It is
easy for entrepreneurs to become stuck in start-up mode. However, you should
not limit yourself by remaining in that beginning phase. After some time it’s
necessary for your business to go from planning to doing. To get into this
mindset you as an entrepreneur need to start delegating, picking your business
battles, gaining attention, changing your pitch, and creating urgency.
One of the toughest things is to move from doing
everything yourself, to investing in other people to help with business tasks
that you can no longer handle. Approximately three quarters of all small
businesses have zero employees. It may seem costly to hire people, but you will lose more money through lack of production and the failure to
grow your business.
It is also important to pick your battles when it comes
to doing business. Don’t spend your time worrying about small things such as
creating your logo, which is likely to change along with your business. Focus instead on bigger battles such as increasing your customer base
and earning more money.
Another big hurdle
for small businesses is to gain more attention for yourself and your business.
You have to stand out among competition and a way to do that is to put yourself
out there for the public to see. Tell people who you are, prove to them that
you can live up to that name, and reap the admiration and attention you
desire.
Changing your sales pitch is another step that can take
your business to the next level. For example you may have started out saying “I
own a small consulting firm”. This comes off weak as you begin to gain more
customers and doesn't set you apart from other similar firms. Instead, take your
pitch a step further by saying something like “I own a consulting firm like
none other that guarantees your company increased sales." This shows that
you are unique, confident, and capable of providing the services that they
need. Also be ready to quickly explain what your business does in a better and
faster way.
Finally one
aspect of moving your business from start-up to expansion is to move with
urgency. Take the time to set specific timelines and achievement marks for
yourself and your employees. This pressure will allow you and your staff
to produce more products and services that are sure to increase your profit. Giving your employees these operating tasks will provide
your people and company with the momentum it needs.
So
remember that your business should progress from start-up mode to grown-up
mode. Today it is no longer about the big eating the small, but the fast eating
the slow. Take the time to accelerate your business and become a going concern
so you will become one of the fast companies in your industry.
Condensed from http://www.entrepreneur.com/
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