3 Tips for Business Success

This week I’m being interviewed by the Australian Business Women’s Network – MentorNet program on the benefits of being mentored and how mentoring has helped create a successful business.  I have the privilege of being mentored by Carol Cooke from CIC Secure who is the Director of Sales and Marketing in her own business.  Carol has been mentoring me since late 2008 and I can’t speak highly enough of the experience.  MentorNet asked me to provide three actionable steps to share with other business owners on how to create results in small business. After reflecting with my team, here they are:-

1. Create a great team
a. Recognise gaps in your skills set; 
b. Identify professionals and experts to fill the gaps – make sure they are reliable, trustworthy come recommended;
c. Trusted if they are working remotely;
d. Communicate regularly and develop an ongoing relationship to create ongoing value for your business (& theirs).

2. Embrace excellence
a. Professional branding is important; 
b. The smallest of businesses can easily excell through consistency;
c. Reward Your business – awards and industry recognition are simple ways to get noticed for excellence;
d. Set a high standard – even as a sole operator you need standards – things like professional user manuals, screen designs, marketing material and never leave home without the uniform and business cards;
e. It’s easy to embrace excellence when you are passionate about what you offer.

3. Value relationships
a. Network your butt off – look for people with whom you can develop win / win relationships;
b. Enthusiastically refer people without expecting anything in return;
c. Be systematic – think about your networking and implement and evaluate regularly. Don’t keep doing things that aren’t worthwhile;
d. Find good people that believe in your product and will talk about you like it’s their own.

It has been great to reflect on the ideals that have contributed to my business. What other success tips do you have from your business experience? Would love to hear about them from you.

Here’s to volunteer treasurers..

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