“I’m not sure where to start.” “What is it that I need to do?” “How can I get going and take my business to the next level?” These are a few of the emails that have been coming in since I spoke at the two events (St George/Sutherland BEC Sales & Marketing Forum & Sydney Women’s Network) last week. There’s a common theme running through the emails, as there was when I was speaking one on one with people after the events. The theme being: most people want to get running, but don’t know where they need to start. So....what's the first step to take?

Well, starting at the beginning is always good. But asking "What is it that I need to do?", is not what I have found to be the best starting point that guarantees you business success. I have found that identifying the core purpose and intention of your business is the very best way to start. This realisation should be your key starting point for all your business outcomes, which will ensure you build such a strong business that it attracts exactly the type of clients you want. By default, this will boost your bottom line - producing the financial results you desire, while maximising your use of time and resources.

Let me show you what I mean.

Ask yourself the following questions:

· How committed are you to growing your business?
· Is this something you really want or is it something that you think you want?
· What does a successful business look like to you?
· What is the reason you began your business? and,
· Could you clearly articulate this, if I was to ask you?

I’ve shared with you that the reason that I started my business was initially because I had a need and desire for freedom. Freedom allowed me to work how I wanted to work, when I wanted to work, and with whom I wanted to work with. As time progressed and things changed within my life, more needs evolved, which kept me focused on continuing to be successful in business. This need is to be a strong role model for my daughters, and to show them that they can do anything that they put their minds to.

If you are clear on why you're in business, then you will make sure you take steps that drive your business positively in the direction of success.

To assist you in achieving this success, let’s look at three of my very simple yet effective strategies to move your business forward:

- Commit to making your business a success. Let’s face it - business at the end of the day is about making money. How many hours do you work diligently to grow and build your business? I’m here to tell you that it takes work and commitment to really grow a business; there is no easy option here. So how much time and effort are you willing to commit to your business success? Decide on what this looks like, stay focused and don’t get distracted. Think about it, if you were working for someone else, would you step out to do your grocery shopping in the middle of the morning?

- Be clear on your Business Development Days (BDD). These are the days, where you work ON your business. Know exactly what day/s of the week you are dedicating to be BDD. Be clear on your outcomes, know what you want to achieve and how you are going to achieve them. Do you know what activities you need to include in these days? If you have been doing the same thing and nothing different is happening, now is the time to look at what you need to change, and plan how to do it.

- If you’re still not sure what to do….give yourself a kick-start and work with a mentor. Investing in my mentors has been the best money I have spent on myself and for my business. Not only am I constantly learning, I’ve committed myself to being strategic about how I work to develop my business further. When I get stuck in a place of: “What do I do next?”, I ask the question, work through this with my mentor, and then roll up my sleeves to achieve what is next for me.

So, let’s commit to stop standing still. Write down what you want from your business and then look at what and who you need to help you achieve it. Take a stand and make a difference. Tweet