When you own a business, you have to be very independent. This happens because you need to be very focused and detail oriented. You are in charge and must be able to plan and overcome whatever business might throw at you. I have learned and grown so much in the years of owning my business.
1. Diversify Your Client List
Find 2-3 reliable clients, and keep a few on the radar. These people pay the bills and then some. You don’t want to overbook clients, but rather make sure you can fulfill or outsource before taking on anyone else.
2. Get a Backup Vendor
I always make sure to have a list of connections. I have a backup for backups. This measure is just because life happens, and sometimes someone might not be able to fulfill. Keep a list going so you can provide at all times.
3. Don’t Put All Your Marketing Eggs in One Basket
This precaution is one of the biggest things that I tell my clients day in and day out. You can’t just be solely on social media anymore. You also need to be doing in-person networking and print media. What if social media or the internet doesn’t work tomorrow? You have to rely on other sources.
4. Get Firm in Your Payment Terms
Many times, I have gotten burned. I got burned because I didn’t have contracts in place. I wasn’t specific with payment options. I LOVE Dubsado (enter link) for that reason alone. It keeps me on track and has all the information I need in one place.
5. Be Less Available
Do not let customers know if you work all hours of the day. Set those boundaries and guidelines. I check my email from 10-11 every day, and that’s it. I make sure that people can text or call, but a response can take up to 24 hours.
6. Take Vacations
You need to take a vacation, and you should be able to without disruption. People shouldn’t be calling you and texting you. Have a team ready or accessible, or let them know. You also want to ensure that you don’t have a client list overload for this reason, unless you have a great team.
7. Open Your Mind
Always keep your mind open for opportunities. This tip is one of the biggest things that I can say. I realized first-hand that there are a million ways to connect with someone; it might not always lead to a sale.
You are in charge and have to be able to plan and overcome whatever business might throw at you. I have learned and grown so much in the years of owning my business.
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