Starting a small business is no easy feat. It takes the right mindset, a lot of hard work, and a whole lot of dedication. As a small business owner myself, I know just how challenging it can be to get your business off the ground.
In a recent interview, I shared my own entrepreneurial journey and some of the lessons I've learned along the way. You can read my story here on Go Solo.
Today, I want to build upon those lessons and share my top 5 pieces of advice for new small business owners. These tips have helped me grow my own business, and I hope they will help you, too!
5 Essential Tips for Small Business Owners
1) Consistency is Key
Consistency applies to so many areas of running a successful small business. From showing up every day and putting in the work to being consistent with your branding and marketing efforts.
I would rather you show up once a week on social media instead every day for 10 days and then go dark for a month. Pick goals for yourself that are achievable and will keep your business consistent. Consistency builds trust with your audience and helps to develop confidence in your abilities.
2) Community Over Competition
As a small business owner, you become a part of a community of other passionate entrepreneurs. These people understand what you're going through and can offer support, advice, and even referrals.
There are always plenty of clients to go around! Lean into building relationships with others in the small business world. You'll have someone who can relate to your struggles, you will learn new ways to do things, and you never know when you might need (or be able to offer) a referral.
Sometimes your business gets too busy for a season, or life happens. Being able to pass along clients to other small businesses ensures potential clients receive a great service, and it helps build your reputation as a team player.
3) Lean Into Your Unique Talents
No two business owners are alike, which is a good thing! When you start leaning into your unique talents, strengths, and passions, your business will start to stand out.
At the end of the day, great products and services will get people in the door, but it's YOU that will keep them coming back. If you look at the world differently than most, share your view. It's the key to attracting the right clients to your business. Your story matters; lean into it and let people see who you are!
4) Scare Yourself Every Now and Again
I'm a strong believer in challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone on a regular basis. When you do this, it allows you to grow both personally and professionally.
Did you just come across an opportunity that would be a DREAM? Say yes. Does it feel like it might be a little bit of a challenge? Do it anyway. You are capable of a lot more than you give yourself credit for, even if you feel like you aren't ready.
Spoiler alert: you likely will never feel fully ready. Take chances on things that light you
up and make you a little scared. If it's a dream worth chasing, I know you'll figure it out!
5) Narrow Your Focus
So many small business owners have a laundry list of goals and things they want to accomplish. While there's nothing wrong with being ambitious, it can actually work against you. When you try to do too many things, you end up spreading yourself too thin and not being able to give your best to any of them.
Instead of trying to accomplish it all, pick one or two areas to focus on. Once you've tackled a few tasks, you can start working on adding more projects. Slow and steady wins the race, and it's one of the easiest ways to sustainably grow your business over time.
You Can Do It!
Growing a small business is not easy, but it is so worth it to pursue your passions. If you'd like to bounce some of your ideas off a fellow small business owner, don't hesitate to set up a consultation with me. I would love to help you create a plan to reach your goals!
And if you are free tomorrow night RSVP for Bookkeeping and Brews in downtown Vancouver, WA. This event is for current or aspiring small business owners and will equip you with a ton of great information to ensure your bookkeeping systems are set up for success. Be sure to send me a note so I can look for you there!
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