One of the things I like to do at the end of the year is review what’s happened and the lessons I’ve learned.  This year, I thought I would share some of my business lessons from 2010.
1. Invest to grow
Whilst I am a big supporter of using Free and Low Cost resources where ever possible, there are times that you SHOULD invest in your business to experience growth.
I knew this, but the experience of actually doing so and the results you achieve can absolutely blow the mind.
I invested in Virtual Assistant to help get myself organized, tech support resources to help deliver business and allow me to focus ON my business, not just work in my business and some phenomenal tools to help deliver the business. Traveling to Las Vegas for a conference was a major investment.
The simple process of investing in your business can change your mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance.
2. Focus on ONE thing
When I started this business 3 and a bit years ago, I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I knew it was something to do with helping small businesses get online, but this is such a broad definition that I found myself spread thin and clients were unable to understand what I did.
Once I defined what it was I WANTED to do and verbalised this – things really started changing.
That doesn’t mean that’s all I do now, or is all I’m going to do, but the focus helped me get things rolling.
3. Define my Ideal Client
I’m not talking about my target audience. I’m talking about the client that I most want to deal within my target audience.
Again, I knew that not everyone was my ideal client and I’m not their ideal service provider. However, as with most business owners, the promise of work coming through door sometimes outshines the fact that the relationship may not be the best one for either party…. and the results may not be pretty.
Once I defined my ideal client, I found that not only was I getting work that I wanted, I was working with people that I wanted to work with.
4. Have some fun
One of the main reasons I want my own business is so that I can have some Fun!
It’s o.k to take some time out during the week and catch up with friends.
It’s o.k to enjoy what I do – that’s not a crime!
5. It’s OK to say ‘No’
This is a big one for me. As much as I may want to work with someone and as much as they may want to work with me – if we can’t reach agreement on scope or price then it’s best to say “Thanks, but no thanks” early.
I have referred off a fair amount of business this year – either because I didn’t have the bandwidth to deliver it in the clients timeframes or the work was not a good fit for my business.
For me, learning to say “NO” is a massive step forward and you know what? People actually respect that!
That’s my Big 5 for 2010 – what are you’re top lessons from your business? Care to share them below?
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