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Archive for Success

The Long Term Entrepreneur

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Tuesday, May 17th, 2016

entrepreneur

Successful entrepreneurs, who have run businesses for many years, tend to have similar qualities. Mostly of boomer age or even older, these traits have been true of them since they were quite young and though they may not have been as successful at a regular job, on their own, they are powerhouses.

Not afraid to work hard

If you were lazy at school, especially in your younger years or didn’t think you needed a part-time job while in high school, the entrepreneurial lifestyle is not for you. Working from a home office puts you in charge of you and possibly others who you may hire. What it comes down to is a lot of work, which means self-reliance, in all aspects of your life.

Motivated and driven – you have ambition
For many years ambition was a dirty word, but how else can you describe someone who has the ability to get ahead on their own?

Organized
Organized is one of the most important traits of someone who works on their own. If you can’t find your work, how will you complete it?

Strong and emotionally stable

We aren’t speaking of weight lifting and physical strength here; we mean the ability to keep going when the going gets tough. The bottom line – not breaking down in tears or frustration over the many tasks that have to be accomplished, especially when it seems they all have to be finished at one time. Overwhelmed is not in your vocabulary and you look down in disdain at those you use it.

Adaptable: independent and not afraid of change

Anyone starting a new business knows that they will have to change with the times. Fear of the future and what it may bring is not an option if you want to be successful. Looking forward to change or at least finding yourself capable of making sense of it, keeps your business successful.

Not easily swayed by the opinions of others; don’t follow the crowd

Having your own ideas and sticking to them will bring you a long way. Don’t believe what everyone tells you, you want your business to stand out, not copy the others.

Confident in the product or service you are selling or providing

Not being a believer in your own business will show to those you are trying to sell to. Having complete confidence in your work and the way you carry it out shows that you can get the job done. Know your products and services inside out.

Able to follow through on your plans and goals

A quitter will get nowhere when it comes to operating on their own. Going the extra mile time and time again will bring your business to the forefront among competition. Have plans in place and don’t be afraid to change them as time goes by so your business is competitive with others.

Interested in a variety of new ideas and love to learn

Stagnation can put an end to your business or your ability to work from home. Keeping up with technology, to a degree and trying out new ideas will give you an idea of which direction you would like to take your business. Read about the topics that you find interesting, it makes you an intriguing person. All of these things create an interest in your business and even more so, an interest in you!

© Chris Draper, 2016

image courtesy of crayond

 

Categories : Entrepreneurs, Productivity, Small Business, Success
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How Much Productivity is Too Much?

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Wednesday, April 27th, 2016

ProductiveStriking items from our to-do lists every day makes us feel good. To see, at the close of the day, that we have completed every task we set out to do causes a feeling of accomplishment and that we won the fight against the almighty “have to get dones” that are knocking at our door every day.

Are we overdoing it? Is productivity the key to happiness or are we so busy that we aren’t even aware of what makes us happy anymore? Most of us seem to justify what we do with our time by labeling it productive and this includes our leisure time. Achievement seems to be the goal, doing things faster than ever and especially better and faster than those around us, for achievement is a very competitive thing. Our answer when asked how we are always includes “busy”. It makes us feel somehow superior to those who aren’t.

The problem arises when we feel that we have to justify everything we do by calling it productive. Efficient use of your time has its place; in your workplace or business, but outside of that, should we really be keeping tabs of each minute and how we spend it? While we all like to think we are getting somewhere through our efforts, either in business or a hobby, is it necessary to always be producing or is this our manufactured way of making ourselves feel important?

Once you start to feel that you have to make the most out of every minute of your day is when leisure and relaxation disappear and you are on a constant treadmill of keeping up with not only your idea but everyone else’s idea of what you should be doing and when you should be doing it. Losing control of your actions in the workplace is one thing but to never really be in charge of what you do in your private life is another.

Increased productivity rarely leads to happiness or a sense of satisfaction, as there will always be times when we feel we haven’t done enough, and should have done more. Managing our time in an efficient way can be great, especially when we get more done in less time by focusing on what we are doing. But if we are putting aside the things we really want to do, just to accomplish things we’ve been told we should want to accomplish, then we are being productive for the wrong reasons.

The feeling that we have to be productive is actually cutting into our real productivity, that balance between work, leisure, recreation and family that keeps us happy and fuels our energy so we can accomplish the most important things. Our fear of being left behind has led to a productivity crisis, one where everyone is busy doing but not really getting anything done that will have any major impact on their future, will not lead to a quality life and in the end will leave them frustrated and stressed.

Leaving time for “unproductivity” will allow you the chance to have real ideas, learn more about what you would really like to do that is enjoyable and maybe even get those real things done.

© Chris Draper, 2016

Categories : Entrepreneurs, Productivity, Small Business, Success, Work/Life Balance
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How Successful People Succeed

Posted by: admin | Comments Comments Off on How Successful People Succeed
Tuesday, April 5th, 2016

succeedSuccessful people just seem to have that something extra. We look at them, wonder what is it they have that we don’t and they come up in our conversations frequently. What is it that they do differently?

They have the ability to keep their emotions under control and stay calm. The most successful people in all professions, including business owners, rate high in emotional intelligence. Their self worth comes from what they think of themselves. They refuse to react in a negative way when hearing of what other people think of their actions. They are able to filter out the judgements of those who may be envious of their success and rely on their own business sense and push toward accomplishing their goals.

They don’t let frustration take over. Successful people know that not every day will be perfect. They’ve been in business long enough to know that “this too shall pass” and are able to keep going even when it gets tough. They aren’t bothered by the minute details and tiny risks that are part of running their business each day and keeping it on a steady path. Planning is a huge part of their life but they don’t let their to-do list run every minute of their day. Sometimes it’s best to step away from the essentials and take a chance.

They don’t allow themselves be controlled by the uncontrollable. Outside circumstances may not be perfect but successful people know that not only is perfection a facade but it is boring. Allowing your imperfections to show as a business owner but not in your business practices makes you more human and approachable to your customers and they appreciate being able to meet the person behind the business.

They have learned to say no. As difficult as it is, you can’t say yes to everyone and everything. Prioritize your business commitments and say yes to only the most important. Those who are successful know how important relaxation and time away from their business is to their general welfare. It’s what makes them succeed in their business and also enjoy their personal time.

They don’t make excuses and always take responsibility for their actions. Successful people know that you have to be mature and take ownership for the outcome of your business. Making excuses is not an option. Sometimes failing is part of any business venture and opportunities don’t always work out the way we wish they would.

Those who succeed realize that the most important things in life are a combination of work and play, business and family, knowledge and learning. Their lives and their businesses reflect this and they’ve learned that the road to success has to be enjoyed to be worth it.

Chris Draper © Copyright 2016 All rights reserved.

 

Categories : Entrepreneurs, Small Business, Success
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5 Precepts for Entrepreneurs

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Wednesday, March 9th, 2016

5 precepts

Precept: a general rule intended to regulate behaviour or thought.

Your actions will have a corresponding reaction.

For each decision and action that you make as a business owner, especially those that propel your business forward, your competitors will react. Much like a chess game, strategic moves that result in your business jumping to the forefront in your niche, will result in a likewise counter move from those who compete with you.

Expecting perfection is self defeating.

The more you strive for perfection in your business, the less happy you may be with your progress. Have you ever noticed the business owner who refuses to bring out a new product until everything is just right? Their advertising and marketing, messages they would like to post on social media, their website – all of it must look just right, be the right color, have perfect wording, come across a certain way – all in the name of perfection. In the meantime, your competitors have already moved ahead with the same or similar services and products and are now the leaders in your market.

Even when you fail, there is a lesson to be learned.

Without failure, there would be no risks. By taking risks, entrepreneurs innovate and this is how some of our greatest companies have come to exist. With risk, there is also the chance of failure and this is the way you learn what needs to be improved, what should be changed and how not to be complacent. Failure doesn’t necessarily mean that your product has bombed or your services are unneeded. It can mean that your marketing campaign wasn’t quite right or that you are a little ahead of your time. It gives you a chance to stop and think…and improve.

Plans are made to be changed.

No one likes change. Though many say they thrive on it and apparently it is good for us, it still doesn’t go over well, especially with your customers. Marketing change as improvement has long been one way many large companies have managed resistance in their customers. Changing your plans doesn’t mean you slow down or become less productive. It means you have a better idea and want to move forward with it.

Measure success through your own eyes, not through the eyes of others.

If this is your first business, you know how far you’ve come. You know what you have learned since striking out on our own and though you may not know why everything is going well, over time you’ll learn that also! Don’t let others tell you how well you’re doing unless those others are your customers. You’ll know which of your actions have created the most welcome responses from them, as all of your actions will have a corresponding reaction!

Chris Draper © Copyright 2016 All rights reserved.

image courtesy of emaze

 

 

Categories : Business Tools, Entrepreneurial Lifestyle, Marketing, Productivity, Small Business, Success
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Taking Control of Your Business and Life

Posted by: admin | Comments Comments Off on Taking Control of Your Business and Life
Wednesday, February 24th, 2016

which pathTaking Control of Your Business and Life

You’ve built your perfect business, it was challenging and at the onset, chaotic. You are in control of so many things and at the same time, your thoughts about where you are headed from here are constantly in your thoughts. It’s a lot easier when you keep in mind several necessary things that will help you stay focused and on track.

Relax and get busier. While the two may not sound like they belong together, what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. Concentrating fully on one task in particular, completing it and getting it out of your way keeps business worries at bay. At the same time, if you tend to be the type that gets anxious and/or nervous, if demands have you stressed to the point where you can’t concentrate, relaxation is probably the best choice. Give yourself a holiday, even if only for one day.

Don’t pay attention to the opinions of others. Always think about where the opinion came from. Most business owners know when they are doing their best. Listen to others who have experience in your field but don’t feel you have to take into consideration the comments of those who probably have no idea what is in your best interest. Seek knowledge from those who have it and learn to navigate around any pitfalls that could arise from the negative messages of others. You didn’t get where you are by not thinking for yourself.

Keep your originality. Though imitation is a form of flattery, when it’s your business that’s involved, being different and being the best at what you’re doing is more important. Take some time to discover which options are available to you that can make your product or service stand out from the rest. After awhile, most items available at all businesses resemble those that are sold elsewhere. The most famous businesses didn’t become that way by becoming carbon copies of all of the others that were out there. Being afraid to take big steps in your business is normal. If there’s something you’re not sure of or don’t have knowledge of, consider outsourcing certain tasks to a virtual team with experience.

Ignore the small stuff. Business owners tend to worry away at the smallest things that in the long run will have absolutely no effect on their business. If you are one of these, take note of what is it that is bothering you and put it away until later. You aren’t looking for perfection, you are looking at the big picture and what will work best for both you and your customers. In the same vein, if it has already happened, then it’s over. Once again, acknowledge it and if you have made a mistake, ensure that it doesn’t happen again. Sometimes you just have to be able to let things go.

Don’t limit yourself. Most of the time when we think we can’t do something, it isn’t that we can’t do it, it’s more likely that we just can’t believe we could ever climb that high. Putting boundaries on your business will slow your growth and keep you from expanding even more than you already have. Listen to that inner voice that tells you what you really can accomplish.

An important part of managing any business means keeping in mind that knowledge means power. A business owner who is not learning about new technology or business practices becomes stagnant. But more importantly, it means learning about yourself and the way you think. Learning to trust yourself is the most important step you need to take, ahead of all of the others.

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chris Draper © Copyright 2016 All rights reserved.

image courtesy of buttontobeans

Categories : Business Experts, Productivity, Sales, Small Business, Success, Work/Life Balance
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How to Improve Your Client List

Posted by: admin | Comments Comments Off on How to Improve Your Client List
Wednesday, February 17th, 2016

new clients

As beginners, most entrepreneurs take on all the clients they can attract, not thinking about anything other than bringing in immediate income, but once their business is grown, they need to learn that not everyone is the best match for them. They need to spend more time learning how to attract clients that have the same mind set as they do. Matching mind sets result in greater success for both you and your client.

But how exactly do you do this? Start with your website and advertising materials. Everything on both of these should reflect your personality and way of working, your beliefs and how your business does its best work for potential clients. This will avoid attracting less than ideal clients that can cause problems for you and are never happy, regardless of how you work together.

Your ideal clients should be those who are focused on the same outcome as you are and the steps taken to get there. They are seeking great value with a fantastic outcome and realize that is what your business provides. They have a healthy respect for both your time and efforts and are results oriented. Their way of working matches yours, both in ideals and energy output.

You need to know what personality type would work perfectly with you and which qualities you are looking for. Looking at your competition and what they offer is vital to this process as you could be vying with many others for the same type of client and pricing will make a difference at some point, as well as quality.

Look closely at your business and that will help you figure out which clients you would like to work with. If you were them, what would you be looking for? Establish a reputation for that type of business in order to draw more clientele that is compatible with you and the way you work, what you offer and how you offer it.

First point of emphasis is that you are comfortable with those clients you choose. If it doesn’t feel right, then move on and look for others. The longer you are in business, the easier it will be for you to recognize those who will work best with you and that you will be happy working with.

Realizing that not everyone will be a good match for your business and continuing to look for a great fit in a client will help your business grow larger, not only because of results but because of word of mouth. Businesses will be attracted to you because of your success in working the way you do.

Chris Draper © Copyright 2016 All rights reserved.

image courtesy of pkemarcom

 

Categories : Business Experts, Marketing, Sales, Small Business, Success
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Are Your Decisions Having a Positive Impact?

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Wednesday, February 10th, 2016

positive

Small businesses owners know that they need to spend time on crisis planning and risk management. The ability to make decisions wisely will affect the outcome of both of these in a positive way. This means that you are able to deal with unplanned events, from small problems to outright catastrophes.

Preventing problems relies on your being able to recognize a negative decision when you make one. Adding up the pros and cons of decisions you make can help with your perception of where you went wrong, when you decided to do one thing rather than the other. Looking back, once a decision has been made and the outcome was negative, it shows you where you took the wrong path and your reasons for choosing it.

Most negative decisions come from not realizing that underlying problems exist and that certain issues should have been considered. Most of the time, small business owners become excited over an idea and rush into opportunities without fully exploring the downside of their decision. An example of this would be expanding your business into a geographical market that already has what you have to offer and at a competitive or lower price. While this may not necessarily have a negative impact on your business, once the action has been put in place to continue with the decision, you may see that there were other options that would have been better choices.

Any major decisions within your business will be time consuming, so look closely at your objectives and realize you may have to give up something to get what you really want. Always have an alternative plan in place so you have something to fall back on if what you considered a positive decision turns into a negative one. Going back on a decision you made because it isn’t working out is difficult because it gives you a sense of failure, even if you haven’t failed. However, it does give you a lesson in decision making.

How do you ensure that the majority of your decisions are positive instead of negative? Start with information gathering and learn to dig through your information to find what will pertain especially to you and your business. The more experience you have with this, the easier it will be. Some people have a natural born ability to make decisions while others tend to respond emotionally rather than rationally. If that sounds like you, realize that emotional factors come into play because you are so attached to your business personally. Putting things in perspective will mean looking at it from an outsiders point of view.

Dealing with major changes in your business and responding accordingly is a learned ability and as you gain more experience and your business grows, the positive decisions will far outweigh the negative ones.

Chris Draper © Copyright 2016 All rights reserved.

image courtesy of gustavovampre

 

Categories : Productivity, Small Business, Success
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How Did Successful Entrepreneurs Get That Way?

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Tuesday, January 26th, 2016

succeeding

The very successful: they seem to look different and carry themselves in a way the rest of us just can’t quite pull off. We look at them, wondering what is it they have that we don’t and they come up in our conversations frequently. What is it that they do differently?

They have the ability to handle their emotions and stay calm. Self-possessed is probably the best way to describe them. The successful, including those in business, rate high in emotional intelligence. Their self worth comes from what they think of themselves. They don’t allow themselves to react in a negative way to what other people think of their actions. They are able to filter out the judgements of those who may be envious of their success and rely on their own business sense while they push toward accomplishing their goals.

They learned to put frustrations in their place. Successful people know that not every day will be perfect. They’ve been in business long enough to know that “this too shall pass” and are able to keep going even when it gets tough. They aren’t bothered by the minute details and tiny risks that are part of running their business and keeping it on a steady path. Planning is a huge part of their life but they don’t let their goals and things they must do, run every minute of their day. Sometimes it’s best to step away from the essentials and take a chance.

The successful don’t allow themselves be controlled by the uncontrollable. Outside circumstances may not be perfect but successful people know that not only is perfection a facade but it is boring. Allowing your imperfections to show as a business owner but not in your business practices makes you more human and approachable to your customers and they appreciate being able to meet with you on an equal level.

They have learned to say no. As difficult as it is, you can’t say yes to everyone and everything. Prioritize your business and personal commitments and say yes to only the most important. Those who are successful know how important relaxation and time away from their business is to their general welfare. It’s what makes them succeed in their business and at the same time, enjoy their personal time.

They don’t make excuses and they always take responsibility for their actions. Successful people know that you have to be mature and take ownership for the outcome of your business. Making excuses is not an option. Failing can sometimes be part of a business venture and opportunities don’t always work out the way we wish they would.

Those who succeed realize that the most important things in life are a combination of work and play, business and family, knowledge and learning. Their lives and their businesses reflect this and they’ve learned that the road to success has to be enjoyed to be worth it.

Chris Draper © Copyright 2016 All rights reserved.

Categories : Small Business, Success
Comments Comments Off on How Did Successful Entrepreneurs Get That Way?

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  • The Long Term Entrepreneur
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  • How Much Productivity is Too Much?
  • Learn to Say No
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  • How Successful People Succeed
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