10/25/2017
- Make a plan, or at least a written statement of purpose.
Ex. “This business will create webpages and promote them through social media by hiring from a pool of qualified contractors.” Often it helps to create a brochure or advertisement that highlights the best of who you are and what you can do. Change the statement/plan whenever you need to. What does the success of this business look like, exactly? Write it down.
- Make clear agreements with everyone; your partners, contractors, vendors, and customers. Everyone needs to know exactly what to expect. No verbal agreements. If someone says, “I’ll have it by Friday,” send them an email saying, “Thank you for agreeing to have it by Friday.”
People may think that this is because you don’t trust them. Explain to them that it is just so there are no misunderstandings around what you understood they agreed to. This includes written agreements with yourself. Write down what you are going to do today.
- ALWAYS do what you say you’re going to do. No matter how big or small. If you cannot do it, renegotiate it in advance. If you fail to do something, acknowledge it. You will be judged on this by everyone you meet. Be on time. Follow through.
- Put the success of your customers/employers first. You can never be more successful than the people that pay you. If you can’t support yourself while making your customers successful, change your business model.
- Keep good records. Keep it legal. Don’t try to outsmart people. They’re usually smarter than you think anyway. Don’t count on someone not noticing. Grammar and spelling count.
- As far as insurance, realize that insurance companies make a lot more than they spend. They are more likely to make money then you are to make a claim. Insurance is very important, but ask around… how many people are getting sued for facebook slander?
- Find a peer/support group of people, many of whom are better, smarter, and more successful than you. You will be as good as the people you hang out with. Suggestions include BNI, Rotary, Chamber, and more. Especially BNI.
- The more you learn, the more you’ll earn. What business book are you in the middle of and reading daily? What classes are you taking?
You’ll have failures… learn from them. You’ll get cheated, disappointed, you’ll make bad choices. There are 10,000 mistakes you can make and still be successful. You’ll do well!