If you've started a business, or are contemplating starting one, I'm absolutely sure that you anticipate a good amount of success in exchange for all your hard work and sacrifice. The truth is: no one starts anything expecting to fail, and yet we see many businesses crumble all the time. Success and recognition are even harder to attain in our increasingly competitive world. Ask RadioShack.That's why it's important, even crucial to come up with an effective strategy that will lead to business growth, garner generous profits and establish your brand as a force to reckon with. If you're wondering where and how to begin, here are a few simple steps.
1. Define your brand
The first step to success in the business world is to have a clearly defined identity. If you're not sure what this is all about, answering the following questions will give you a good idea of what your identity is.
- Who are you?
- What's your story - your background, vision, mission?
- What's your niche market ?
- What do you have to offer which your competitors don't?
2. Maintain your brand integrity
Deliver what you promise - not once, not twice, not occasionally, but all the time. If you want to win loyal customers and avoid law suits, make it your prerogative to always provide quality products and services. Don't lower your standards or deliver mediocre products when you make the big time, which is a lethal mistake a lot of businesses make. Consistency will win you more support in the long run than an expensive marketing campaign.
3. Find and solve a problem
A lot of people out there are perfectly capable of identifying problems, but what makes the difference between the average Joe and an outstanding business owner is the ability to provide functional solutions to those problems. Your starting point in establishing a business should be to do your homework and find out the problems that affect your field, your competitors and your society in general. Once you identify an issue, work to provide a unique, effective and attention-worthy solution that will set you head and shoulders above the rest.
4. Set daily goals
Do something each and every day, even if it's only one thing, that will get you one step closer to your dream. In Will Smith's words, "If you want something, go get it. Period." Let go of the excuses, get rid of the procrastination and get started on your dream, TODAY. Every extra penny or dollar you have must go towards building your business and not buying another pair of designer shoes. Always keep in mind that success is not an event but a process. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, but you have to keep moving, every day. Make use of whatever skill, talent or resource you have right now. Don't wait until you're 'perfect' or you'll be waiting forever. It's better to do something imperfectly now than to do nothing flawlessly.
5. Network your way to the top
Get rid of the mentality that, " I need to keep all my ideas and resources to myself so that I get all the credit when my business sky-rockets to the top." People who insist on functioning in a vacuum never go very far. Surround yourself with business champions, and don't just take, take, take, take. Give back too, as much as you can. Invest in other people's dreams, offer your assistance and help them get ahead.As the popular adage goes, "Blowing out another's candle will not make yours shine any brighter." Some of the world's most successful people are where they are today because they have mastered the art of working with others.
In closing, always remember, "In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can."