Most entrepreneurs will agree that maintaining a successful business requires-or perhaps demands is a better word-hard work. A willingness to work long hours (especially in the start-up phase), the desire to educate yourself about everything from accounting to marketing, staying on top of recent developments in your area of expertise, determination, and motivation are just a few of the many potential obstacles that, if overcome, award staying power to individuals dedicated to sustaining their businesses.

It's often helpful to talk with other business owners, swapping bits of information about what has helped each of you grow your business. In case you haven't had one of these insightful conversations in a while, read on and see what a few professionals have to say about what they've learned along the way.

Don't be afraid of change.
"Our company has been in business since 1969 and I am still learning," says Pat Hagenbuch of Philippi-Hagenbuch, Inc. (www.philsystems.com). "All things change and to keep the edge we [business owners] need to make changes too. This is sometimes the hardest thing to do."

True. A single business model rarely works forever. And even when things are going well, it pays to stay a step ahead of the competition. Talk with your clients to see what's working and what's not. Hagenbuch emphasizes the importance of staying in touch with others, whether it's employees or customers. "Keep communication always at the top," she says, noting that this is her own #1 priority is communication.

Focus on what you do best-and roll with it.
Jeff Davies of Performance Growth Partners, Inc. (www.performtogrow.com) shares this tidbit:

"When I started in business I wanted to tell everyone about the 101 things my partners and I did. From prospects I would get a lot of wow's and [comments like] 'Everyone should be your customer!' but very few 'Where do I sign?' and 'How do you like your payments?' Lots of calls later I started to focus on the one thing I did better than anyone I know. I am a recruiter. Businesses pay me to find the right person for their job. That means we don't settle for the best of the worst or just anyone to fill the slot. They need someone who can step in and make a difference."

He's right! Zeroing in on what you do best will only improve your skills, keeping existing clients happy and attracting new ones as they realize your commitment to professionalism.

Find a mentor.
Hagenbuch believes in the power of support among professionals who aren't afraid to tell you what they think of your ideas-in a positive manner, of course. "Surround yourself with a good mentoring or support group," she says. "Having a wall to bounce ideas off of will take you much further than trying to come up with everything on your own."

Michelle Tjelmeland of E-websmart (www.e-websmart.com) agrees. "In order to effectively grow your business, it is imperative to have a mentor, business coach, or life coach far enough removed from your business or industry to provide fresh perspective and insight when reviewing what works, what needs to be changed, and ways one can improve their product or service offerings." (There's another reference to being open to change-it must be a truth!)

We can't stress enough how important it is to have someone to use as a sounding board for ideas. Obtaining an objective opinion from a friend or fellow business owner will give you a fresh perspective, helping you make the best decisions possible.

These are just a few tidbits of advice from seasoned professionals. Of course the list is endless-keep the circle of information flowing and consider sharing your own experiences with another business owner today!


RESOURCES

Reach Your Goals Faster by Prioritizing Your Activities
Online article by Vishal P. Rao
See how prioritizing activities can help you get more done. Focuses on working smarter, not harder concepts.
www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/reach-your-goals-faster-by-prioritizing-your-activities.html


Big Ideas for Small Service Businesses: How to Successfully Advertise, Publicize, & Maximize Your Business or Professional Practice
By Marilyn & Tom Ross
Nearly 300 pages of tips focusing on image-building, providing outstanding service, motivating employees, and much more.
www.amazon.com/Big-Ideas-Small-Service-Businesses/dp/0918880165


The Publicity Hound
Joan Stewart, publicity expert extraordinaire, provides ideas for getting free publicity on her website. Sign up for her newsletter and get monthly tips, too.
www.publicityhound.com

Business Strategist Joy Duling is Managing Director of the Midwestern professional services firm, A 25 Hour Day, LLC. With more than a decade of executive-level project management experience, Joy helps time-pressed professionals take control of their business outcomes. Learn how you can achieve more of what you really want in your business by visiting www.theSmallBusinessStrategist.com. Take advantage of Free Audio Seminars and receive a bonus subscription to The Strategist, a monthly action-oriented ezine for small business owners who are intent on achieving more."