Ten Steps to Great Beginning!

Starting something new and succeeding with it requires a predictable approach for the first timers, checklist for repeaters and guideline for masters… One such compilation shared by another wise friend:

Ten STEPS TO GREAT BEGINNING

STEP 1: Intelligently pick your opportunities. There are only so many hours in the day, so start by making a list of everything that you hate, and make sure that what you choose to invest your time in allows you to avoid as many of those as possible.

STEP 2: Learn to say No. What you say no to is even more important than what you say yes to. Again, you’re better off selecting one or two opportunities and really digging in and getting good at them rather than trying to tackle everything at once.

STEP 3: Fish where the fish are. Make sure there is an audience for what you are doing before you invest time or money.

STEP 4: Fish where the fish are starving. Look for things where people are passionate and driven by their emotions of greed, pride, fear, guilt and love. Link your business to people’s passions and you’ll have them lining up to get to you.

STEP 5: Do something to get new business every day. A good habit is to do at least one thing every day to fill the pipeline of new business. There is a link between this behavior and experiencing positive results continuously.

STEP 6: Be a true student of your business. Study everything you can get your hands on, both in terms of books, articles and other people that are successful in your field.

STEP 7: Study marketing. You must become a master student of marketing to be able to attract more clients than you could possibly work with. This allows you to command premium prices, have a halo effect around your business, and being able to personally pick and choose who you want to work with.

STEP 8: Set rules regarding access to you that both your staff and clients have to follow. Avoid the trap of being a slave to your e-mail and cell phone. Make yourself more valuable by being somewhat inaccessible. This will allow you time to plan and think.

STEP 9: Work really, really hard …especially in the beginning when you’re getting started.

STEP 10: Build “down time” in to your schedule. Be sure to build in time in your weekly schedule to exercise, goof off with your family, engage in a hobby or whatever else revitalizes and recharges you. Work until you’re exhausted; then play until you’re bored.

~ Have a great beginning for a great journey!