Dr. Wayne Dyer gives a very interesting quote that,
“The Wright brothers didn’t contemplate the staying on the ground of things. Alexander Graham Bell didn’t contemplate the non-communication of things. Thomas Edison didn’t contemplate the darkness of things. In order to float an idea into your reality, you must be willing to do a somersault into the inconceivable and land on your feet, contemplating what you want instead of what you don’t have.”
There is something very unique about all the people who have made history and even those who have succeeded in their businesses. They focused on what they wanted to achieve despite the challenges and obstacles they faced on a daily basis. For instance, Thomas Edison was quoted saying that he discovered 10,000 ways of how not to make a light bulb. Despite those failed attempts, and other obstacles that came his way, he made progress and ultimately achieved his goal. The same principle applies to businesses today in terms of growth and overcoming obstacles facing businesses. It is important therefore that businesses seek to make progress in their respective operations in simple easy steps.
P – Plan Accordingly.
It is one thing to have a vision, but it is another thing whether you have the courage to pursue your vision. Large organizations mainly perform this by preparing a Strategic Plan- a document that analyzes the present status and the future goals of the organization, and how it aims to accomplish the vision.
In order to plan effectively, put what you want to accomplish in writing; not doing so just makes them as intangible fantasies. Plan each day in such a way that every action you make contributes to the attainment of your vision.
An intense goal orientation is the characteristic of every successful entrepreneur. They have a vision, and they know how to get there. Your ability to set goals and make plans for your accomplishment is the skill required to succeed.
R – Remember it’s All about your Client
It is important to understand something; the business that you run is not about the products or services that you sell. It is not about the prices that you charge for your products. It is not about your competitors and how you should beat them. Your business is all about your clients and customers, period.
In the end, your customers are the people that ultimately decide if your business goes boom or bust. Everything you do in your business must be customer focused, including your plans, your policies, the warranties, hours of operation, and marketing. In addition, you must know everything about your clients and customers.
O – Organize a highly-performing Team
We all know the phrase “No man is an Island”. In other words, one person cannot build a successful enterprise alone. This is an assignment that requires a team that is also committed to the success of the business.
The membership team varies and may include family members, friends, suppliers, partners, employees, sub-contractors, the government, business associations & networks, and the community. It is vital to note that the most important members of your team will be your clients.
G – Grow Your Network Base
Successful entrepreneurs join business associations and clubs, and they network with other skilled businessmen and women to learn their secrets of success and guide them in redefining their own goals and objectives. Today, there are many opportunities for entrepreneurs to network with each other and also with large corporate executives and this has proven to be an effective marketing tool for many successful entrepreneurs.
Maybe you meet a lady in a trade association meeting who can help you secure funding for your business growth, or the gentleman at a conference can provide you with management advice. It is very important to form alliances with people who can help you, and whom you can help in return. To progress in your business, you need to develop good networking skills and always be alert to opportunities to expand your contacts.
R – Remain Positive and Patient
No one said that the road to success is easy. Even despite having good intentions and hard work, sometimes as an entrepreneur you will fail. All successful entrepreneurs have at one time or the other, suffered setbacks and resounding defeats, yet they managed to quickly stand up to make it big in their businesses.
Your commitment and courage to persist in the face of adversity and ability to bounce back after a temporary disappointment will assure your success. It is important to learn to pick yourself up and start all over again. Persistence is the measure of the belief in yourself, nothing can stop you.
E – Expand your Knowledge
To enhance development of your business, attend business seminars, workshops and training courses, even if you have already grasped the subject matter of the occasion. Successful entrepreneurs perform this because they know that education is an ever ongoing process. There are always new techniques of doing things better, in less time, with less effort and consequently achieve a lot more.
In short, top entrepreneurs never stop investing in the most powerful, effective and best business and marketing tool at their immediate disposal--themselves.
S – Stay Organized
The concept to staying organized is not about which type of files you have or whether you keep a stacks of papers on your desk, but it's about managing your enterprise.
Staying Organized is about having systems in place to do things in a well articulated manner.
As an entrepreneur, you can develop systems and routines for just about every single business activity. Small things as creating a to-do list at the end of each business day, or for the week, will help keep you on top of important tasks to tackle.
Creating a single calendar to work from, not multiple sets for individual tasks or jobs, will also ensure that jobs are completed on schedule and appointments kept. Incorporating family and personal activities into your work calendar is also critical so that you work and plan from a single calendar.
S – Stay on Top of your Game:
Having a competitive advantage is a important aspect to consider while seeking to progress in your business as an entrepreneur. In order to achieve this aspect, your business must have a clearly defined unique selling proposition. This is nothing more than a unique way of asking the vital question, "Why will people choose to do business with you or purchase your product or service instead of doing business with a competitor and buying his product or service?"
In other words, what one aspect(s) is going to separate your business from your competition? Is it better service, better selection, hours of operation, flexible payment options, lowest price, personalized service, good customer service, better return and exchange policies or a combination of several of these?
Conclusion
The above elements may not be achievable all at one although it is important to embrace a progressive change in their daily business operations.
By:
Timothy Ngige,
Email: charlotim@gmail.com
