Defining Your Destiny – Keys to Growing Your Business

Businesses are started with intentions of being successful. Growth is a key to realizing that goal. There’s a familiar old saying –– “If you’re not growing you’re dying” –– and it is so true. However, in today’s challenging economic times, growth is easier said than done. Even so, there are a number of businesses experiencing success. What sets these companies apart? Are they lucky? Are they overflowing with resources? Not necessarily: Companies that do well are those with a strong sense of what they are setting out to achieve. These companies are pressing forward because they desire to grow and have committed to make that happen. Successful businesses stay focused on the goal of growing and do not get mired down by distractions.

Have the Desire to Grow

There are many things we desire. Personally, I desire to shed a few pounds, travel more, and clean out my closets. Sadly, despite my desires, I’ve not accomplished any of these items yet. Truly having the desire to grow is to be overcome with motivation, energy and the will to realize your desires. Turning desires into priorities requires a certain state of mind.

What is your state of mind at this moment? Assess what you are spending your time, energy and resources on. This will help to illuminate where your priorities currently are and what, if anything, needs to change to allow for your desire for growth to be achieved. You might need to rearrange your schedule to devote the time required. You may need to take out a loan to finance growth strategies. Whatever needs to be done, is your desire for growth strong enough to compel you to act on it?

Make the Decision to Grow

Once you have determined your desire to grow is in fact compelling enough to act on, it’s important to make the decision to grow. A decision to grow involves: committing resources to communicate your business to the market place; committing time to build your brand to facilitate longevity; committing to be practical about using your resources efficiently; and committing to let go and share tasks with those most qualified to execute them.

Commit to Consistently Communicate About Your Business
People need to know you exist. Whether by trade show, advertisements, sales reps, public relations, social media or a combination of all the above; some efforts need to be made to make your presence known and invite others to patronize your company. We are inundated with countless marketing messages daily. To stay top of mind you not only have to get your name out there, you need to keep it out there. Communicate to your target consistently and in multiple forms of media. Commit to be fresh, relevant and ever present with your intended audience.

Commit to Build your Brand
Brand is often a misunderstood notion. It’s your company’s DNA. It’s what makes your offering unique and desirable in the marketplace. If you don’t understand why you are special, why would others? Think about your favorite brands, then think about why you favor them so. Cultivate your brand such that you evoke those types of feelings within your target market and you will find you have increased loyalty, which leads to more sustainable longevity.

Commit to Use Resources Efficiently and Effectively
It seems like a silly notion to ask someone to use their resources efficiently. However, many start-ups experience a number of costly miss-steps. To this I say, resist the temptation to bypass market research. Market research reveals opportunities and gaps. It can propel you forward with more relevant product offerings. It can prevent unnecessary efforts, such as going to the wrong trade shows or developing products that aren’t selling. I encourage you to work smarter, not harder. Go straight to the source –– your target –– and confirm with them what it is they want and how they want it. You will greatly improve your prospects for success when you can operate with the confidence that market research provides.

Commit to Share Tasks
Are you a one-person operation; who’s a jack of all trades and master of none? You don’t have to be. I know that finances can make it appear as if there are no other options, but the most successful leaders all share one secret:

“Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don’t interfere as long as the policy you’ve decided upon is being carried out.” — Ronald Reagan.

It will be less expensive in the long run, both in terms of cash out of pocket and time, by working with industry professionals. Know what you know and know what you don’t; you will be more successful for it.

Learn to Deal with Distractions

The day-to-day business of running a business can keep you so busy that you lose focus of your overall objectives and goals. If you’re not an organized person, find someone who can help keep you organized. Try to set aside time daily to spend thinking about the high-level aspects of your business: its performance, your strategies and long-term objectives.

If you find yourself constantly working on getting through today without thinking about the future, you will wear yourself out. It’s not fair to you or your business. If you find yourself constantly overcome with distractions, you need to ask yourself if certain projects are truly the best use of your time? If not, delegate the task and move on.

Define your Destiny

It’s a competitive world out there. Business owners that succeed are those whose passion and desire are clearly evident. Companies with decision makers willing to take risks and commit to whatever measures are necessary to achieve their goals are reaping rewards for it. Leaders with focus are attaining success with more precision because they are seeking help from people who can best support them. Desire, decision-making, and dealing with distractions are not new concepts, but when employed, they possess the power to propel companies to success.

About Insights Discovered
Penny Redlin is a regular contributor to the “Business Sense” feature on The Giggle Guide, sharing insights about business planning, effective communications and marketing strategies.

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Insights Discovered was founded by Penny Redlin in an effort to share her professional expertise within the children’s product category. The company’s mission is to give every mompreneur an opportunity for success. Insights Discovered exclusively services children’s products brands. The specific industry focus demonstrates a strong dedication to the unique needs of children’s products companies. Insights Discovered offers strategic planning, market research and traditional marketing services.

For more information, visit www.insightsdiscovered.com or call 702.218.5707.