2019 has ended and it's important we share the lessons we learned about business and about our work habits that may have kept us and many of our clients from reaching peak potential.
There's no perfect how to start a successful business plan that works for everyone, but if you learn from your experience and run with other business owners who've been there...you're on the right track. These top nine things we learned about business in 2019 will help you change the game for your brand in 2020.
GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY.
If you feel like you can't make decisions, you aren't moving projects forward or things just aren't progressing -- GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY! Many of the business-owners we meet on a weekly basis bring up this same problem. If you can't make a decision or you're holding up the team, ask for help or delegate to someone who can. If you're a soloprenuer - start "okaying" those plans and setting up those meetings. The only way to move forward is by doing SOMETHING, so don't just stand there...start stepping!
YOUR NETWORK EFFECTS YOUR NET-WORTH.
When you start networking and co-working with like-minded, supportive and successful peers -- you'll see a huge increase in your motivation, confidence and knowledge. Look for mentors, mastermind groups or make goals to meet up with business women or men you admire. You can learn from their experience and likely your goals and revenue will increase with your new found knowledge.
ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE.
Hearing crickets? That's probably because you didn't ask for the meeting, the sponsorship or the help. Whatever it is, you have to remember that the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Don't be afraid to reach out to people you don't know or to go for bigger clients. EVERYONE gets nervous, but in order to make the sale or move your business forward -- you just have to starting asking for it!
NO PLANS EQUALS NO PLANS.
Not the planner type? Well, if you want to scale your business or start hitting bigger goals you need a plan and you need to make it known. No plan equals NO PLANS and that's not the way to grow your brand. Hate planning? Find a friend who's good at it and get started.
SAY NO TO ANALYSIS PARALYSIS.
Still thinking about that copy for the email you were supposed to send or that proposal you're never going to finish on time because you "think" the quote is too high? Don't let yourself overanalyze the details and miss opportunities. Try to make decisions based on facts instead of letting your emotions get in the driver seat. YES emotions are important, but if they're causing analysis paralysis, it's time to check yourself.
GOALS. WRITE THEM DOWN.
This is proven -- if you write down your goals and describe them in detail, you're more the 1.2 times more likely to achieve them. So before you start your daily grind - make sure you have clear goals and steps to achieve those goals written down somewhere you can track your progress.
DRESS FOR THE JOB YOU WANT. NOT THE JOB YOU HAVE.
We know that dressing up is not for everyone and this is just an expression, BUT if you work from home or in an office where the dress code is lax, you may find yourself slipping on productivity or motivation when you have too many pairs of yoga pants in the weekly rotation. Dressing up or putting forth a little effort on your appearance can not only help with confidence, but is also a visual statement that sends a message to your coworkers and employees. We know flip flops are comfy, but a nice pair of classic flats might be a better choice on the days you need to own the meeting.
MOTIVATION IS TEMPORARY.
This might sound disheartening, but we've found that keeping the momentum going takes a lot of work. After events, meet ups or brainstorming meetings you have to queue up that next motivational moment to fire up your inspiration for max yield. Subscribe to event postings and coffee dates with people who push you. Motivation may be temporary, but you can find it when you need it.
IF YOUR DESK IS A MESS, YOU'RE A MESS.
Some believe in organized chaos and some do not. We're siding with the do nots on this one and encouraging a clean and organized workspace. We have a ton of organizing hacks that can help, but honey, do yourself a favor and wash that moldy coffee mug.
If you have a tip you learned in 2019 you'd like to share, send us an email at hello@glassstaircase.org. Here's to taking on 2020 with everything we've learned in 2019. Cheers!