Every now and then, I believe it’s important to revisit the basics, which is why today I want to share some of my favorite fundamental business-building tips that have helped me become the 6+ figure CEO I am today.

Grab a snack and get ready to dive in — this one is full of actionable advice and tips you can implement right away!

• Find your “why.”
  Do the intense inner work to figure out the real reason WHY you do what you do. Your deeper “why” (the one that goes beyond having a lot of money or being able to afford a nice house) is what will motivate you to keep going even when you inevitably face challenges and hardships as an entrepreneur. I highly suggest reading Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” for more insight into this topic.

• Create a business plan and stick to it.
  A business plan is an essential tool that will steer your business in the right direction as you grow and help you stay on track to meet your goals. Contrary to what you might believe, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to draft a business plan and the process does not have to be complicated. A quick Google search will yield THOUSANDS of business plan templates and outlines you can adapt to meet your own needs.
• Understand what your target market needs.
  If your target market doesn’t need what you are selling, they won’t buy it no matter how well-marketed or valuable it is. This is why you need to conduct market research to identify your ideal client’s unique pain points and create your offer from there.

• Focus on your customer experience.
  Nobody likes it when they have a negative customer service interaction. Ensure that you’re giving your clients an experience they can rave about at every point — even if it means going above and beyond to make them happy.
• Get help when you need it.
  Trying to manage it all on your own is a recipe for burn-out. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to enlist support when you need it, in both your business and personal life. This can look like hiring an assistant, outsourcing aspects of your business, or asking somebody to help you around the house. Whatever it is, take full advantage of the help and don’t feel bad!
• Don’t neglect your social media presence.
  Social media is more important than ever when it comes to staying visible. Don’t neglect your social media presence, even if social media isn’t your ‘thing’ — you’re missing out on potential clients and revenue if you do.
• Keep track of all the numbers.
  You should be tracking every financial number in your business — including what you earn in sales, take home in cash, and any business expenses. If you find this task difficult, outsource it to a trusted bookkeeper! It’s well worth the peace of mind knowing that your numbers are in order.
• Build a recognisable brand.
  Building a brand is like establishing a public identity for your business, and there’s a lot that goes into it. You want to consider both visual identity (your branding, colors, logo, and photos) as well as verbal identity (your brand voice, values, mission, and story) when it comes to creating a brand that will sell.
• Take time for yourself outside of business.
  You’re only human, and taking time off is a necessary part of running a successful business. The next time you feel tired, burnt out, or like you really need to relax, go out of your way to do a self-care activity that makes you feel good.
•  Turn to gratitude during challenging times.
  Every business owner runs into obstacles at times. You have two choices when this happens: to panic and spiral, or to be thankful that you’ve come this far and try another approach. Gratitude is always the way to go in my opinion — and it usually helps me gain the clarity I need to figure out a solution for whatever problem I’m facing, or at least tough it out gracefully.

Entrepreneurship isn’t always easy, but it’s so worth it, which is why I’m so committed to helping entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground and on the trajectory towards 6 figures. If you’re in need of additional support from an exec-level digital marketer and business consultant, learn more about how you can work with me today.

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