As we reflect on the successes of 2018 and anticipate those of 2019, it\u2019s worthwhile to consider how successful businesses are built and how they thrive. Successful businesses and successful business professionals highlight the importance of leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and creativity. \u201cSuccess\u201d\u2014 however defined\u2014is the goal of every professional and every company. Achieving success is an elaborate process, requiring continual momentum. Here are 40 ideas to build on for your continued business success:<\/p>\n
1. Have a plan \u2013 Identify your goals but keep it simple.<\/p>\n
2. Know thyself \u2013 Examine what you enjoy doing and focus your efforts.<\/p>\n
3. Know thy customer \u2013 Understand their needs and expectations.<\/p>\n
4. Don\u2019t make the same mistake twice \u2013 Learn from lessons of the past.<\/p>\n
5. Be nimble \u2013 Respond to new opportunities quickly.<\/p>\n
6. Invest in your employees \u2013 Develop the best talent and put the right people in the right jobs.<\/p>\n
7. Think differently \u2013 Be creative and open to new approaches.<\/p>\n
8. Deliver outstanding client service \u2013 Go above and beyond every time.<\/p>\n
9. Be different \u2013 Stand out from the competition.<\/p>\n
10. Keep your promises \u2013 Do what you say you are going to do and do it on time.<\/p>\n
11. Invest in a good web site \u2013 The Internet is the new Yellow Pages.<\/p>\n
12. Be curious \u2013 Ask questions and find solutions.<\/p>\n
13. Invest in technology \u2013 Get organized, then take advantage of all technology has to offer.<\/p>\n
14. Make new friends and keep the old \u2013 Don\u2019t burn bridges.<\/p>\n
15. Work with enthusiasm \u2013 It\u2019s contagious.<\/p>\n
16. Be visible \u2013 Raise your business profile in the community and on the Internet.<\/p>\n
17. Lead with a vision \u2013 Provide clear objectives and expectations.<\/p>\n
18. Always take the high road \u2013 The principled way is the only way.<\/p>\n
19. Seek peace \u2013 Be brave enough to talk when lesser people want to fight.<\/p>\n
20. Don\u2019t be cocky \u2013 Never underestimate your competition or opponent.<\/p>\n
21. Work smart \u2013 You can\u2019t do it all, so delegate.<\/p>\n
22. Write it down \u2013 Keep a comprehensive to-do list or you will forget something.<\/p>\n
23. Prepare a sound bite \u2013 Write and memorize your<\/p>\n
30-second elevator speech.<\/p>\n
24. Be memorable \u2013 Have three things to say when you meet people.<\/p>\n
25. Share the wisdom \u2013 Pass your knowledge on to others.<\/p>\n
26. Refer business to others \u2013 What goes around, comes around.<\/p>\n
27. Put clients at your fingertips \u2013 Categorize your contacts in a user-friendly format.<\/p>\n
28. Be easy to reach \u2013 Encourage people to download your V-card from your e-mail or bio.<\/p>\n
29. Over plan \u2013 You can never be too prepared.<\/p>\n
30. Be decisive and flexible \u2013 Make decisions, but be willing to admit when you are wrong.<\/p>\n
31. Know what you don\u2019t know \u2013 Continually keep learning, but hire others as needed.<\/p>\n
32. Listen carefully \u2013 Don\u2019t just hear\u2014understand.<\/p>\n
33. Do more than expected \u2013 Provide added value, just for the joy of it.<\/p>\n
34. Go with your gut \u2013 Always trust your instincts.<\/p>\n
35. Walk the talk \u2013 Demonstrate your passion for your business in everything you do.<\/p>\n
36. Be persistent \u2013 Where there is a will, there is a way; find it.<\/p>\n
37. Stay centered \u2013 Find balance in work, family, and play.<\/p>\n
38. Focus on the future \u2013 Plan for success and be ready for growth.<\/p>\n
39. Appreciate your clients \u2013 Thank people for doing business with you.<\/p>\n
40. Stay fresh \u2013 Never stop thinking like an entrepreneur!<\/p>\n
The author would like to thank her partner, Blake Nelson, for initially creating this list several years ago. Clearly, its relevance stands the test of time!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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