Ten ways to grow your business without losing your mind

Whether your business is a gleam in your eye or a thriving enterprise, the chances are you sometimes feel overwhelmed.

 

One of the decisive success factors for entrepreneurs is their ability to focus on the right things and get them done quickly. Yet so many of us find ourselves overwhelmed by complexity, not knowing where to start, doubting our abilities or afraid we will fail. 

 

I’ve been here many times and so have many of my clients. With this experience in mind, here are ten ways to stop being overwhelmed, get focused and grow your business:

 

1. SET THE RIGHT FOUNDATIONS 

 

Our hectic lifestyles make it difficult to focus on the basics. We rush from task-to-task, riding a rollercoaster of highs and lows. If you want to set a vision for your business, this isn’t the place to start. If your performance is compromised, your business will be too. 

 

2. HAVE A CLEAR VISION FOR YOUR BUSINESS

 

Your vision for your business provides a sense of direction and a source of motivation. It paints a picture of the business you want to build. Without it, you have no basis for setting strategy, no yardstick to measure progress and no compass to guide you. 

 

3. TRANSLATE YOUR VISION INTO STRATEGY AND ACTION

 

It’s equally important to have a sense of how you will get there. If you don’t know what needs to be done to achieve your vision, it will remain a dream. Your strategy should be clear on what you will do to bring your vision to life. 

 

4. FOCUS ON THE RIGHT THINGS AND GET THEM DONE

 

It can be a challenge to focus on the right things. Often, we have too many competing priorities to see the wood for the trees. If you allow yourself to be driven by other people’s agendas, you will end up a “busy fool”.

 

5. SHOW UP AT 10/10 WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE 

 

We all have good days and bad days. On our good days we perform better, get more done and have a positive impact on the people around us. So, if you want higher performance, start with yourself. 

 

6. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE 

 

It’s often said, the people we spend time with are the people we come to resemble. If the people around you are the right people, they will pull you in the right direction. This is especially true when you’re building your team. 

 

7. COLLABORATE 

 

We are social creatures. We’re happier working together and more successful when we’re having fun. By collaborating on the things that are important, we create the possibility of sharing success, which is much more fun than being successful alone.

 

8. INVEST IN YOURSELF 

 

It’s fashionable to say you can achieve anything if you have the right attitude. There’s some truth to this. However, if you’re going to be successful, you’re going to need skills and experience to go along with that great attitude.  

 

9. INVEST IN YOUR TEAM

 

Just as important as investing in yourself, is investing in your team. The growth and development of your business is inextricably linked to the growth and development of your people. 

 

10. DELIVER QUALITY AND VALUE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS

 

Ultimately, the purpose of your business is to deliver quality and value for your customers. Every successful business I’ve ever worked with has put customers front and centre in everything they do. 

 

Image Credit: Bruce Mars