3 Key Elements To Ramp Up Your Business

Have you looked at your “vision statement” and your “why” lately?  If not, it’s time!  And when you pull up that vision statement does it epitomize where your business is currently? Has your business met your “why”?  If so, congratulations – now you’re ready to update your “why” and stay focused on that vision.

But I want to focus on those of you who are not at that point yet and identify 3 key elements to address in order to ramp up your business and create the business you have envisioned and reach your “why”.

First you need to address your financial foundation.  Some of you may have gotten that “financial gene” but many designers have not, and the mention of financials actually causes heart palpitations!  Within DSU alone there are a number of tools to simplify your financials as well as suggestions and connections to those whose expertise IS in the financial realm. When you connect with the right people, they can do the “heavy lifting” for you and DSU can help you by providing tools to filter all those numbers down to something you can understand – including a 12-month roadmap to financial success.

But, of course, you have to come up with the numbers.  What is the actual cost to run your business?  What do you need to earn to reach your financial goals? This is the kind of information you need to gather before you can decide what you need to charge in order to run a successful business.

Second, identify your “why”.  Remember, “He who has a why can endure any how.” (Frederick Nietzsche)  Ask yourself what drives you.  It needs to be more than just money.  It might be the difference that money will make for you, but that is deeper than just money.  Your “why” needs to be strong enough to keep you committed through the up’s and down’s and challenges you will face.  It creates a clear sense of purpose and ignites your passion to enable you to take the risks necessary and push forward.

And third, how do you portray yourself when networking with your ideal clients?  Not only do you need to have a clear written profile addressing the demographics, psychographics and technographics of your ideal client, but you need to exude confidence when working with that ideal client.  Yes, they may have a great deal more wealth than you do, but it should be your expertise they are seeking, not your social status. A quote in an article on working with wealthy clients stated “Your attitude determines your altitude!”  Just ask yourself, would you feel comfortable working with someone who seemed unsure and uncomfortable?   I doubt it!  They are not looking at your bank account but rather your capability and the added value you will bring to the project.

So how committed are you to ramping up your business?  Remember, “…wanting change is step one, but step two is taking it.” (Isaac Marion, Warm Bodies)