40 Ideas to Build on for Business Success
1. Have a plan - identify your goals, but keep it simple.
2. Know thyself - examine what you enjoy doing and focus your efforts.
3. Know thy customer - understand their needs and expectations.
4. Don’t make the same mistake twice - learn from lessons of the past.
5. Be nimble - respond to new opportunities quickly.
6. Make sure your employees are respectful all of the time – establish professionalism and identify roles.
7. Think differently - be creative and open to new approaches.
8. Deliver outstanding client service - go above and beyond every time.
9. Be different - stand out from the competition.
10. Keep your promises - do what you say you are going to do, and do it on time.
11. Invest in a good web site - the Internet is the new yellow pages.
12. Be curious - ask questions and find solutions.
13. Invest in technology – get organized, then take advantage of it.
14. Make new friends and keep the old - don’t burn bridges.
15. Work with enthusiasm - it’s contagious.
16. Be visible - raise your business profile in the community and on the Internet.
17. Lead with a vision - provide clear objectives and expectations.
18. Always take the high road - the straight way is the only way.
19. Seek peace - be brave enough to talk when lesser people want to fight.
20. Don’t be cocky - never underestimate your competition or opponent.
21. Work smart - you can’t do it all, so delegate.
22. Write it down - keep a comprehensive to-do list or you will forget something.
23. Prepare a sound bite - write and memorize your 30-second elevator speech.
24. Be memorable - have three things to say when you meet people.
25. Share the wisdom - pass your knowledge on to others.
26. Refer business to others - what goes around comes around.
27. Put clients at your fingertips - categorize your contacts in a user-friendly format.
28. Be easy to reach - encourage people to download your V-card from your e-mail or bio.
29. Over plan - you can never be too prepared.
30. Be decisive and flexible - make decisions, but be willing to admit when you are wrong.
31. Know what you don’t know - continually keep learning,
32. Listen carefully - don’t just hear, but understand.
33. Do more than expected - provide added value, just for the joy of it.
34. Go with your gut - always trust your instincts.
35. Walk the talk - demonstrate your passion for your business in everything you do.
36. Be persistent - where there is a will there is a way, so find it.
37. Stay centered - find balance in work, family, and play.
38. Focus on the future - plan for success and be ready for growth.
39. Appreciate your clients - thank people for doing business with you.
40. Stay fresh - never stop thinking like an entrepreneur!