When the Grass is Always Greener

We’re always looking for the next best thing.

The next challenge to join, the next call to listen in on, the next convention to attend and the next book to read. The list goes on and on. There is always the next best thing. The next "secret" to success.

But, while building my own small business, I’ve realized that there is no solution to making a business successful that doesn't involve just plain old hard work!

So, I wrote down 8 things that I believe make or break our businesses.

1. We MUST be committed. Let’s remove "try" from our vocabulary and just do the hard work.

2. We MUST be consistent. Let’s go to work daily and show our customers, co-workers and employees that we are dependable.

3. We MUST continue to learn. Let’s read books, blogs and articles and go to training events related to our businesses.

4. We MUST love the product. Let’s use our product every day at home, at work, with family, while running errands, etc.

5. We MUST put ourselves out there. Let’s post daily on social media, host events, hold classes, sign up for vendor fairs, set up a booth at our local farmers market, talk to people in the grocery line and do our best to use our product in front of people.

6. We MUST lead by example. Let’s do what we say we’re going to do, be available and show up.

7. We MUST follow up. When someone comments on our post, let’s reply. When someone asks us a question, let’s answer it. When someone messages, emails or texts us, let’s get back to them.

8. We MUST stay positive. Everyone CAN grow a successful business, but not everyone WILL. Let’s be the people who do it. Who work hard. Who learn. Who respond. Who participate. Who follow up. Who get out of our comfort zones. Who seek solutions. Who keep going. Who lead.

Don't be fooled by the idea that there are secrets to success. It all comes down to hard work, day in and day out, and not giving up when others are. That's great news, though, isn't it?! This means that each one of us has the ability to succeed!

What is one thing you’re doing to build your business today?