7 Steps toWARDS successful Business OwnerSHIP

The key question is why some businesses fail and others succeed. This is a debatable question and there are many opinions on this subject. However, I believe the core of the problem lies in the inability to develop good business habits from the onset of the transition into business ownership.

Too many people jump into business without fully understanding the level of involvement required to run a successful business. A common mistake, often made, is miscalculating the volume of effort needed and the resilience required to manage the ups and downs of business ownership. The bottom line is that those who are not mentally prepared for the journey of transition will have difficulties with business management and growth.

The 7 Steps Towards Successful Business Ownership:

1.    Develop a business plan from the inception of the business all the way to the exit strategy. The best way to begin the process is to start with a vision which is often the big picture outlook. You can go about this by writing down everything you want to achieve. Consider this exercise the playground of ideas and exploration; a place where you have emptied all your toys to get a clear picture of what's available in order to contemplate your next move.

2.    Take an inventory of your skills and abilities. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. This exercise will be helpful in the future as you come face-to-face with the daily management of the business. Don't try to do it all. Don't haggle with those things you are not strong in. Seek out the experts; it is well worth the investment.

3.    Know your industry thoroughly. Stay informed and be aware of the trends and how they can affect or impact your business. All the while, be ready to make necessary adjustments to your business strategies, such as implementing new approaches to old challenges based on what's taking place in your industry.

4.    Set powerful goals and work towards achieving them because they are the lifeline of your business. Follow the SMART acronym for setting goals. Be sure they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Select goals that reflect the different aspects of your life, such as spiritual, business, family, etc. Les Brown says: "Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner". Without goals we function aimlessly and have purposeless lives. Goals give direction to fulfilling one's purpose.

5.    Integrate your marketing strategy into your business. Remember that the business plan is the guiding tool and is not an ornament for display. Follow the strategy and adjust as needed. Though the foundation will stand, but the implementation may vary. Get to know the pain points of your target market. Understanding their needs and challenges is critical in developing appropriate solutions to solve your clients' problems.

6.    Build up a network of support. In addition to our own self motivation, much is said about external motivation and inspiration when interacting with other like-minded individuals. Take time to be inspired by the success of others and learn from their mistakes.

 7.    Apply technology to streamline the business. Make deliberated efforts to keep up with technology as it relates to your business and apply it to improve business efficiencies and enhance management. Understand how technology can be useful and appropriate in your business. 

There is no doubt business ownership helps to realize dreams. It also requires consistent, intentional, and deliberate actions to deal with industry changes and other economic factors that can adversely affect the business. At times we need additional direction and support to transcend to the next level. Don't overlook the high returns you will achieve when you make the right investment. They can make the difference in running a successful business.