BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Having a strong group
of peers and mentors is
essential for leaders.
9
58
tips every business
owner should know
The correct approach can mean a world of
difference in business.
By Forbes Coaches Council
Part of setting up a long-term plan is knowing where
the problem spots are, as well as which business
philosophies work better for which industries. That
is why having a strong group of peers and mentors
is so important for leaders: An outside perspective,
or someone who has already faced a similar
misstep, can mean all the difference between
struggling and finding success.
This means that you need to have your ears turned towards
those who have your best interest in mind. A good mentor
can offer encouragement where needed — or reprimanding,
if required — and guidance on any number of subjects, all
without trying to run the business themselves.
And while someone more senior can offer good advice,
they are not the only voice you should seek: Peers
and others at the same stage of business as you, for
instance, may have a closer perspective on how things
are currently operating, or what new technologies or
methodologies are worth your time.
1. RESEARCH AND UNDERSTAND YOUR MARKET
Take the time to do market research and really listen
closely to your ideal client’s needs. Get in tune with them
to know where they’re at right now: That is different to
where you would like them to be. Take this intel and craft
January 2019 Volume 25 I Number 1
it into an irresistible solution for them to be able to get
easier yeses in your business.
2. PUT IN THE HARD WORK
Starting a business is exponentially harder than any other
job. Successful business owners need to operate well
across a variety of functions: sales, marketing, finance,
operations, HR, and so on. On top of that, creating an
enterprise from scratch requires creativity, persistence,
and continuous learning.
3. MOULD THE LIFE YOU WANT FOR YOURSELF
You are the designer of your life. If there are parts of
your life that do not fit well, you can make adjustments.
Think of your life and career as clay on a potter’s wheel
and you as the potter. Get a picture in your mind of
what the masterpiece looks like and keep shaping
towards that picture.
4. REALLY LISTEN TO YOUR CLIENTS
Truly listen and empathise with your clients. Everyone
is so interested in getting their own personal message
across, that no one pauses for a moment to actually
listen and hear the root of the problem or pain. Believe
in listening 80% of the time, clarifying 10% of the time,
and responding wholeheartedly and intentionally, is the
remaining 10% of the time.
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