Running two businesses, as well as having four children, has made my life one major balancing act!
But what it has proved is starting and running a successful business is truly possible, even if you have a family, multiple jobs and a range of other commitments. So, here are my top 10 tips on how you too can start and run your own successful business!
Truly love your industry
Running a business is hard work but if you’re passionate about it, it’ll never truly seem like work!
Research!
Know your industry thoroughly, know who the leaders are in the field and know who your competitors are.
Flexibility is key
As a working mum, I was only ever going to succeed if I made sure flexibility was a big part of my business plan. Make sure you have a fulfilling career and a personal life.
Surround yourself with good company
Only befriend those who are supportive. Your business journey will be all the more rewarding if you share it with those that believe in you.
Have a network of experts
You cannot know everything; it’s not possible! So have an established network of experts, that way you’ll have time to thrive at what you do best.
Put your customers first
Always go the extra mile and make sure that you deliver big. Word of mouth is so powerful and when customers like what you do they tell their friends, there’s no better marketing tool.
Embrace technology and social media
Social media gives you the opportunity, as a business owner, to interact with your customers in real-time. There are so many different ways you can embrace technology and social media in your business today, it’s a critical step in transforming the overall experience of each of your customers.
Make a record of all the procedures that are involved in the running of your business
That way, when you expand and take on staff, training them will be a whole lot easier.
Believe in yourself! Have a business coach or mentor
While you may have a vision for your business, it can often be forgotten when you’re busy with the day-to-day operations. So make sure you have an objective business coach who can help keep you on track and make sure you have the best possible chance of kicking your goals!