Steps to business success
- Be interested in your product! When you decide to start your own business, it is well established that if you choose something that you are interested in or have expert knowledge of, such as a hobby or interest, you are more likely to succeed. The motivation and self-discipline you need to survive through that difficult first year will be much stronger if you get up every morning and are diligent about working on your idea. We all understand the importance of work morale and when you are enthusiastic and motivated about your job, rather than finding it mundane and boring, it is more likely to be successful and profitable.
- Diversify your work – As a boss you have to “wear many hats” – complete many different roles at first, until you are established enough to hire others to help you. Women are known for their natural ability to multitask and it is this difference that will keep you from getting bored. You are no longer a slave to work – stuck behind your desk working for someone else – you make the decisions! It’s also important to have regular breaks – don’t work during your lunch hour, take a break and come back to work refreshed. If you spend most of your time sitting at your desk, try a 10-minute walk — it can help you plan for the afternoon ahead and get your blood going!
- Flexible Working Hours – Another perk of being your own boss is that you can choose how much time you spend in your work hours. If you find that you work best in the morning, try setting your alarm earlier, similarly if you are more of a night bird then go into the evening. With childcare and family responsibilities, it can be nice to work when the rest of the house is quiet. Running your own business allows you to tailor your hours to fit your lifestyle. For example, an internet-based business is ideal for many women who need to balance family obligations and need flexible working days.
- Be self-disciplined – It’s very easy to transform your workflow if you work from home. Your friends and family will often expect you to be freely available—for a conversation in person or on the phone, which they don’t expect if you work in an office. Try to set aside a work area – away from distractions, such as: beds, laundry, coffee and biscuits, etc.
- Customer Service – Business surveys reveal this business woman Excel in customer service and care and one of the most important ways to achieve this is to be easy to contact. Whatever your business or sell, they’ll have the customer queries that need answered quickly and efficiently. A well-run business needs a phone line, an answering phone, a fax machine, an email address, an address (not a PO box number – not many clients trust that) and all of these communications must be verified throughout the day.
Twice as many men as women start their own businesses, but the world is changing and women are “breaking the glass ceiling” in the business world. With determination, self-confidence and belief in their abilities, women become highly successful entrepreneurs and along with their hard efforts comes profits and job satisfaction.