I’ve been reflecting on the key things that helped me reach my business goals and what helped me the most this year and I think it comes down to 5 things (that you can build into your business too!).
1) Networking
I have never been particularly comfortable with networking. I’m introverted/shy and kind of awkward when it comes to putting myself out there so I often stay in my comfortable communities talking to the same people over and over again.
However, when I commit to networking more, it almost always directly translates into opportunities and new clients.
This year I committed to saying yes to networking opportunities that I saw come up and engaging within the group programs that I was a part of. Not only did that translate into growing my network, but I also ended up on several podcasts, and had people sign up for some of my offerings.
Are you taking advantage of opportunities to grow your network?
2) Accountability
Without accountability, I tend to put things off – especially if they’re new and have no real deadline. Based on my 6 years working as a business coach, I know that to be true for most business owners so if you find yourself doing the same, you aren’t alone.
Real accountability is key for me. Putting things in the calendar (and letting other people know about them), asking my assistant to remind me of things, signing up for coaching and programs that push me to get things done, even if it's only because I invested in something and I want to make sure it’s worth it.
I also host at least 2 accountability sessions a month (sometimes up to 4) as part of my Biz Accelerator program and these not only help members get their stuff done, I get MY stuff done at the same time. Actively committing to doing something within a certain time frame with an audience to witness whether or not I follow-through is kind of magical.
3) Coaching
I believe coaches need coaches, and other than a short time during the pandemic, I have consistently been in a program with a coach for the last 7 years. Working with a coach means that I have someone in my corner to call me out on my bullshit, to help me work through the muddle that shows up in my brain, and again, helps me stay accountable to taking action on my goals.
I truly believe there are some things that we simply can’t solve within our own heads no matter how much we know, and having people that we feel safe and comfortable with, sharing our vulnerabilities to, and asking for help from can make all the difference in the world. I love that I get to be that person for others, but also that I know I can’t be that person for myself.
4) Confidence
Confidence in yourself is probably the most important of all of the things that you need as a business owner to find success.
Confidence that you’re creating value.
Confidence that people want a solution to the problem you solve.
Confidence that you have the ability to run a business.
Confidence that you have the ability to make sales.
Confidence that people want to buy what you have to sell.
Regularly spending time reflecting on my worth and reminding myself that I DO have confidence in all of those things means that I can ask for sales without sounding nervous or like I feel bad about the price of what I’m selling. I have the confidence to tell people what I believe they will get out of working with me. I have the confidence to allow myself to create a successful business without it having to hurt.
And the more confidence I have in myself, the more that confidence is contagious.
What practices do you put into place to reinforce your belief in yourself?
5) A clear idea of what I was selling
No matter how confident you are, if you aren’t clear on how you’re going to reach your financial goals when taking into account your capacity and time and the price of what you sell, you can end up in a situation where the numbers simply don’t add up.
Ask yourself what goals you’re looking to reach and what you will sell to get there. If the numbers don’t line up, it might be time to make some changes in your offerings, your pricing, or your target audience.
Can you build all of these into your business for 2022?
Keeping these in mind, spend time thinking about what actions you can take moving into 2022.