to expect, and prepared for whatever comes your way?
Instead of reacting, strategize. Plan. A great place to start is with your schedule.
Try a three-tiered approach with your schedule to help you stay focused on the right tasks. Start with your monthly goals. What needs to happen this month and how will you measure the success for each?
Take this information and break it down for your weekly goals. With this information, you can plan each day of that week around accomplishing your business goals.
You’re not just trying to stay afloat. You want to be successful and grow. So it’s important to keep your goals in mind when planning your schedule.
2. How Are You With Multitasking?
An inevitable part of owning a small business is doing it all, especially in the beginning. You’re the office administrator, marketer, accountant, salesperson, and so on and so forth.
Thanks to technology, there are plenty of tools available that will help lighten your load. So many things are now automated, like email marketing and scheduling. And let’s not forget artificial intelligence (AI). It’s being used for CRM applications, customer service, and marketing.
Embrace technology and let it help you multitask.
3. What’s Your Marketing Strategy?
Marketing is one of those things that can easily slip to the bottom or your priority list if you let it. Sometimes small business owners are too caught up in the immediate needs of running the business to realize that if you want more people to know about the company, more people buying products or services, then you need to let them know you’re here and what you offer.
Marketing can make the difference between your business failing or barely getting by, or your business growing and thriving. Make to time to market your business. It’s arguably the most important task a small business owner has.
For more advice on how to help your small business thrive, look no further than our blog and knowledge center.