FIRST BUILD THE FOUNDATION

There are many different approaches in the world of small business. Today I want to look at the two extremes. Both of these business types have been in my office in the last three months.

The first is the small business owner who wants to conquer his target market, not just in his local area, but in the entire world. His vision was to not only be the biggest and best in his area of expertise, but to accomplish this dream with a six month period. The vision had possibilities but the implementation of that vision with a foundation that existed only in his mind, never got off the ground.

Without a realistic budget projection and the funds to make it happen, a business cannot survive, much less become a reality. The same premise exists for the human resources needed to administer and grow the business. The internet has given the small business owner a platform upon which to tell a story and to excite a target market as to its potential. But if the product cannot be delivered as promised, the enthusiasm goes away as does the belief in the person promoting it. The “proof of concept” first has to be accomplished in a controlled environment, a system designed, profitability achieved and the funds and planning needed to expand.

The second is a small business that I believe exemplifies the other extreme. A two year old business, that is generating the same bottom line profit as it did after three months of business. The profit allows the business owner to “survive” and the majority of her efforts are directed towards maintaining status quo. Her main apprehension is a fear of failure if anything is changed.

No growth in a business is a sure sign of “the beginning of the end”. Waiting for something to happen without taking any action is a business disease that affects a lot of small business owners. The solution for this situation is to step out of the false comfort zone and commit to taking a daily action that will lead to additional business.

Complacency is always lurking around small businesses with the intent of destroying the possibility of success. Force yourself to use the Accountability Tracker and become accountable to your daily actions.