Business is a science, more specifically, a social science. Some would say it’s challenging to figure out success, however I would argue that it’s not hard to know what to do to grow you business. The key is to actually practice implementing it. Here are 10 ways to grow your business whether you need to put a spark in your step when you’ve hit a lull or brand new and just starting out.
1. Be Everywhere
Get in tune with Michelle Branch there. Wherever you go, your business goes too. Explore the world and experience the world. Don’t just travel to different cities or countries, be present in your own community by attending events where you can network. When you are everywhere, people begin to recognize you and your business, you begin to recognize other people who could be mentors and connections, and you open yourself to knowledge that you can use toward growing your business to be the best it can be.
2. Be Neon
I want you to embody neon. Ya know, like the OPEN sign hanging in the literal or metaphorical window of your business. THINK NEON. BE NEON. What the heck does that even mean? Neon grabs your attention because it’s so bright and colorful. Not only that, but it always has a message. You are the best marketing tool for your business. You need to get people’s attention in an inviting way and practice ways to work your business into the conversation. Have an elevator speech prepared for appropriate occasions. If your mouth is closed, your business is closed.
3. Fear Less
By far one of the most challenging obstacles to overcome in life. If only it were as simple for us as it is for Nike. It’s not always as simple as “just do it”. Everything else I could write here would just be strings of quotes so I’ll leave you with a few of my favorites.
“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”
Unknown
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”
George Addair
“F.E.A.R. has two meaning: Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise.”
Zig Ziglar
“Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.”
Winston Churchill
“To escape fear, you have to go through it – not around it.”
Richie Norton
“May your choices reflect your hopes not your fears.”
Nelson Mandela
4. Be Confident
Confidence is the most beautiful accessory to wear not just for you, but also for your business. If you don’t believe in your product/service enough to share it with others, how can you expect anyone else to believe in your product/service enough to buy it? Although the “fake it til you make it approach” can be helpful, you should have genuine confidence in your product/service. If not, maybe you’re just not passionate enough about selling what you’re selling and should look into a different product/service that you are passionate about.
5. Leave the Judging to Judy
The minute you start judging other people and assuming they wouldn’t want what you are selling because “they don’t need it”, “they can’t afford it”, “they wouldn’t want it”, means you need to revisited #3 and #4. Potentially fear is getting in the way and causing you to make excuses or because you don’t truly believe in your product/service, you don’t think they will either. Alternatively, it’s none of your business to judge what that person’s decision might be regarding your product. Give them the opportunity to make the decision for themselves. And release yourself from the depravity you’re causing in your own business.
6. Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe
The culture of your business will make or break it. Be conscious of the culture you want to create and live that culture out. When you project it, like-minded individuals will follow. This business is yours and you get the luxury of choosing who you work with. Learn to say no to the people who are going to disrupt your business’ culture. Avoid projecting desperation at all costs.
7. The Buddy System
At the end of the day, the real gold is found in the relationships you are building with networking/industry partners, mentors, clients, and customers. Developing and building those relationships should be at the front and center as they lead to many opportunities down the road.
8. Treat Them Like ... You
Hand in hand with building relationship is understanding relationships. Let’s get real. We are selfish creatures and only interested in ourselves, me, me, me, and what someone can do for us. The first rule in any relationship is learning it’s not about you. To have a successful relationship, it’s each person’s responsibility is to make it all about the other person. This makes the world go around and everyone’s happy. Treat them how you would want to be treated and because you’re human you want it to be about you … which is simultaneously what they want. What can you offer your networking partners, who can you mentor, show your customers how your product or service makes a difference in their life, and show your appreciate for them by offering incentive, discounts, and rewards programs.
9. Stay In Touch
Follow up and keep in contact with your tribe. Your tribe is anyone whose business you impact and in turn impacts your business. These are the people you are building relationships with so have relationships with them. Staying in touch shows them you care. Meet one-on-one to exchange ideas outside of networking events, go buy your mentor lunch and ask them how they are doing, send your customers and clients notes of congratulations and encouragement for special occasions. Treat the people who grow your business like they are more than business. Just because it’s genuine, doesn’t mean it’s not strategic. Every time you make contact, they are reminded of who you are and what you can offer them which also includes your product/service.
10. Don't Reinvent the Wheel
It’s more than likely someone has walked where you are currently walking. Don’t feel like you have to take your valuable time to create resources or invent a new system. Learn from the mistakes and successes of industry leaders. Pour into yourself by reading, learning, and training. Listen to your mentor. If you don’t have one, find one. Embrace the role of apprentice. No matter how much you know, someone knows more about something than you.