While starting your own business can be relatively easy, but it’s a lot harder to stay committed and optimistic when things get challenging.
Staying the course, having a positive mindset and pressing through the obstacles are all key strategies for having a successful and profitable consulting business.
But what are practical, easy-to-implement tactics that you can start using today? Here are 8 ways that I keep coming back to when I get stuck or frustrated with my business progress.
Establish, clear, SMART goals
Don’t just say you need new clients, specify how many clients, determine your income goals, decide how many new connections and so on. Without goals, you can feel like you are spinning your wheels and you can get stuck accepting whatever comes your way.
Keep your “why” as your driving force
We all started our consulting businesses for different reasons. What is your “why” – not the obvious stuff like more income and more flexibility, but the inspirational “why” that keeps you trying when odds are against you.
What is your vision for your business? What is your vision for your client and what they can succeed through you?
You need to keep that in the front of your mind in every way possible. I have a vision board of ideal clients that I look at every day, it reminds me why I want to succeed and who will benefit from my efforts.
Be flexible and adaptable to changes
There’s not a one-size-fits-all method to business success; you might have to try a lot of things before you find what works best for you. Your consulting business will evolve over time, the type of services, programs and packages you offer will also change as you better understand your ideal clients.
The key is to be flexible and be willing to try new things and shift gears when needed to reach your ultimate goal.
Seek out a group of supportive consultants and solopreneurs.
It’s a lot easier to stay committed to something if there are people who have taken the same journey who can cheer you on and share business success strategies with you.
One of the many reasons that I love being a coach and now especially, a business coach is because I get the share success strategies with other entrepreneurs. I understand the sacrifices it requires, but I also know the rewards.
Find a buddy coach, join a mastermind group, attend weekly networking events, participate in a group coaching program…whatever it takes, stay connected and engaged with others who on the same journey.
Accept support, guidance and advice for successful consultants
If you’re like most people, you probably think you can get your business going on your own. And if you’re like most people, you probably can’t. Starting your own business is a big job, and it’s perfectly normal to need a little help, coaching or guidance to achieve success.
Seek out a mentor, hiring a business coach and invest in business growth training classes and programs. My consulting business grew significantly when I worked with a coach and accountability partner…they both served as constant reminders about what is possible.
Take time out to celebrate every accomplishment
While it’s important to stay focused on the big goals, don’t overlook or downplay the small wins that happen along the way.
What have you accomplished in the past week? Did you start an email newsletter? Did you start blogging? Did you post an article online that got lots of comments? Did you land a speaking engagement?
While every accomplishment may not mean money in the bank, each piece is step towards your big goals…celebrate your progress, share with your support network and keep pressing on.
I guarantee that by the time you’re finished, you’ll feel better and amazed on how much you have done in your business.
Operate in constant state of learning and growth
Constantly expand your knowledge, skills, expertise and business acumen by attending seminars, webinars, reading eBooks, newsletters, business publications and doing things to keep your consulting business fresh and innovative.
Every Monday, I actively seek out new resources, tools, tips and systems that help me be more productive in my business, up-level my service offerings and explore new ways to deliver success to my clients.
See the glass as half full
A positive attitude goes a long way in keeping you motivated. Whenever I am having a tough day, I challenge myself to find a new perspective or a different way of looking at the same situation.
Again, this is where having a supportive network or buddy consultant can go a long way. As my father always says, “the longest journey begins with a single step”, stepping out on your own is no easy feat, but the ultimate success is worth the ride if you don’t give up.
What steps have you taken as a new consultant to stay motivated and committed?
