Modern Business Magazine February 2016 | Page 14

MODERN BUSINESS 6. Test and measure. The only way you’re going to know if your business strategies are working is to put them to the old “Test and Measure” trial. This means test every single business, marketing and advertising strategy implemented into your business plan and measure the results/ impact they have in terms of revenue/new business generated. If it’s doing more harm than good, get rid of it and move on to something else. This way, you’re not wasting time and money on methods that don’t work, when these precious resources would be better invested in methods that do. 7. Seek advice from a business coach or other mentor. The advice of a business coach is an invaluable asset to have when it comes to starting your own business. Sure, everyone who comes along will offer you advice and tips on what you should do, but, more often than not, these people have never had a business of their own and have no experience to speak from. A business coach, on the other hand, is in the business of putting people in business. He has been through the process himself and knows the proper steps his clients should take in order to ensure their success. Of course, hiring a business may not seem like a costeffective thing to do, being that you already have a plan and ideas of your own, but consider this – if professional advice can keep you from making the same mistakes that cause other businesses to fail, it’s well worth the investment. 4. Know your target market and your competition. 5. Take a multifaceted approach to advertising. 6. Test and measure. 7. Seek advice from a business coach or mentor. In closing, I’d like to say that no, this isn’t the “Be All End All List” tips for having a successful business, but it’s an effective strategy that has always brought success to my clients – and myself – over the years and I’m certain it can do the same for you. Remember, a job will make you a living, but your own business could make you a fortune. Let’s recap from the beginning 1. Have a detailed business plan. 2. Start part-time. 3. Have backup capital. Justin Fankhauser is the author of, Shut Up, Get Up and Give It a Go: A Self-Made Entrepreneur’s Guide to a Kickass Life and Business which offers no-nonsense, no holds barred advice for achieving success, regardless of your current situation. Justin can be reached via email at [email protected] or visit www.KickassBusinesOnline.com 14 ModernBusiness February 2016