Being a business owner is very similar to driving a vehicle, it takes practice with attention to detail in order to be effective and stay on course. I’m not talking about business as if it were ‘as simple as driving’, but the process of action is critical in order to move forward. Think about this: Taking in surroundings while driving keeps things interesting yet hopefully you still apply the driving technique of using mirrors constantly: right, left and rear view too. Knowing the directions to your location is only a portion of the task in travel because without actively getting on the road and guiding your vehicle you will never move.
Do you utilize experts or staff to guide the effectiveness of your business strategy?
To drive: One must choose the vehicle desired, learn to utilize its technology for the most effective transportation, plan the trip accordingly and then GO.
In business: We find the most effective way to create income through our model of serving others, set business goals to accomplish our purpose and move into action.
Driving: Some people drive very fast yet others are slow and methodical; we learn when to utilize standard driving methods or transition to cruise control.
Business: Each business has its own processes necessary for fulfillment of a product or service to produce income. We either do everything ourselves or hire others to join us to accomplish financial success.
Are you actively tracking analytics to stay on course or are you on cruise control flying by potential business opportunities?
Losing the cruise control function in my car recently brought about an interesting thought process. I was annoyed because driving on the freeway forced me to drive manual again, but then I realized the importance of staying alert. Transitioning from mainly print materials to include digital marketing strategies is similar; I was on cruise control passing by an amazing freeway of connections! Reading articles and learning about social media techniques has opened my business potential and quickly changed my way of thinking. It is a privilege to learn from others who have gone before me, knowing they were business owners just like me who desired to have more success in areas of new technology that were a bit difficult for them as well.
I appeal to you as a Marketing Guide to consider some of these ideas:
Enjoy the journey! You have established a business that provides for your family, serves others who have needs and you get to do it everyday! If you have chosen a field that is declining or struggles to stay on the road, you’re not alone. Many of us have overwhelming concerns of everyday lists and requirements that never stop screaming for our attention. It’s a good idea to take some time out of the office, leave your business setting or go out into nature. We also have the ability to dig deep, change our processes or procedures and ask others to assist in our journey. Call for a brainstorming meeting with your most creative associates; do something different to ‘re-set’ and breathe deeply…think about new things that benefit your future.
Reach out to others in your area of influence! Even if you are a sole proprietor, there are successful people and business owners around you everywhere if you take time to seek them out. Networking doesn’t mean you have to attend meetings, but you can call on other business owners to refer back and forth. Share insights with someone else in your community or business arena. I do recommend visiting networking groups and consider becoming a member because there is an opportunity to meet new people like you. Learn how to talk and ask questions that lead to positive understanding of others in your community.
Stay alert to new ideas! As you continue forward in business, there are opportunities to grow in your expertise. Consider thoughts or ideas on learning a new process so you change the effectiveness of the road you’re traveling! Take a class, invest time in a webinar or read a series of articles that are relevant to your desires. Even if you decide that one of your employees will be a better fit to continue the process you have learned, you have gained knowledge in this area that will enable you to lead better in your industry.
Changing business models was critical for me because ‘Social Media is the new print!’™ It has enabled me to grow personally through new development and offer assistance to my clients from others on our How2Team™ that understand the difficulties and the blessings of being a business owner. Realize there are experts in your community that can partner with you to make your business run smoother and give you the chance to stay on course and NOT pass by opportunities on cruise control!
Suzette Howe is a Marketing Guide and Founder of www.ShowUhow2.com, a unique How2Team™ of professionals who partner with you to design strategic solutions and host ShowUeducation™ classes, offering all aspects of Full Service Marketing.