Advice for small businesses
To win at work small business owners must be true to their values, just like employees.
Recently I’ve been asked by several would be small business owners how they can choose the right business for themselves. Here’s where I suggest you start – with yourself!
Ask yourself these questions and take the time to reflect and then write down your HONEST answers:
1. What are your primary natural talents?
Your best skills and strengths come from your natural talents. Do you know your Talent Code? The more you can work from your talents the more productive you will be.
2. What do you value?
Your values are your inner motivators and you need to build them into your life every day in order to keep yourself motivated. Check out Twelve Top Reasons to Know Your Values. Have you cracked your Motivation Code yet?
Have you discovered your hidden value?
If you are like the rest of us you will have within you a hidden storehouse of treasure that you can bring to your business. Pick up this free eCourse to help you find your hidden value.
3. What are your existing skills?
Are you great at practical, hands-on tasks like making or fixing stuff? Are you good at working with numbers or information? Are you a tech-savvy person? Do you have great people skills? Are you friendly and helpful on the phone? Can you imagine yourself in a specific role, working from home?
Do you have a big picture of how your products or services meet a need in the marketplace AND a picture of all the small things you need to do to make it happen?
Are you ready and willing to expand your skills?
4. Are you equipped to be self-employed?
What knowledge, skills and mindsets do you have about running a small business? Do you understand the legal, financial and taxation responsibilities? Who would use your services? How will you let the world know your services exist? Online, off-line, both? Would self-employment suit your personality and lifestyle?
Are you willing to learn new knowledge, skills and mindsets to ensure your success? Are you willing to take on a mentor? What criteria will you use to choose a mentor so you don’t get ripped off?
Who will be your mastermind partners and how will you mutually serve each other?
Will you surround yourself with positive, supportive people? Are you willing to read and listen to inspirational messages? Get your FREE Mini Motivators here.
Do you have the skills and strategies you need to manage your time, money and energy effectively and efficiently so you can avoid burnout and overcome overload?
5. How willing are you to serve your clients?
And last, but certainly not least, are you willing and able to serve your customers or clients with a genuine can do and will do attitude? Are you someone your customers can trust to deliver good value?
I do hope this helps to jump start your thinking and wish you all the best in your quest to win at work AND be true to your values.