Surely, the economic condition of the past 2 years has forced many small business owners to either close their doors or take an in-depth look at what adjustments can be made to keep their doors open.

If your business lacks definition, you have a weak niche, you are out of touch with your clients or if you know your business strengths, but are unaware of potential opportunities, you may want to seriously consider re-inventing your business.

Don’t have a set of clear goals or objectives? Start with an assessment and analysis of your current business condition. What do you ultimately want to accomplish or achieve? What do you want your business to be known for?

Recognize and acknowledge that which needs to change. It’s your first step; awareness. Believe in the fact that you CAN change. You have the ability to change; however, change requires ACTION. Belief and action are the basis of the foundation for renewing your mind and your business. Carefully examine what has worked and is working. Begin to look at ways to expand and enhance those things that have worked well for your business.

Feel like you are in autopilot or stuck in paralysis? Get motivated!

Start with some inspiration. Find a reason to get excited about what you do. Get a fresh new perspective. Schedule 3 appointments with 3 people you admire. They don’t necessarily need to be in your industry; you simply need to admire what it is they do. Talk to them about what keeps them going, how they stay refreshed and engaged in their passion. This is different than popping in motivational CD’s. It is personal. You know these people. They bring a realness into the equation. Ask them for their perspective on your business and you, as an individual. It is important to be open to what they have to say. This is not the time to be defensive.  Really listen to what it is they are saying. When we listen, instead of hearing, we have an opportunity to learn. New knowledge can be inspirational. It germinates and grows into other thoughts and ideas. Fresh ideas kill stagnation and give birth to growth.

Planning and development

Try mindmapping your thoughts and ideas. See where you can begin to connect the dots to all that you dream and envision for your business. By downloading your thoughts, you can get a clearer picture of what makes sense and where to start. You can begin to develop a plan of action. Make sure your plan has a good flow and transition.

Narrow your marketing message. Do not try to cover all of your products and services at one time. Your message should be cohesive and consistent. Continuously brand your logo, image and business.

Embrace technology, get connected and stay organized

Increase your online presence and credibility with current and relevant information. Engage your readers with useful information, resources and practical tips.  Thanks to modern technology and innovative tools, micro and small business owners can develop their client market base anywhere in the country; or world! via newsletters, blogs, webinars and social networking platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, FastPitch!, Biznik, and Sta.rtup.biz.

Organize and automate your business processes as much as possible. There are hundreds of platforms that will not only save you time, but energy and money! Here are a few:

  • Evoice Receptionist – Just because you are small business owner, doesn’t mean you have to function like one. Think professional. Think full-featured virtual phone system. Professional greeting, multiple lines, no hardware/software and access anywhere.*
  • Doodle – Need to arrange meetings but have trouble coordinating schedules? Need to take a quick poll? Doodle makes it easy to find a date and time for a group event or conduct a quick survey. How does Doodle work?…You can finish reading the article here: http://amichelleblakeley.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/reinventyourbusiness/

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