No one can launch a successful business simply by reading an article online. Most articles are written from a generalist perspective with no background in your field, without knowing your budget or your resources, and with no knowledge of your skills. Sometimes, it’s better to seek advice from those who have done what you’re doing and know what’s involved. Here are secrets from some of the most successful entrepreneurs:
1. You’re Only As Strong As Your Team
Your team carries your business. Each person brings a share of the pie to the table. If you’re doing everything yourself right now, that’s understandable but getting help should be a priority because burnout is real! Can’t afford a team as yet? That’s fine, too. Hire a freelancer on an as-needed basis which allows you to look at each project’s budget and allocate funds towards some extra hands.
It’s an easy way to get professional help with the ongoing commitment. If the hiring process sounds drawn-out and tedious, employ a virtual office service. Research indicates that these organizations are more determined to please their clients than traditional employees – who tend to get into a rut of safety in the workplace. Plus, you can bring them in as and when your budget allows.
2. Focus On Making Employees Happier And More Capable
Richard Branson is notorious for his views and his inspirational quotes on investing in employees so that they serve your clients better. While many new businesses focus entirely on the client satisfaction aspect, they’re often letting their most lucrative assets fall by the wayside as secondary. Invest in your employees and your clients will be happier. Why? Happier people make happier clients. Team building events, benefits (which needn’t be expensive – think of small considerations, like cake on birthdays), a supportive work environment, and opportunities to upskill are the most effective ways to invest in your staff. After all, an investment must also serve the company.
3. Look Sharper Than You Feel
The fastest way to establish your brand as trustworthy? Look affluent. Look like you’re in demand. This means your premises need to look crisp, neat, and incredibly stylish. It means making client meetings comfortable and happy – add muffins and snacks to the coffee. It means you have to get dressed as though you’re going to have a million-dollar-day every single morning. Get your coffee and rock the day.
Incidentally, when decorating your work premises, green is often helpful as it inspires an unconscious level of trust in people. It comes from our primal wiring to find safety in nature – which is largely green. So, for an extra boost, add indoor plants to your office. The NASA Clean Air Study has also indicated that indoor plants boost productivity.
There’s a lot that goes into building a successful business. There is no proven formula or program to success that will fit every individual or work for any business. It’s a unique journey that convolutes around unique challenges, with each step breaking down into its own sub-steps. In fact, rather than reading a number of steps involved in achieving success, it comes down to two steps which are repeated over and over: address the problem at hand and innovate a solution. After you solve problem after problem and grow after each innovation is implemented, you will gain traction on the journey to success.
