LESSONS

Where are your customers?  If you can answer that question then that is where you should be. Take a look at your personal and business life; do you spend your time where your customers are? Where do you eat, what organizations do you belong to? Part of growing a successful business is your presence where your target market is.

You can’t be everything to everyone.  If you focus on your “main thing” and all your marketing efforts both online and off line are directed to that focus, your customers will find you. If you have more than one product or service and you market everything, then you are diluting your marketing efforts. Once you are in front of a customer, then you can share the other benefits you bring.

Always strive to survive.  Growing a successful small business starts with the ability to survive, to outlast the competition. That requires watching your overhead both at home and in your business. Perhaps you drive an older car, or you don’t own the biggest TV. During the growth stages of a small business, a sacrifice is required. Until you have created your own “cash cow” watch every penny; your competition probably will not.

Be human.  Don’t pretend to be something you are not. As you go through the required growth stages of a small business, be honest. You are a small business owner, working hard and watching every penny. Honesty is always appreciated.

Pay attention. Be aware of everything that is happening in your business. Don’t postpone taking an action that you consider unpleasant.   Always respond in a prompt manner to calls, e-mails and other customer requests.

These very short and simple lessons, if followed, will go a long way in helping you reach your vision.