The Be-Attitudes of Bizness

"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail"

When it comes to business, some things will come more naturally than others.  Some things will present themselves as "just another day at the office" and others will make you feel like "I quit!"  Either way, similar to life, business goes through cycles, has its ups and downs and its pros and cons.  And unfortunately, more times than not, there is not much that can be done about it except to try your best to hold on tight and enjoy the ride.

"The Be-Attitudes of Bizness" are a few pointers that I came up with to help myself and others cope with running their own business during the high and low points.  They are also for the ambitious employees and risk-takers that dream bigger than their reality.  Really, the Be-Attitudes are for everybody; at any age, at any walk of life, for any season of their life.

• Be Realistic - This point is mainly for the dreamers, like myself.  By no means does this point say not to dream.  But rather, continue to dream with the understanding that it will take some time for the world to catch up to your vision.  In other words, even though you see it clear as day, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will come to pass tomorrow.  Dreams take time and careful planning.  Which leads me to my next point...
• Be Encouraged - Whether your dream, your business plan and/or proposal is rejected, accepted or disregarded doesn't give you the right to give up.  Understand that others don't have to believe in your dreams for them to come to pass.  Be encouraged and don't give up.  Your 'yes' could be right around the corner.  Which brings me to my next point...
• Be Prepared - In business, you never know when an opportunity could arise.  Being prepared is key when you are striving towards your goal.  It is not enough to just think about where you want to be in five years, you have to plan towards it.  Do you have a business plan that outlines your dream in laymen's terms? Do you have your resume prepared? Business cards? A website?  A complete portfolio of your ideas/products/services?  When opportunity knocks, will you be prepared?  Which brings me to my next point...
• Be Productive - Although down time seems like the worst time, embrace your down time and make it your best time.  When business is slow or you're not getting the response you desired from promotions and advertising, start working on your next game plan.  Start thinking about your next business move.  Don't abandon your last idea, just don't dwell on it and let it do what it's doing until it's time to focus on it again.  And in the meantime, keep working.  Don't let you mind digress to what's not working.  Keep it moving towards things that will work.  Which brings me to my next point...
• Be Proactive - Don't get stuck on a business deal that you lost or that you missed.  If it was out there and you missed it, it was for a reason.  Moreover, there isn't only one opportunity in the world of business.  There are many.  Some that come to you.  Some that you find.  Some that you chase.  Some that you create.  Either way, don't sit back and 'cry over spilled milk'.  Which brings me to my next point...
• Be Positive - Whether you are in business by yourself or whether you work with others, attitude reflects leadership.  Meaning, if you get discouraged, accept defeat and give up, your business will suffer and/or those around you will suffer.  As humans, it is natural to be sad or upset when things don't go our way, but that doesn't mean we have to stay that way.  Shake it off, let it go and move on.   Your ability to bounce back will reflect in the integrity of your business as well as the solidarity and confidence of your coworkers.  

And last but not least...

• Be Giving - Some believe in karma, others believe in the 'reap what you sow' theory and others just say 'what goes around, comes around.'  No matter how you spin it, it all comes down to this: it's in you to give.  I know that's the Canadian Blood Services motto but love, kindness, charity and all that other good stuff IS in you to give.  And I truly believe that when you take it upon yourself to genuinely give your time, energy, money and/or products/services, without expecting a return, it will come back to you in one way or another.  

Be Blessed and remember to always be a blessing to others!

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Cents Make Dollars

I have learned SO much about running a business since I decided to become my own boss.  More importantly, I came to the realization that running a business can be simple AND PROFITABLE if you take a few key concepts into consideration.  Such as:

• Whether you are a CEO or a parent, you run a 'business' every day - Don't underestimate your talents and skills.  Take a look around you and make a mental note of what works for you and what doesn't work for you in every day life.  For example, are you an organized person?  If so, capitalize on that skill when creating a business plan, working on a project or providing services to a client.  If not, don't stress it.  You can either choose to learn to be organize by buying organizational tools (such as a planner) or take advantage of the apps on your phone.  Or, you can hire/delegate someone to be organized for you.
• Business CREATES Business - This concept is similar to Hollywood's philosophy - All publicity is good publicity.  When applying that concept to business, always think that any type of business can create business for you ie. leads to potential clients, creating rapport with current clients, widening your network etc.  Don't sleep on FREE marketing/promotion opportunities such as word of mouth.
• Give the advantage to get the advantage - Don't hesitate to give the client the advantage once in a while.  Sometimes you have to 'give' money to eventually reap what you sow.  You want your clients to come away saying "The service was great AND the price was great!  I'm going to use them again AND tell my friends."  As oppose to "The service was great BUT they were a bit expensive.  Most of my friends won't be able to afford their service."  The simple AND or BUT can make a difference in terms of potential repeat business, referrals and more profit.
• Budget-conscious people are the majority, not the minority - Sometimes as business owners, I think we forget what it is like to be a client.  When setting pricing and/or negotiating with a client, always revert to YOUR mentality as a client... wouldn't you rather pay for a service that is willing to work with your budget?  Personally, I will readily remember and tell my friends about the service providers that were willing to cater to my budget needs.

And last but definitely not least...

• Disregarding a potential client because they can't afford your services doesn't make cents (and cents makes dollars)- Although high-end spenders/clients will guarantee you a higher return for your services/product, REMEMBER that budget-conscious people are the majority, not the minority.  Therefore, by sacrificing $100 out of your profit for a budget-conscious client you could potentially make ten times that amount by securing repeat business PLUS enticing additional clients, simply because you gave the advantage.

Come on people!  Let's start doing business from our hearts, not just our pockets : )  

Be Blessed!

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need - Matthew 6:33