6 leaping-into-business tips

You’ve finally decided to do it – to quit your nine-to-fiver [or at least reduce your hours – a girl can sometimes use a safety net] and leap into business yourself. So thrilling and brave and brilliant!

Here are six tips, for making that leap a huge success:

 + Forget Passion

Not altogether! Passion for [or incredible interest in] what you do is critical. But the word ‘passion’ in your marketing material is empty. Everyone is passionate [or can say they are].

When I read that you’re passionate about coaching or painting or jewellery making or personal training or whatever it is you’re selling I automatically think this: yes, but how does that qualify you to help me?

Instead: tell me why you are the person I should hire. Tell me what makes you best person to solve my problem.

+ What is the Problem? 

Get clear on what problem you’re really solving for your clients [spoiler: it’s probably not what you think it is]. And then sell accordingly.

If you have trouble working out what the problem to be solved is, try asking yourself what the client wants and then look at what barriers are getting in their way. The barriers are the problem you’re addressing.

Some ideas on problems solved by various professionals:

• Dog walker [Problem is not: my dog needs exercise. Problem is: I don’t have time]
• Financial Planner [Problem is not: I have messy finances. Problem is: I don’t know how to invest]
• Wedding Planner [Problem is not: I don’t know how to plan a party. Problem is: I’m overwhelmed]
• Personal Trainer [Problem is not: I don’t know how to exercise. Problem is: I am unmotivated]

+ Speak Directly

In all your promotional materials, especially your website, please, please, please[!] talk to me in the first person. I want to hear about you, from you [not from you writing as someone else]. It makes me feel connected [and more inclined to buy].

And perhaps use I instead of We [I know your business is just you – unless it’s not, in which case, disregard this point] and using we to try and make yourself sound grander than you are just feels inauthentic.

+ Choose a Niche

Voluntarily limiting your business can seem counterintuitive [why the hell would I cut out potential business?] but focusing on a particular field will offer you greater opportunity in the longer term.

Work out your ideal client, get very clear on what that person is seeking, find ways to offer it. And never digress.

+ Understand Yourself

Self-awareness is critical to great business: know when you’re at your best; identify when you’re happiest; determine your strengths; recognise the talents you offer.

Take notes, journal, reflect.

+ Act [and think] Like a Boss

You are no longer an employee. You are now the boss. And that shift requires a switch in thinking.

A boss makes tough decisions, maintains boundaries, does what is best for the business. A boss is unfailingly polite and respectful but doesn’t care if she’s not universally loved.

Shifting your mindset might can feel uncomfortable at first [intellectually separating yourself from the business can make the move easier] but will, undoubtedly, lead to incredible results.

Tags: business, choices, decision making