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Ways to improve your business

Firstly if you haven't already written a business plan for you business; then that is the first thing we advise you to do.

Other than that; here is a list of simple things you can do to make your business better.

  • Organize your time better - structure your day so that you get the important jobs done first.
  • Organize your office - chuck stuff out that you don't need - you'll save time not having to go through stuff which is just getting in your way and slowing you down.
  • At the beginning of the day don't waste time getting cups of coffee/tea, online reading facebook/twitter/unimportant e-mails etc .etc. - you are usually at your sharpest in the morning so make use of that and do something more productive.
  • Write two to-do lists. The first should contain everything that you need to get done soon. It should be a comprehensive list of short-, medium-, and long-term projects and work, and you should constantly adjust it. The second to-do list should be what you can reasonably expect to get done today, and today only.
  • Take on just one new activity at a time. When you try to master too many new activities at once, you can easily feel overwhelmed. You are less likely to master what you are trying to achieve by taking on too much...I'm sure you've heard the phrase Jack of all trades master of none.
  • Carry a small notebook with you everywhere. If you have a good idea then you can note it down. You can always use a dictaphone as well.
  • Take breaks throughout the day. It will help clear your mind and relieve pressure. Something as simple as going to the water cooler for a drink may do the trick. Make sure it is a quick break though - don't let it turn into a long chat about a sports game.
  • If you are always running late, sit down with a pencil and paper and see how you are actually allotting your time. Adjusting your schedule can improve your time management skills, thus causing you to be on time.
  • Use a monthly calendar for short-term scheduling and a 6-month calendar for long-range scheduling. Pencil in all things that pertain to your goals, including classes you want to take, regular exercise sessions, social events, and family time.
  • On a daily action list, categorize tasks: those that need immediate attention (you had better do them yourself), those that can be delegated, and those that can be put off. To avoid procrastination, tackle the toughest jobs first, breaking them into smaller, less daunting components. Also by tackling the toughest jobs first - they won't play on your mind, and they will also give you greater satisfaction when you complete them making your next tasks easier and more rewarding to do.
  • Free up time for the things you really want to do by simplifying your life. Let go of activities that don’t contribute to your goals.
  • Reduce the waste—and frustration—of everyday delays. Wherever you go, take reading material or a portable music player. Then when you have to wait, you can make good use of or enjoy the time.
  • Make a point of sharing your knowledge with young professionals as well as high-level executives. Both will remember you for your time and consideration.
  • Keep abreast of trends in your industry by joining professional associations, attending conferences, and reading newsletters and magazines. Take classes and attend training to learn from others in your field.
  • Make networking with others in your field a priority. Schedule some time to meet for coffee or lunch or keep in touch via email and social networks.
  • Learn the importance of giving yourself pep talks, and keep the voice in your head positive. Stay focused, and be willing to work as hard as you need to.
  • Try to challenge yourself in new ways. Seek out complex work and new ideas to avoid boredom and repetition.
  • Take care of your health. Schedule that physical exam you’ve been putting off and make sure you get exercise and take care of any personal issues that are troubling you. Being in good physical shape has been proven to improve all areas of your lifestyle...so don't see doing some exercise as being a waste of time.
  • Keep positive. Hold the big picture in your sights. What’s gloomy for one can be a gold mine for another.
  • Reinvent. Create new products or services - or reconfigure old ones. Implement solutions that are valuable to your key customers.
  • Don’t do it alone! Get support from family, friends, coaches, and fellow entrepreneurs.
  • Perform an assessment of the market conditions to find out how you match up to other companies like yours, get clear on your financial position.
  • Get input from your employees and customers or clients. They probably have a lot of ideas for how you could grow, and it might not have occurred to you to ask them.
  • Project a consistent polished professional image, in order to send the message to the world that the quality of your product and/or service.
  • Take a step back and learn how to delegate. There is only one of you so if you can outsource work or get other members in your team then so much the better.
  • Develop a brand identity which will resonate with the customer and reflect the key aspects of the company, including not only its products, but its culture and goals.
  • Be a visionary. Picture what you would like your business to be like.
  • Be committed to excellence. There will always be bumps in the road. It is a part of life and it is a part of business. The true test is how you and your company deal with them.
  • Be innovative. Find innovative solutions to solve your problems. There are a million ways to grow your business. Find the smart, innovative ways that are best for you.
  • Embrace your mistakes and learn from them.
  • Realize that failures are merely steps in our progress.
  • Luck is the marriage of opportunity with preparedness. You obviously have the attitude part prepared - so the rest is actually doing the basic steps that lead to greatness.
  • Raise your prices. When pricing most business owners research their market, look at what their competition is charging and find a happy medium between them.
  • Find a target market that is willing to pay for premium prices. The luxury market is booming and every business should find a product to serve them.
  • Three ways to grow any business: Get more clients; sell existing clients more often; and sell existing clients more stuff.
  • Whether it is bartering or partnering with someone else, find the people who have what you need and is willing to collaborate with you. A true win / win situation can skyrocket a business!

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