Growing Your Business The Way You Want Is Like ABC, Easy As 1-2-3!

The internet is brimming with advice on how to improve your company, build a business, be the best entrepreneur EVER! Everywhere you click, you'll find articles, blogs, videos, you name it, from experts. In fact, you're reading one of them right now, thank you very much! This is sort of my "Dear Marley" column where I can give advice based on what I've learned, what I'm still learning, and once in a while, dish about my missteps in the crazy world of small business ownership... except I skip the actual Q&A. I try to keep my musings to a format that's digestible, relatable AND an easy go-to when you need a useful distraction from running your own business. Don't want to deal with expense reports? Hmmm... let's see what Marley's talking about this week! I like to be helpful that way. Hopefully I am some of the time!

Now, about all that advice that surrounds us. Nothing as complicated as building a business can be done in three easy steps – 872 steps maybe, but holy cow, not three. Sorry for the misleading headline, that was my hook to get you here. And to put The Jackson Five in your head all dang day. (My mad marketing skills at work.) We all know that to build a business, you need to put in lots of time and effort and it ain't exactly easy. Or quick. But since I just finished telling you how I try to make this blog digestible and relatable, I'll share just three ideas that I think are generally important to the business building process.

Reader's Digest Version: How To Build A Business!

Know your peeps.

It's essential not only to know who's buying your products/services, but to know something about them. What do they like? Dislike? Their preferences and purchasing habits? This can only be learned by doing research and talking to your customers. It's a little bit of old-school homework combined with facetime interaction. I mean actual facetime if possible (not the app), or whatever means you normally use to be in direct contact with your customers.

Be the face of your business.

The flip side of knowing your customers and clients is them knowing you. Just like ABBA says: Knowing me, knowing you... (Threw that in just in case you'd like a different earworm in your head.) This is truly key in small business. It doesn't mean that you overshare every time you talk to a client. (In fact, please make a point of NOT doing that!) But it does mean working to help your clients understand you as a business owner, your philosophy, know that you're trustworthy and reliable. You are a key component of your business's brand.

Oversharing can be good.

For an entrepreneur, one of the best, tried-and-true ways to grow your customer base and build a business is word of mouth. Used to be, in old timey times, actual word of mouth was the way that worked. And it still does. If I'm looking for a new caterer or nail salon, I'll usually start by asking my friends. But there's also social media to help you out. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Yelp – to name the most obvious ones – can do wonders in extending your word-of-mouth reach. So the more you can do to build relationships with your customers, the more likely they are to like/re-tweet/share positive reviews of your business on their social media.

Be Oh So Quotable This Week!

Oh by the way, do you feel like you're too busy? Or like you're always working but not much is getting done? Your solution is right here and it's FREE!

I always say running a business means the work 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!

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.

Build A Business – Tip #1:

Love this? Pin it to your Motivation Board.

"I feel really grateful to the people who encouraged me and helped me develop. Nobody can succeed on their own." – Sheryl Sandberg

Build A Business – Tip #2:

Love this? Pin it to your Quotes Board.

"Make the right decision even when nobody's looking, especially when nobody's looking, and you will always turn out okay." – Oprah Winfrey

Build A Business – Tip #3:

Love this? Pin it to your Business Tips Board.

"You've got to start with the customer experience and work back toward the technology – not the other way around." – Steve Jobs

Build A Business – Tip #4:

Love this? Pin it to your Quotes Board.

"Know what your customers want most and what your company does best. Focus on where those two meet." – Kevin Stirtz

Build A Business – Tip #5:

Love this? Pin it to your Business Tips Board.

"The secret to successful hiring is this: look for the people who want to change the world." – Marc Benioff

Let's talk! I'd love to hear your advice on how to build a business!

What methods have worked for you to build a business? What would you add to my list of 3 steps? 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!

Oh by the way, want to eliminate frustration and increase cash? Discover 8 simple ideas to get clients, identify the three types of clients and create your sales system. Get Our Top 5 Strategies right here for FREE!

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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