With business changing so quickly how can you stay ahead of the competition?
No one can deny that our world is changing rapidly, and not only in terms of technology. Consumers don’t spend like they used to. The Internet has changed the way people do their shopping. We are seeing a great deal of innovation in the way manufacturers and retailers offer goods and services in an attempt to keep their business up to date with the changing market environment; otherwise these organizations might easily lose their market share and go bankrupt.
Bearing all this in mind, here are some tips to freshen up your business techniques and achieve success:
1. Start every single day before sunrise.
This will give you enough time to sharpen your mind. Also, it is an advantage over the competition. While you have your daily to-do list underway, working on marketing plans and innovations, for example, your competitors may still be asleep.
2. Continue Learning.
Do not stop reading and studying. No matter what field you work in, there will always appear something new to learn. Examine the decisions and turns others have made, and emulate them in order to improve your own situation.
3. Cross your line.
Challenge is the key. Keep in mind that if something fails to challenge you, it fails to change you. Proceed with something that you are not so sure you can deal with. Even if a new project scares you, take it. Do not worry about the possibility of failure. Give it your best, and expand your boundaries.
4. Be prudent when making financial decisions.
Stay frugal and take account of the costs, even if you have made a fortune and built up an empire. Wise financial decision-making is the basis for the durability of your business. Don’t use credit cards or any loans. Buy things that you really need, with money that you have already earned, and never waste.
5. Be mindful of time management.
Don’t stop working, even while you are at the gym. Instead of listening to music or watching TV, find a balance. If your working out time is in the morning, plan your activities for the day. In it is in the evening, make an assessment of what has been done and what remains outstanding.
6. Upgrade your website.
In the age of communication, the Internet is one of the most affordable and easily accessible places to do business. The competitors online are many, though, so it wouldn’t be wise to expect a simple and poorly maintained website to do much for you. Instead, a site has to be well planned and regularly updated. This will make the resource more effective and help increase your sales.
7. Focus on your usefulness,not only in sales.
Do not consider your business simply a means to earning money. Think about what your customers are looking for—their needs, problems and goals—and how you can help them. This will increase your chances for a stable, long-term market share.
8. Stay motivated
Keep your desire to work hard and efficiently even on the worst of days. Never give in to desperation because this is the only way to lose what you already have. When a day goes completely wrong, think about the many things you did right. Clear your mind, redirect your thoughts and continue performing the job you do best.
9. Stop doing everything by yourself.
There are things that you are greatly skilled in: Concentrate on doing them. Don’t waste your time with tasks that can be outsourced to professionals specialized in another field.
10. Take a deserved rest.
Leave at least two hours every weekend only for yourself. Stay alone, without wife, kids, friends, business partners or important clients. Don’t make any plans for this time. Use it to sleep in, rest in silence, listen to music or read a book for pleasure. If what you do is your passion, that’s great. But working a lot without any time for entertainment will eventually make you miserable and run you down mentally and physically.
Emma Trevisani has run her own business, CleanToPerfection, for more than 10 years and offers vast experience as a manager.