Small business success cycle

Probably one of the most rewarding things a small business owner can do for himself is to set himself up for success as soon as possible. And one of the most effective ways to do that is to create a cycle of success that delivers positive, repetitive results, but also allows you to reach new heights.

When you are creating a cycle of success, you want to keep a few things in mind. One is to make sure that it keeps you focused on the tasks and the end result. Another is that it should allow you creative freedom but still make you accountable. And finally, it needs to be a repeatable sequence that allows you to change direction at any time, as well as continue to reach new levels of success over and over again.

So, for the small business owners I help, here are six steps I will teach you to create an excellent success cycle for repeatable, positive results:

1. Know what you want

Most business owners know what they want: they don’t want to fail, they don’t want annoying customers, they don’t want unproductive employees. But that doesn’t help you achieve your most important goals. So, be crystal clear on your goals and paint a vivid picture of what your final results should look like. Revenue? How much ,000 100,000? 1 million? What about your workforce / staff? Do you want 5? 25? 1200? How many The more detailed and clear you are in the end results you are trying to achieve, the easier it will be to implement the rest of the cycle.

Keep in mind that if the target is tied to a number, it is much easier to measure, track and achieve. Here is a list of possible areas for setting clear and specific goals: (Remember, be as detailed as possible!)

• Revenue generation

• Employee engagement

• Expanding its workforce

• Customer creation

• Expanding your online presence

• Efficiency of sales funnel

• Quality of customer service

• New product creation

Related: 5 Secrets to Success in Business

2. Make a plan

It is always good to know what you want to achieve, because it provides direction. But, setting goals alone is not enough. You need to know “how”. You need to know what to do each day and week to achieve the goal. So, what are your plans? Does it include daily, weekly and monthly work items? Looking at your business and industry. What are the smart work items you need to take? What can you do to get closer to your goal?

Here are some action object examples to get your creative juices flowing:

• Time-blocking your calendar

• Schedule and meet with each team member

• Picking up the phone and calling 100 past customers

• Sending 500 personal emails

• Sending 100 personal letters or cards

• Participating in each Chamber of Commerce program for one year

• Remember: By failing to plan, you are planning to fail.

3. Hire a teacher to help

This is the biggest difference between business owners. And the main reason they have no one to help them is that they never want to ask for help. In our society, it’s always good when you “do it all yourself.” Like the old Frank Sinatra song, “I did it my way!” It is as if asking for help somehow diminishes the effect of the result, but it is a lie told by fear and arrogance. Listen to this!

Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Mohammed Ali – they were all coaches, and they were all world champions. Every real champion has a trainer, so if you don’t, well, just enjoy the struggle.

But, if you want to get a trainer, where do you look? Who is the best coach? How do I ask someone to become a trainer? Great questions. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• The most successful business owner in your industry than you

• A business owner in a different industry who is more successful than you

• An experienced business coach

• Accountant or lawyer (can help coaches in their area of ​​expertise)

• See chambers of commerce, B&I groups, etc.

Related: 4 Reasons Why Every Entrepreneur Should Have A Business Coach

4. Take continuous action

Usually this step is not very difficult. Most small business owners are doers, and they can get goods. The difference here is that you will now know what you are doing each day, as you planned the action in step 2. Each day, you’ll just see a list of action steps and then, well, do it.

But here’s the thing: You have to stick to it for a long time. Doing something once or twice is not enough to produce lasting results, at least when you are looking for a high level of success in the business world. Think of the boxers I just mentioned; None of them became champions overnight. They all had to train for years, had tough fights to challenge them, and still struggled to succeed. That’s the decent thing to do, and it should end there.

Just remember: the secret to success at this stage is to focus on the word “continuous”. Anyone can take action, but not every business owner can stay afloat for long distances.

5. Review your progress

Sounds simple, but many business owners almost refuse to look at the results they get. Usually, this is because the results are not good. However, that doesn’t matter. What matters is that as a business owner, you know where you stand. When you know that, even if you don’t like the results, it allows you to better manage your work plan. Every business improves the curriculum now and then, so honestly, it’s not a big deal. In fact, if you want to stay ahead of your competition, this is to be expected in today’s ever-changing environment.

So, look at your results, and start asking questions. Once you start asking questions, like the questions below, you will discover that the answers (new goals) will be faster and easier as you perform this step!

Here are some questions to ask when conducting your review:

• Where are you now and where do you want to be?

• How far are you from where you want to be?

• What can be done to reduce the gap?

• What additional staff do you need?

• What additional funds do you need?

• Who can help?

• What new products or services need to be created?

• Need new advertising and / or marketing?

Related: The best way to track your company’s performance

6. Renew your goals

Before you think it’s an easy step, think again. To continue to climb the ladder of success for your business, you need to be as detailed here as in the first step. Be clear. Be brief. Be as detailed as possible.

This step is also important to work out this cycle of success, as it helps you avoid relaxing on your past achievements. Too many small business owners will make some achievements, get some results, and then take a break for a year or two. Don’t let this happen to you.

So, be serious about the fifth step, review your progress, because if you do it right, you will find your new goals.

Here are some ideas to help make it easier and more fun:

• Make the goal exciting.

• Make the goal a catalyst.

• Make the goal meaningful.

• Make the goal effective on an individual level.

• Make the goal challenging.

• Take the goal out of your comfort zone.

• Aim for number tracking for better tracking.

• Set goals on time.

Pro tip: There is only one cycle, something that the cycle continues over and over again. It’s not designed to be a one-time thing, but a business-lifestyle thing. So, be very clear about what you want, be clear about what action steps need to be taken, and make many choices to help you. But above all, be as firm as possible when it comes to taking action and getting the results you are looking for.

Oh, another thing: have fun.