Psst! Can You, As A Business Owner, Pass This Test?

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Psst! The secret it out! Business ownership requires a certain mindset and skill set. If I asked you to name 4 key areas in your business that you could improve upon to become a more effective business, could you name them? Here are 4 key areas to start with:

P: Perseverance. Now, many business owners would rather have seen "profit" as the "p" in PSST, but profit is the result, the goal, the prize, and you won't get to that "P" without a lot of the other: perseverance.

S: Systems. Most business owners know that systems are needed to smoothly run their businesses, but many have a hard time determining what, exactly, should be systemized. There's the belief that "if we systemize too much, we'll be de-humanizing our businesses, which is a valid concern, but it's a slightly misguided one as well. The type of systemization I am talking about opens up time and energy for you to BE more human in your business, working on your company on your terms rather than in it 24/7. Four key areas in your business to systemize are: Employees/Staff/TrainingDelivery and DistributionTesting and MeasuringProcesses and Technology

S: Sales. Business owners often feel they aren't salespeople, but it is possible to unleash the inner salesperson you didn't even know you had in you! They key is mastering how to:

* Deliver sales quotes that instill trust in prospective prospects

* Provide the kind of service that keeps customers coming back

* Master the crucial first minute of any sales call

* Set up a point of sales system that customers can't resist

Brad Sugars, founder of the world's largest business coaching firm, defines selling as "…nothing more than professionally helping other people to buy," with emphasis on the word "professionally". He further breaks salespeople into 4 categories:

* Order takers

* Product pushers

* Problem solvers

* Over sellers

Successful salespeople train constantly and surround themselves with successful salespeople. They also understand the simple-yet-effective concept that belief in a product or services mixed with confidence in one's ability to sell it means money will follow. The strong desire to achieve is the catalyst. It's the action that makes one's goals possible.

T: Target. You're probably tired of hearing it, but the importance of targeting your audience bears repeating. Who's your customer? Sadly, business owners are often so eager to get leads and customers that they accept anyone into that elite circle, and yes, it is an elite circle. If you haven't made it one, you need to! The only way to know who your best customers are is to test and measure EVERYTHING. The data that you gain from testing and measuring will help you determine: Who your "A" customers are.

* An "A" customer is not just a repeat buyer, but someone who becomes your mouthpiece. They refer your company to their friends, colleagues, family, and yes! Even strangers!

* "B" customers are your basic customers. They have bought from you and are trainable to become "A" customers.

* "C" customers are ones you can't deal with. They whine, complain, and are perfect customers…for your competition!

* "D" customers are the "dead to your business" customers. They are no good to you. A waste of your precious time. Get rid of them!

Sadly, many business owners spend a great deal of time, energy, and money trying to convert the "C" and "D" customers to becoming "B" and "A" customers, rather than putting concerted efforts into making the "A" and "B" customers very happy.

PSST is not only the secret code for helping you grow your business, but these tips also set you on the path to the "P" we spoke of earlier that all business owners strive for: Profit. As a business coach and mentor, I know the challenges business owners face in pinpointing problem areas, developing winning strategies, and measuring progress, which is why a business coach trained in these and other important areas of business helps business owners create a path to financial freedom. How? By working with them to build a business that basically runs itself. So, next time you hear "Psst!" remember what it stands for, and let it be a reminder to you that "Action" speaks louder than words. For starters, let's stop talking about business and get growing!

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