Women in Business: 4 Ways to Position Your Business for Success!

A client recently asked me ‘how would she know when she was finally successful.’ I explained that success means different things to each of us. To achieve success, you must define what it signifies. Success is a journey! As we sail through life, we encounter many obstacles along the way. Imagine yourself sailing the high seas; navigating your ship as it sails through calm waters. At times, it will buck in storms. If you are determined to stay the course, you must periodically adjust your navigational instruments and adjust when problems arise.

As you continue your journey, envision the serene, tranquil and calm blue water with sea gulls flying above, a light house in the far distance and several boats sailing calmly with the waves; here are 4 ways to navigate to your port of dreams!

Think Big
To think big is about planning for the future growth of your company. By aligning your mission, vision and purpose, will help you manage the growth of your business without becoming overwhelmed. In the beginning, you wear many hats… working in and on the business at the same time. As you grow, you begin to hire staff, delegate responsibilities and create systems for efficiency. This type of planning will ensure that your company grows at a comfortable pace.

Create Buzz
Creating products or services that have a BIG IMPACT on those you serve, is a great way to set yourself apart from your competitors. The goal is to get people talking or BUZZING about your business.

Here are 4 easy ways to get people buzzing:

1. Testimonials: Satisfied customers will gladly share their experience about your product or service. Post testimonials on your website, blog or the signature area of your email.
2. Giveaways: create a virtual contest. Ask a question and have customers answer by posting on Facebook or Twitter using your Hash tag.
3. Events: Local organizations such as Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and Women Groups need speakers. Offer to host a FREE seminar.
4. Pay It Forward: Share how your company gives back. Volunteer at a local shelter or mentor a troubled teen. I’ve spent countless hours as a volunteer SCORE counselor and personally mentor aspiring entrepreneurs.

Set Achievable Goals
Planning is the key to success in any business. Most entrepreneurs set goals that are too vague, thus, causing goals not to be completed. This can be avoided by setting specific and attainable goals. Determine what your priorities are and then focus on them. By prioritizing your goals, you are focusing on those that are important to the overall success of your company.

Tiffany Lymon, a personal and professional development organization and CEO of Mind over Money, LLC, say, “I have found that when you get to the root of many people’s goals, what you will find is that they really want the ability to make a different choice. I think that the ability to intentionally choose the life you want to live is what makes people feel free and successful. Some people want to reach their goals to give away all they have; some people want to reach their goals to get more of what they don’t have – either way success for both is measured by their ability to choose the life they want to live – rather than having to live by default.”

By staying focused on your business goals, you will achieve the success that you imagined and more!

Don’t Give up when Faced with Difficult Challenges
Let’s face it, many of us have been faced with challenges due to a down economy as well as other major issues that make us question if business ownership is for us. The most successful entrepreneurs embrace challenges knowing that greater fulfillment, success and growth is obtained when you can adapt to any situation.

In conclusion, Ralph Waldo Emerson couldn’t have said it better. “Success: To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!” Success is achieved on your own terms!