Rather than write a post talking predictions about the new year, or a round up of best posts for 2011, I thought I’d share some bits of advice on the things I think businesses and solo-preneurs need to start doing today to step up their game. It’s a short list, but an important one. And if you execute it well enough, you’ll build a better brand and a bigger business.
Start…
…caring about your customer(s). Remember the saying “people may not remember exactly what you did or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” Showing that you care turns bad customer experiences into good experiences and breeds a tremendous amount of loyalty and word-of-mouth. Sure, this sounds obvious. But you’d be surprised at the level of bad customer service in businesses everywhere. Don’t be one of those businesses.
…working on the things that matter. Ask yourself, “is this helping me move closer to my goals?” If the answer is no, drop it and move on to the next thing. Period.
…understanding the underlying motivations behind why you’re doing what you’re doing. Starting a blog or a Twitter account just because “everyone else is doing it” is not a good reason. What do you hope to accomplish with either one? What does that blog post you’re writing aim to accomplish? What does that Tweet seek to accomplish? Why are you doing what you’re doing? What’s the point? What’s your goal? What’s your expected outcome? If you can’t answer any of those questions, you’re wasting your time.
…keeping your promises. Good business, and good relationships are kept by setting expectations (making promises) and them meeting or exceeding those expectations. Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it. Like Seth Godin said, “we’re judging you by what we expect from you in the future.” (Read Seth’s article and it’ll make more sense).
…creating more. Curating content is great. It’s a good way to add balance to your marketing messages. Finding good content that’s relevant and interesting to your network is a good way to stand out and establish credibility. It shows that you’re “in the know” and it says that you’re a constant source of great information. BUT… Focus on creating more and curating less. No better way to establish yourself as an expert than to write your own content, sharing your own knowledge and expertise instead of someone else’s.
…doing more. The quickest way to do something is to just do it. Talk less, do more. Stop thinking about doing, that gets you know where. Instead, simply do. (Related reading: Do Epic Sh*t).
…charging more. Or put another way, start valuing your worth. Charge too little, and people won’t buy because they don’t see the value in your work. Charge too much and you price yourself out of the market. Charge a price that you think is fair and that will make you profitable. Don’t be afraid to charge your worth, stand your ground, and earn a profit.
What else would you add?
Of all the items listed, I think understanding my motivations behind my actions is one I’ve been focusing on heavily this year. I’ve done a lot of ‘stuff’, but the real question was whether it was effective or what I should have been doing all along.
As Jack Canfield said… you don’t want to climb all the way to the top of the ladder and then realize it was propped against the wrong roof!
Charging more is also good advice. We can’t help our clients if we’re so over worked trying to make ends meet that we are not effective when we’re on task…
Rick: Love this line: “you don’t want to climb all the way to the top of the ladder and then realize it was propped against the wrong roof!”
I’m gonna use that one 🙂
As for the last part of your comment. So true. When you’re starting out, you’re more prone to discount your offerings because you want to take on the business you can get. I get that. But it’s also a mistake. The sooner you start charging what you’re worth and stand your ground, the more profitable you’ll be.
Start eating and exercising as if your life depended on it. Great post, Ricardo.
Ha! How did I miss that one?!
I’m going on 47+ days straight days at the gym. Hurt my achilles, so I’m doing laps in the pool. And you know what, it feels pretty darn good! I have much more energy in my days because of it.
Creating more… I love this one, and it’s my main goal for 2012. Thanks for the gentle push!
You’re welcome! I’m gonna check up on you 🙂
I would say stop planning so much and just act. I’ve found that it’s healthy for me to want to get my thoughts down on paper, but if I try to over plan and get too OCD I don’t get as much done as I’d have hoped. Lessons will be learned along the way and you should think before doing something drastic, but when it comes to creating content and growing a presence, actions speak louder than the words you hope to write.
You hit it! “Lessons will be learned along the way…” Mistakes will be made (and that’s totally ok). The best thing to do is to take action, learn, correct and keep moving forward.
Otherwise you get stuck in planning mode and nothing ever gets done.
Very inspiring article! Thank you for posting!
Thank YOU sir!
All great points Ricardo. The one that hit me is just do it. Planning and preparation has its place and is important, but starting and doing are vital. I’m feeling a touch more motivated after reading. Thanks, and have a good one.
Steve: Indeed! Starting and doing are much more important. All too often we get stuck in planning mode and nothing ever gets done.
Great tips Ricardo! Many businesses do not keep their promises and I am happy that you mention this very important factor.
This is summarizing what occurred to me last year :))
Of all thing you pointed out, I like the last one most – charging more. We professionals act like a ‘nerd’ and never tried to collect what our services worth.
So, my new year resolution is to tell everyone — stop rationalize, charge more.
http://nicolascpa.com/2011/12/21/contact-friend/
These are all excellent suggestions. I’ll have to think a while before I can add anything else that is important to your readers. I especially like “just do it” which I call “Just get Started”. People put up this wall of fear when they begin something new. Unless you are pouring concrete, you shouldn’t worry. And even that can get jackhammered.
Great list, Richard! Goal-setting and productivity is my specialty, so I would add set weekly and monthly goals, as well as goals for the year, so you keep your priorities in line and be able to do the items on your list!
Happy Holidays!
“Stop thinking and just do it” speaks loudly to me. Most often I’m “ready…ready…aim.” and I should be “ready, aim, fire!”
Awesome tips, Ricardo! Always love your posts. Happy holidays!
Communicate more, probably. Great list though. Thank you Ricardo!
Hi Ricardo
Love this Genesis theme.
When I saw it over at Studiopress I didn’t realise that it would look this good!
Fabulous site.