I talked with Brian Moran, a leader and advocate of small business and entrepreneurs, on Talk Business With Howard radio (on Blog Talk Radio) this week. We both agreed that this is an exciting time to be in business – or even to start a business.
If you are currently running a business, it’s an exciting time because the opportunities are out there just waiting to happen. Yet we live in interesting times, don’t we? The economy, the politics, the technology, and the global influence all play a role. But don’t let anything stop you from succeeding in business. Open your mind to the possibilities that are out there.
If you want to start a business, do it. There is never a good time to start a business. The best time to start a business is NOW. Time moves quickly. Opportunity moves quickly. If you don’t do it now, when will you do it? Take the chance. Live your dream. Do it NOW.
Though many business subjects were discussed, to run a better more successful, more profitable business five points were highlighted in the conversation:
1) Do your homework – You heard this from your parents as you were growing up. The homework doesn’t stop when you graduate from school. There is always homework to do if you want to run a successful, profitable business. If you do your homework you’ll have a better understanding of whatever it is you are seeking to accomplish. You’ll be able to make better business decisions because you will have the insight necessary to think things through. By doing your homework in relation to your business, it will give you the opportunity to see what works and what doesn’t work by looking at what others have done. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Just put your stamp on it.
2) Study business – Become a “student of business”. You can never learn enough about business. Although the basic nature of business stays the same, everything else is drastically changing today. Faster than we could ever have imagined. If you are not keeping up with it all you will be left behind. A good example is social media. Figure out how to make it work for your business.
3) Have a plan – It’s common sense to have a plan. A house can’t be built without a set of plans. When you purchase a product, often there are instructions. When you travel, you get directions or use GPS. Why would you not have a plan for your business? Review and update your business plan frequently. Don’t keep it in the lower file drawers of your desk never to be seen again.
4) Be a leader – A lot of people talk about getting things done but very few people actually live up to their words. There are no excuses for not having enough time to get things done. Someone has to lead. Let it be you. Lead by example. Show other’s what is possible. If it’s not you, it may be your competition taking the business. Remember: Leader’s lead.
5) Dream big dreams – Think small dreams. Get small results. Think big dreams, get much bigger results. But dreaming is not enough. Running a better, more successful, more profitable business is like running a marathon. You need to do your homework, be a student of business and have a solid business plan. Put your dreams in action, be a leader and see where success takes you.
If you follow these steps you can and will succeed in business.
Listen to the show for more words of business wisdom. You can listen to the replay of the show at the top of this page. It’s definitely one of the most worthwhile hours you’ll spend on your business this week.
Brian Moran is the co-author of the book, Lessons From the Great Recession: Real Solutions for Every Small Business Riding the Economic Rollercoaster. The book includes chapters written by two previous guests on the radio show: Tim Berry and Barbara Weltman; as well as chapters written by Brian and other guest authors.