I’m a forever student who loves to learn.
Over the past 5+ years, I’ve learned so much about business I could write a book about it (oh wait… I did).
Truthfully, I believe that anyone can start a business.
But I don’t believe that most people can run a profitable one.
It took me multiple companies and multiple years (over 15 at this point) until I finally learned how to successfully run a company that is profitable (meaning it leaves money in my pocket at the end of the day).
Here’s what I’ve learned:
1️⃣ Relationships are key.
If you don’t have strong relationships, your business will fail. Guaranteed.
Businesses are built off the backs of strong relationships.
Relationships with your audience are key.
Relationships with your team / employees / contractors are key.
Relationships with your clients & customers are key.
Relationships with your network are key.
Cultivate strong, positive relationships with these people and you’ll find that your business runs better, makes more money, and gets better results for you and your customers.
2️⃣ Pay yourself first.
You are the most important asset in your business.
If you’re not taken care of, the whole business falls apart.
This is why it’s critical that you pay yourself before you pay anyone else.
I recommend paying yourself every week, or on certain days of the month. Even if it’s just a small amount to start - get consistent.
Don’t pay a single bill or expense until you pay yourself.
3️⃣ Consistent, daily value pays off.
Make it a habit to give consistent daily value to your audience every single day of the week (M-F, at minimum).
Shoot a short video.
Jump on a livestream.
Post on social media.
Send an email.
Share some Instagram stories.
Do something EVERY DAY that will bring value to your ideal clients & customers, and then SHARE IT.
4️⃣ What you measure, improves.
Think about the things you’d like to improve in your business:
The type of clients you attract
How much money you make
How many leads you’re getting each day
The amount of passive income you earn
How much time you spend “working”
How many followers you have on social media
What your engagement rate looks like
What your email open or click-thru rate is
Now, start tracking these things at least once a week and make adjustments to your strategy, as needed.
5️⃣ Continue mastering your craft, forever.
Here’s the thing about building a business:
There’s always more to learn and ways to improve.
Things are always changing (especially online), which means you need to constantly be on your toes, and able to adapt to any situation.
Make learning and improving your craft a regular activity.
Spend at least 30 minutes every day, learning about your industry, new strategies, or how to better serve your clients, and I guarantee that your business continues to grow, and get better & better.