What would you do if you found a Lamborghini in the middle of the street and the owner told you that you could get in and drive it?
Surely you would get very excited; you would get on it, appreciate the clothes, the steering wheel, and the smell, and let your imagination run wild about how incredible it would be to drive it and visit new places in that beautiful car. But oh, surprise… you don’t know where the keys are.
More or less, this is how the beginning of a new year looks like, you let your imagination fly with a thousand illusions, purposes, and the desire to grow, travel, and see yourself in your best version, but you don’t know where the keys are that will lead you to fulfill all that.
It may seem not very reassuring, but after a few months, you forget it, and everything returns to how it was before. Planning and creating personal and professional growth strategies is always a good time.
However, at the beginning of the year, most of us feel more focused and ready for a new beginning with new goals and objectives to achieve.
We all want to have more clients, receive more income, and hire staff, but do you already know how you will do it? Do you already have a date to achieve it? Do you have the key to the Lambo?
There are no results without actions, which is why we are taking action!
We will share a small scheme that will help you get the key you need to grow your business and take action so that you have a real change this year.
Because if you want your business to grow, you need to start with clear steps and an eye on the goal so that you can see the results.
- Define your vision:
A famous phrase said: “I may not know what I want, but I do know what I don’t want.” We thought it was a perfect phrase that it doesn’t matter to know what you want as long as you set limits and know what you don’t want… Later we realized how wrong we were.
You need to know what you want to get it. You can’t get to a place if you don’t know where it is; you can’t get to the goal if there is no goal.
So, the first step is to define that goal and write it down.
- Write how you see yourself in 5 years, and be as specific as possible.
- Define how you feel, what you are doing, how big your business is, how many people work in it, how much you invoice, etc.
- Don’t limit yourself; don’t let your brain tell you you can’t do it.
- Divide your year into quarters:
We can almost assure you that every December, you think about your goals or resolutions for the following year and say, “This year, I will achieve them”… The following December arrives, and you don’t even remember what you said before, but think again about what you would like for the following year and say, “This year, I am going to make it.” How many more years would you like to continue doing the same?
They say “divide and conquer,” which applies to your goals. Divide your year into 4 and review your objectives and goals every 3 months.
- Dare to change strategies, be flexible and analyze what works for you and is not.
- Ask your customers what they like and don’t like and how you can improve.
- Review your finances and cut expenses or invest if necessary.
- Don’t be afraid to make changes and try new things.
If you wait until December, you will no longer have time to make changes to end the year as expected.
- Don’t do everything alone:
If you want to grow, look for people to help you in the process, companies with which you can collaborate, mentors to teach you, friends with experience, investors, etc. Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help, but it’s the best way to fail less. Two heads are better than one, so don’t hesitate to look for someone who can contribute to your business or life. If you don’t know anyone, you can attend networking events, sign up for a course, find a mentor, etc. The most important thing is to want and do what you need to achieve it. - Invest:
This point is perhaps the most difficult… Most people don’t like to invest! They prefer to spend their money and time on things that give them pleasure at the moment but that in the future will bring them nothing, neither good nor bad, just NOTHING.
We buy a daily coffee of 2 USD for 90 days, but a three-month course costing 180 USD is a high investment. If you want your business to grow, it is time for you to think about investing in advertising and growth. Investments are basic for personal growth and any business, so you should consider them for your growth plan. Make a financial plan and invest in growing your business. This includes advertising, courses, mentoring, coaching, and even staff to help you grow and meet your goals. - Bet on the customers you already have:
Remember the customers you already have. Sometimes we focus on getting new clients and must remember the ones we already have, which is a serious mistake.
People who already trusted you are more likely to buy again than those who are just beginning to know you, in addition to the fact that they can recommend you and, most importantly, they already trusted you, showing them that it is worth being part of your community. - Know your target audience:
This point goes hand in hand with the previous one. The best way to get to know your customers is by talking directly with them, which is why those who have already trusted you are super important for your growth. Don’t be afraid to ask them what you could improve or if you gave them what they expected, and listen to them. If you don’t have customers yet, don’t worry. Start with a market study. Consider your ideal customer; look for people with those characteristics, such as family or friends, and ask about your product or service.
You can get many surprises; perhaps those you thought were your customers are not real, which is why you have yet to sell, or they need to understand what you do in your business.
The most important: Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for help and jump into action before the year ends; remember that the worst that can happen is that nothing happens, so go ahead and learn from each step you take.