We’ve already almost completed the first month of 2019! How can that be? If you’re like me, you are in the midst of new projects, but have you taken the time to set up business resolutions for the new year? They don’t have to be big, sweeping changes, but they should be items you’re committed to achieving in the new year.
Before you look at business resolutions, take some time and make note of all of the successes you’ve achieved and those items you didn’t quite achieve. Look at items you want to continue on with and those you want to jettison.
Business Resolutions For The New Year
Resolve to keep learning. No matter where you are in your business, you can always learn more. What classes can you take? What books can you read to keep you up to date on the latest trends? What can you do next month to learn something new?
Resolve to keep your priorities straight. What means the most to you? Which aspects of your business run on auto pilot? Which of your clients are priorities? Trick question… they all are!? Set priorities for spending time with friends and family and with your work.
Resolve to better use technology. If you have shied away from upgrading and updating hardware and software in your office and are losing valuable time because of system outages or broken down equipment, resolve to rid yourself of that issue.
Resolve to stay in touch with clients. It is easy to let the days get away from you and before you know it, it’s been months and you haven’t reached out to your clients. Put them on your calendar and reach out regularly.
Resolve to give back. Volunteer in your community. Find an organization you love and offer your time and talents. This goes along with #2 and setting priorities.
What is your biggest business resolution this year?
If you’re an entrepreneur or a solopreneur your goal is to make money, right? If that’s the case you may be wondering how to get more clients in 2019 and that is something I talk with my coaching clients about regularly.
After all, if you’re not growing and you’re not bringing in new clients, what are you doing? Is your business going to remain a viable entity or will you be shuttering the doors? Are you barely making ends meet and wonder every month, “how am I going to keep the lights on?” If that’s the case, you need to reevaluate what you’re doing, what you’re selling and how to make it better and more viable.
How To Get More Clients In 2019
What can you do to make your goods and services be more in demand? Where are your ideal clients? What is your marketing plan doing for you? Do you have a marketing and business plan? Are you working in a silo or are you interacting with other solopreneurs and entrepreneurs? There are myriad questions to answer before you throw in the towel.
Another lament I hear from clients is “How can I close more sales?” or “How can I get people to refer clients to me?”
If your client-closure rates aren’t helping you move your business to higher levels of success? Here are some “sales closing” tips that I have found to be effective:
Understand your client’s pain points and make sure your goods and services meet and alleviate those pain points.
You can’t be everything to everyone. Focus on AN ideal client. Build a client avatar and focus your efforts on a specific clientele.
Build relationships. To succeed in business you need to get people to “know, like and trust” you and you do that by listening to what they have to say. Being a good listener is going to bring you more clients than will offering up a sales pitch every time you meet a potential client.
Do you have a tried and true method to bring in new clients? Have you learned from your mistakes on what doesn’t work? Have you ever taken the time to ask a current client to refer you to a potential new client? If you don’t ask, you won’t know if you would have received one.
Are there things you can do outside of working hours that can strenghen your skills at work? What professional steps do you take to hone your skills and to make you a more valued employee or a stronger and sharper entrepreneur? Have you ever wondered how outside activities can hone your professional skills? They can.
Not all job development or skills development happens in the confines of your office. In fact, entrepreneurs and employees who excel are those who are dedicated to both their lives at work and their outside activities. Many of the things you do outside the office can help you sustain or heighten your professional and personal growth.
How Outside Activities Hone Your Professional Skills
Join an association in your professional niche. Doing this puts you in contact with other professionals in your niche area, gives you contacts with people outside of your office — or yourself if you’re a solopreneur — and gives you insight into what others are doing to excel.
Volunteering. If you have a unique talent that you can use in a volunteer capacity this is another way your outside activity can hone your professional skills. Say, you’re a social media marketer, you could volunteer with an organization with a mission you connect with. They would benefit from your skills and you can make new connections and continue to hone your skills.
Read. There is nothing more important a solopreneur or entrepreneur can do is to read. Lifelong learning keeps you sharp and in touch with the world around you. When is the last time you sat down and read a book?
Learn new software. Is there a new software program that would make your life on the job easier? Invest in it and learn to use it. Even honing your skills in Microsoft or Google documents can enhance your skill base.
Become a mentor. Did you have someone who helped you when you were starting out? If so, return the favor and be a mentor to someone who wants to learn to do what you do. When you mentor, you re-teach yourself skills you may have neglected.
When is the last time you practiced professional and personal development?
Social media, for many introverts, is a great way to interact without having to be face-to-face with anyone. Social media how-tos for introverted entrepreneurs is a delicate balancing act. Some days you just need to get out of the office and interact with people!
If you’ve been avoiding social media because of your introverted tendencies, you may be inhibiting your chances at success for your business. You should have a social presence and interacting behind the keyboard is easier for introverts once they get the hang of it and the lay of the land.
Social Media How-Tos For Introverted Entrepreneurs
Share relevant content. No matter who you are and what you’re doing on line, be relevant and share content your followers want.
Keep your status updates simple. No matter if you’re an extrovert, ambivert or introvert, social media updates don’t have to be long and overly involved. Use short, simple sentences and you’ll get interaction.
Feature your customers. If you don’t want to talk about yourself, then talk about and highlight your customers. Shine the spotlight on them, tag them, ask them to share and you’re performing a great service.
Focus on your team. Share information (not overly personal) about your team members. They will love being in the spotlight (ask them first) and will likely share that with friends and family and that will expand your reach in an organic way.
“Talk” with your audience. If they’re commenting on your updates or your blog, comment back. Social media is all about interaction and building connections.
Highlight your expertise in a way that addresses a customer pain point, not in a “hey, look at me!” way. Show your talents and expertise through the content you share.
If you’re an introvert, don’t try to change your personality. You are who you are. Embrace that and move forward!
