The Win Report

Businesses fail for many different reasons. Here’s what you
should be thinking about so that your business is not one that
sinks, but one that swims and stays afloat!

If you’re looking at a new business, make up a business plan,
include your goals and financial projections. YOU need to know
more than anyone where you are headed. Your business plan
doesn’t have to be drawn up by a professional business planner,
you can do it yourself. Write down the hard costs of getting the
business started and maintained, including costs of licenses,
equipment, inventory etc. Don’t forget to include how much
income you will need to be bringing in, or have saved up until
you start to show a profit. Always have a Plan-B in place. Lack
of planning will have your business sinking in no time at all.

Business owners are generally “go-getters”, which means they are
usually hard workers. Staying disciplined, even for the hard
worker can be difficult at times, especially when there is no
boss or supervisor around to crack that whip and make you do
your work. Getting lazy and not being productive with your
business is a surefire way to sink it.

Here’s some tips to keep you on track and keep your business
afloat.

Daily “to do” lists are constant reminders that keep you on
track. They keep you motivated, and it feels good to cross
things off as you get things done. You need to have a sense of
accomplishment, and this helps serve that purpose.

Push your business to new heights every day by doing just a
little bit more than you need to. This will ensure that it will
SWIM.

Break up your day into segments; plan your day properly. Give
yourself a proper work time schedule and try to stick with it.
Even if you don’t work 9-5 anymore, pretend you do. Having your
own home business often means working more than eight hours a
day to turn a profit. Be prepared for that. That way you will
SWIM and not SINK.

Give yourself a proper lunch break. This will give you a routine
and give you something to look forward to. Reward yourself for
keeping up with your work. It will keep you positive and
motivated.

Post inspiring quotes and verses in your home business area.

Don’t allow friends and family to drop by and take up your time.
In the beginning, I had friends that thought because I worked
from home that I could sit around and chat with them all day
long… It’s amazing that they think this, but they do. Be firm
with them. My friends now know that they had better call before
they “pop in for a coffee”, and I do tell them “no” if it’s not
convenient. Lazing around watching TV or chatting with friends
is 100% guaranteed to help SINK your business.

Another time taker is the telephone. I screen my calls and let
the machine pick up almost all day, unless it is about business.
Caller ID was a super investment! It will help your business to
have Caller ID. I promise.

Mentally remind yourself from time to time that one of the
reasons your home business can fail is procrastination. The fear
of this should help keep your business on the right track.

I think you know what bad employees can do to a business; be
careful who represents you/works for you.

If you don’t have time to do your work and work your business,
it’s bound to SINK! Don’t let other aspects of life get in the
way. Sure the car needs washing, the laundry needs doing, the
house needs cleaning, you need to get other things done, but not
during business hours. The key here is to PRIORITIZE properly
and take your business seriously.

Try and get some daily exercise. It refreshes you and clears the
mind. It will help you stay positive. Plus, it’s good for you.

Network with other “successful people” who own a similar type of
business. If you are having trouble finding these people, try
your local Chamber of Commerce, or just contact other business
owners. Try to learn from people who have been successful; make
sure they’ve walked the walk before you take their advice.

Taking this advice will hopefully give you some ideas about
keeping your business afloat, swimming, and very successful.

To Your Success!