Secret to Success: Don't Be Afraid of Hard Work!

Running a small business is just like running a business of any other size, right? Umm... maybe? You have to develop your product or service, know your target market, keep an eye on your competition, know where the money goes and how much is coming in, handle hiring and employee issues, etc. You know, all the same stuff big companies do. But of course, for you, it's NOT just like running a big company because it's YOUR business! That means it's not just a job. It's your vision, your plan, your money, your hard work and your responsibility. Whether you're running a one-person operation or you have a staff of employees with benefits to manage, ultimately, it's up to you to keep your business running smoothly and profitably. Yeah, no pressure there!

I hope I haven't scared you from reading on by stating the obvious! But really, owning and operating your own company is not exactly like most other "jobs." When things go wrong or someone doesn't show up, you're probably the person who fills in or stays late. Sometimes, if you don't do it, it's not going to get done! In fact, the smaller your business, the more likely it is that you'll pick up the slack. Because that's what business owners do. We work hard! Not only because we want to, but because that's what it takes to stay in business, not to mention take it to the next level.

There's No Substitute For Hard Work in Small Business!

Unfortunately, there's no fast pass to success. (If there were, no companies would ever close their doors and you'd have nothing to worry about!) Success comes from putting in the hard work every day. And if you really want to be successful, hard work is something you shouldn't be afraid of. I've spent my entire career working hard. But once I started my own gig, putting in the hours felt different. I was more invested in what I was doing, literally! It was MY money! But I also cared more. I started early and got home late every night. Work was pretty much my life for a long time and I was fine with that. I was doing what I wanted to do. Sound familiar? You probably know exactly what I'm talking about!

Not too long ago, I said that owning a business means the work absolutely never ends! Ain't that the truth? I bet your to-do list is a mile long! Make sure that the items at the top of your list are the things that relate to being more profitable. Everyone is so proud of being so "busy"...But Are You Making Any Money? Don't be too busy to focus! Do the right kind of hard work and your business will benefit!

Be Oh So Quotable This Week!

This week, we've got a roundup of quotes from some of my favorite authors to help you embrace all the hard work you do. As I often am, I was online looking for inspirational business quotes when I stumbled upon (ha!) OneMinuteList.com via StumbleUpon.com. What I love so much about this site, also aptly named, is that it really takes one minute to read their posts... and you'll learn some great information for business strategy or cocktail conversation! Over the next few weeks I will share quotes from their post, 18 Most Powerful Quotes, to hopefully inspire you to keep going in your business. For other interesting quotes, take a look at Stats & Curiosities from Harvard Business Review. Also, check out 57 Fascinating Business Facts That Will Blow Your Mind from BuzzFeed News and fantastic tips from #TheHiveLA host Sean Low!

Check out the summary of last week's business tips and motivational quotes from my Instagram page which you hopefully got to see in real time! If not, let's make sure we're following each other on Instagram!! So...here is this week's roundup of Instagram images of My Top Business Tips and Motivational Quotes.

Hard Work – Tip #1:

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"I don't count my sit-ups. I only start counting when it starts hurting. That is when I start counting, because then it really counts. That's what makes you a champion." – Muhammad Ali

Hard Work – Tip #2:

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"Be the sherpa you are." Not very glamorous advice, but sound advice just the same. It's good to delegate, but there are times when you need to step up and be the one who does the heavy lifting.

Hard Work – Tip #3:

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"Don't believe people who say they work 60 hours a week. People overstate the number of hours they 'usually' work by 5–10%." This can be true of your colleagues, friends and even your own staff.

Hard Work – Tip #4:

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"The iPad 2 would cost $1,140 if it were made in America."

Hard Work – Tip #5:

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"We choose to go to the moon and do these other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard." – John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Do you have a plan? I want YOUR stories on how hard work improved your business!

I'm sure you have some stories from "in the trenches" on how your hard work made a difference. Which tips above did you find helpful? I would LOVE to hear from you!

Anyhoo...I publish these business tips and motivational quotes to get you fired up for your work week! And, if you want more business tips, get my book, But Are You Making Any Money? or contact me to really take your business to the next level!

xoxo M

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