Five Tips To Help You Grow in Business
Especially if you are looking to pivot into something new.
Stepping into a new lane is a challenge at the best of times. In a recession, like the unofficial one we're in, it's even more difficult.
Having mentors to guide you as you navigate a new path is always helpful. Here are some tips I've recently received that might help you if you're also looking to pivot.
Advice: Start with what you know. If you're in sales, don't start looking for work in finance. Play to your strengths. How did I implement? When I started on upwork, my first assignment was in the medical field - I came from working as a pharm tech - and I boosted my confidence in my ability to write for clients and get paid for it.
Advice: Tap into your networks whether it's former clients, friends, neighbors, former colleagues or family. Get those warm leads and work them. How did I implement? I’m not good at this. I will post to cold markets before I tap into people I actually know. I find that easier. In my experience, your inner circle will not be your first clients. Yes, they were supportive of me but that support rarely translates into being clients. Perhaps it’s because it’s easier for strangers to see you more clearly as just ‘expert freelancer’ instead of all the other labels they already see you as.
Advice: Always be marketing. Whether you're in the supermarket, a network convention or a birthday party for your two year old niece, tell people what you do. You just never know where your next client will come from. How did I implement? I’m always talking about what I do, but my strategy is not honed using the science/analytics etc. I find that I’m pressed for time when it comes to looking at data and tailoring my marketing to the data. I don’t like to do it and I know it’s stopping me from achieving the next level of response. What’s the answer? I know what it is, but I’m not implementing.
Advice: Consistency is key. Do one thing every day to promote your business/livelihood. Whether it's posting a social media post, commenting on other people's posts, writing an essay, doing a youtube video or handing out business cards on the street - make sure you've directed someone to your business every day. How do I implement? I’ve seen the impact of consistency. Many times in the past, I’m just at the point of achieving results when I stop being consistent and move on to something else. This time, I’m looking to run a marathon and not a sprint.
Advice: Find your community. These are the people who will mentor you, or spread the word about your business or buy your products. You can only find a community if you are willing to be in community with others which means quid pro quo. Giving and receiving in equal measure. How do I implement? I’m trying to put myself out there more, talking to more people and being of service. It’s helping me to get out of my head and not spiral downward.
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