Starting a new year is always about new beginnings and starting fresh, but it\u2019s been a few weeks now, so are you sticking to those resolutions? Because if you\u2019re not planning ahead, building a business on strategy and just reacting to the changes your business faces, then you are gambling with your business. Don\u2019t sit back and HOPE that things will change or tell yourself that THIS TOO SHALL PASS \u2013 create a plan for making improvements!<\/p>\n
Instead of gambling with your business, try this G.A.M.B.L.E.<\/strong> to build a stronger company:<\/p>\n Growth:\u00a0<\/strong>Your business can only grow when you, the business owner, grow. Are you focused on personal professional growth? To face reality about where you spend your time and money, check your bank account and your calendar. Did you make personal growth and development a priority in 2014? Did you work with a coach? Buy coaching books? Take a class? Great wealth and fulfillment await you, but you have to leave your comfort zone to grow. Challenge yourself to identify ways you\u2019re going to grow for the next 90 days and for all of 2015.<\/p>\n Accountability:\u00a0<\/strong>Are you spending your time making money? Or just excuses? You can\u2019t spend precious time blaming the economy, the competitors, the customers or anyone else. Your business can only soar if you take 100 percent responsibility and ownership of your results. You cannot be the victim of your business because that means you\u2019re giving away the power to change and improve. If you\u2019re not holding yourself accountable, consider hiring a coach or building an accountability partnership with someone in your life like your CPA, banker, attorney, business partner, etc.<\/p>\n Marketing:\u00a0<\/strong>It doesn\u2019t matter what product or service you\u2019re selling \u2013 every business owner is in the business of marketing. If marketing is not one of your top three priorities, then you won\u2019t be in business for long. Go back to your calendar and your checkbook to find out if you\u2019re truly making marketing a priority. Spend time in the next 90 days thinking about how to generate and close more qualified leads and how you can be more of a go-giver in your community. Decide to become more than a technical expert so you can be successful.<\/p>\n Beliefs:\u00a0<\/strong>Take a strong look at all aspects of your business and your belief system and ask yourself, \u201cwhat\u2019s holding me back?\u201d It\u2019s your fears, uncertainties and doubts. Don\u2019t let your limiting beliefs build a ceiling over your business. If you could do one thing to improve your business today, what would it be? What\u2019s holding you back? Just because something is scary doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not the best option. You have to step outside your comfort zone to build a great business.<\/p>\n