Submitted by Sabina Hitchen on | 0 Comments
A friend's husband recently pointed out that the first few years of running a business are almost an entrepreneur's own form of business school, except we're often without an instructor! I support that statement 100%! I've had to learn everything from time management to employee management, organization to accounting skills, and much of which this learning was accompanied by "trial and error moments". That said, in the nearly ten years that I've been in business for myself, thanks to a lot of practice, studying, advice from colleagues and mentors and I'll admit it, self-examination, I've come to rely on a few secrets to success.
One of my favorite places to get interesting and impactful business news, Business Insider, recently did a story on these secrets, which they call "success weapons" and featured a few of mine! Check out the entire article by strategy reporter and fellow Greenpoint-er Max Nisen, here (it's packed with great advice from small business success stories).
I've highlighted my tips from the article below, along with a couple more bonus tips I thought you may want to incorporate into your own business.
SABINA'S SECRET WEAPONS FOR SUCCESS:
1. A Google doc to-do list: Have this open on your computer at all times, not only does it help you prioritize weekly and daily objectives, it helps remove things from your head and put them onto virtual paper. Whenever I have an idea, something I want to do, something to follow up on or a task to do, I add it to my Google doc list. I can access it from anywhere.
2. Daily meditation: I believe that to have a healthy and successful business you must be internally healthy, and for me, meditation is key to achieving that. It keeps me grounded, focused, calm, and is pretty much the only part of my day when I’m completely alone and at peace. When we start a business we give up a lot of that personal time for peace, and this helps me get it back.
3. Fotor: I live for this App. It’s like Photoshop for those of us who aren’t tech savvy. People love imagery and visuals. When you’re doing anything from a PowerPoint or other presentation to a Facebook post, Fotor makes creating those easy and stress free.
AS WELL AS...
4. Books on my iPad: I love to read books that team me, help me better my business and myself as well as engage and inspire me. I keep several on my iPad and read a little before and after work, as well as anytime I'm in line, on the subway - heck even on hold! Currently my library includes everything from books to inspire me professionally including a study on the business philosophies of Walt Disney to sales theories by Zig Ziglar! I am also re-reading The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People and the Power of Now. I think constant learning is one of the keys to not only success but to survival as a small business owner.
5. Mentors and Colleagues Who Tell It Like It Is: A true relationship, whether personal or professional, thrives when it comes from an honest and authentic place. In business, having colleagues, partners and mentors that tell it like it is has become vital to my growth as an entrepreneur and to the growth of my businesses. It's great to get outside perspective on projects I'm buried in, from people who have my best interest in mind. Their support, advice and honesty helps bring clarity to what I do. It also helps to decipher why at times, things aren't working as I planned.
What are YOUR secret weapons for success? Share them in the comments below!
