5 Takeaways from 5 Years in Business

March 2017 marks my fifth year in business, and I’m celebrating by sharing my five biggest takeaways.

You don’t have to take a job that’s “out there” you can create your experience. The process can be intimating but having someone who’s “been there” can help. If you are looking for guidance, contact me personally for a complimentary consultation, by clicking here.

Saying I’ve developed a business for over five years is a sentence that shocks me a little as a write it. If I can do it, anyone can carve out a path for themselves. All you need is enough courage and a goal you are willing to sacrifice everything to achieve. I wouldn’t say I’ve figured it all out, but I’ve learned a few things from my mistakes. Avoid a few of my notable bumps in the road by reading my biggest takeaways.

Create What You Seek

Creation is crucial if you want business success no matter what age you may be. My background is in the online content management industry which requires an endless supply of creativity. I create graphics, infographics, blog posts, and the overall content strategy for businesses.

What I also create are business relationships, referral relationships, designer relationships, and industry relationships. The amount of things you must create as a business owner can seem endless. The trick is nurturing experiences that will take you to the n. If you aren’t willing to do something it isn’t going to happen this can be a tough takeaway but one you must learn early on in your career.

Character Counts More Than Hype

We all know people that ooze charisma. Charm can help get your foot in the door but when it comes to long-term success people will start to see right through those alluring dimples. You have to do more than just look the part; you have to possess the kind of character that builds trust. Doesn’t the old saying go, “People do business with who they like, know, and trust.” To me, the third adjective is the most important. From my experience, nothing kills a business relationship faster than lack of faith.

Whether it is a product or a service in today’s economy you can not hide, cover up, or hope no one notices. This is why good character is crucial when your clients or customers feel like you genuinely care about them the decision to leave or discontinue is more thoroughly thought through than if they have no personal connection with them.

I have lost clients when the person “felt” like I was not, personally, focused on them enough. I’ve also nurtured relationships for years to the point that many of my clients feel they couldn’t trust anyone else. The relationship we have is worth more than any numerical value. If you create one successful business relationship, you can build more. Whether you are emailing, texting, in a one-on-one meeting or connecting for a Skype call, prepare early, no one wants to wait on you, show a genuine interest in everything he/she says and offer ways you can help. You don’t have to have a power point, spend thousands of dollars on a website, or have a pitch memorized to impress someone. People will be impressed by your focus. Let actions do all the talking.