Being an entrepreneur is not an easy task, especially if you're a solopreneur. There will be times when you feel discouraged, overwhelmed, and lonely. In this article, I list ten ways how you can level up in your business as an entrepreneur so that you can reap the benefits of your hard work.
1. Hire Your Weakness.
In corporate America, workers are often taught to focus on strengthening their weaknesses, but, as an entrepreneur, it can limit the growth process of your business if you focus on them for too long. Entrepreneurs are usually known to be the Jack/Jill of all trades when it comes to building their brands. As time goes by and business starts to grow, business owners are more likely to aim at working less IN their businesses and would like to work more ON their businesses. So yes, there are a lot of DIY techniques and tools that can be learned, but at some point in time, hiring someone to do the things that you are not an expert in, will allow you to focus on gaining that new partnership, sponsorship, client, or whatever else you aim to achieve.
(Need assistance? Try www.Barefootstudent.com and hire college interns or grads).
2. Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone.
In the words of Joyce Meyer, “In order to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.” Whether you are trying to change your finances, improve your health or change career paths, you must operate differently to achieve better results. If you are used to doing the same routine you will get the same results. There are a number of reasons why people are afraid to step outside of their comfort zone:
People tend to be afraid of change whether it’s good or bad.
People are afraid to become an outcast to their family, friends, and community.
Change requires work, and most people are not willing to work hard.
The opposite of fear is courage. Yes, it’s easier said than done, but here’s a list of reasons why people actually take the chance to step outside of their comfort zone:
They are sick and tired of being sick and tired.
They are looking to better their financial and/or health situation.
Receiving wealth, abundance and freedom is appealing to them.
To achieve a different lifestyle you must become someone you are not. The new you will develop a fresh mindset that will improve your personal and professional lifestyle.
3. Tell a Story.
Sharing your story humanizes your brand. As a small business owner or personal brand, marketing your products and services with an "announce and sell" approach is not enough. When starting out as a new business owner, it can be difficult as consumers are skeptical about giving money to new businesses. Sell your products and services with a story. Make your potential clients feel and want what you have to offer. They should find a solution to their problems in your brand message. Remember, people buy from people.
Created by Lee Whetstone, Club Purpose is designed for entrepreneurs and start-ups to help them elevate their business through digital downloadable products and services.
4. Collaborate.
Partner with brands and businesses that has a similar or the same target audience as you. The goal of the collaboration is to attract more visibility to your business, bring in revenue, and of course, have a chance to build great relationships with businesses that are great resources to have for your purpose. Rapper A-Boogie Wit Da Hoodie posted a list of artists on his Instagram page that he wanted to work with in 2018. He wrote, "I am always looking to better myself and for 2018 I want to get better at reaching out to my fellow Artists in order to give the fans great music..." He was very specific and listed at least 15 artists which included talents such as Jay-Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, Demi Lovato, & Bruno Mars just to name a few. He definitely knows the power of collaboration! So get together with other businesses and form an event together, workshop, or in A-Boogie's case, music.
5. Show Up.
People will have no idea that your company exists if you do not show up and market yourself. Market on social media, your website, magazines, Facebook Ads, etc. Show up on different platforms in order to get noticed. Networking is also key. Start showing up at virtual events. Network with the mindset of a servant. How can your business bring value to them? Can your product or service help their business grow? Showing up also means not missing out on that webinar that you signed up for. Stay committed and consistent with yourself and your business. If you've made a personal note to take some time to sit and work on your business for a couple of hours on a particular day, show up and do it even if you are tired!
6. Batch Your Work.
Choose one day out of the week to plan content for your blog, podcast, live stream videos, marketing material, or whatever it is that you feel should be dispersed out to your audience throughout the week. This can save you so much time as we know time is money. Most successful entrepreneurs, plan ahead and barely do certain things in real-time. One of the tools we like to use when posting content on Instagram is Planoly. You can schedule Instagram posts ahead of time with the awesome app.
7. Educate Yourself.
Dedicate yourself to becoming a lifelong learner. If you are lacking a skill, learn how to do it. Attend trainings, webinars, and seminars, read books, or take a course. Remember, you might be one skill away from becoming a millionaire! Do not let anything that is learnable prevent you from accomplishing your goals and earning money.
8. Hire a Business Coach
There comes a point in time when you'll need guidance from a business coach. Coaches will help you get unstuck, help you with your goals, and will help you reach the next level for your business.
9. Develop Systems
Systems are what make businesses grow, flow, and sell. Having the right systems in your business will increase sales, brand longevity, and place you ahead of your competitors.
10. Quality Over Quantity
Providing quality products and services increases the chance of customers returning to your business and can have a positive word of mouth effect.
Article by: Lee Whetstone - Purpose & Brand Coach, Magazine Owner, Mompreneur