I truly believe that success is a process, not an event.

I recently had a conversation with a very successful Meetup Organizer for a entrepreneurial group.  We were discussing business goals, his success and converting it to money.  Interestingly, he admitted to me that in 3 years running the group the majority of his members are no further in their business than they were back then!

What makes the difference?  What processes are important?

Honestly? This may be hard to hear, but some ‘entrepreneurs’ are just employees with great ideas who started a hobby not a business.

To truly be a successful business, one must:

  1. Have a business mindset
  2. Truly know the value of their product
  3. Have strategies that they are focused on to implement
  4. Self-disciplined enough to hustle
  5. Understand income, revenue and profit & loss
  6. Have a clear brand that shows who you are
  7. Be creative, flexible and willing to take risks
  8. Understand that marketing is important to growth
  9. Not be afraid of sales

10. Know that to make money you must be willing to put some money out

Where are you with these success factors? Which do you need to work on to take your business to the next level?

 

Ann Evanston, MA, has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants, Feb 2011, and recognized in the Huffington Post for her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October 2008 Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to “discover your REAL edge” and make more online in less time with integrity.
  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    Susan I am a HUGE fan of the e-Myth! LOVE that you brought it up, as a matter of fact Joshua and I talked about it on my radio show Monday – do take a listen on my home page!

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    Susan I am a HUGE fan of the e-Myth! LOVE that you brought it up, as a matter of fact Joshua and I talked about it on my radio show Monday – do take a listen on my home page!

  • SusanMazza

    A great list Ann. I read the E-Myth some time ago and they draw the distinction between working on your business and working in your business. For me that captures the essence of difference between someone with an employee mindset who is trying to start a business and a true entrepreneur. Everything on your list has to do with working “on” your business in some respect.

  • http://beyondfreelancing.com Jeffrey Tang

    As promised, my take on the difficulty of “taking the leap.” See what you think! http://beyondfreelancing.com/2009/08/taking-the…

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    Thank you Jeffrey! Investment is such an important word – different from spend and it can be time, money, resources and more!

  • http://beyondfreelancing.com Jeffrey Tang

    In my opinion, the two things that hold most entrepreneurs back are:

    1. A lack of self-discipline (#4) – it's really easy to get excited about a great business idea initially, but if you don't have the discipline to follow through with hard work every single day, you'll never see real success.

    2. Reluctance to “take the leap” (#s 7, 8, 9, and 10) – It's one thing to say that you're launching a new business, but it's quite another to actually invest something worthwhile in the success of your business, whether that something is your time, money, or reputation.

    Thanks for the post; gives me some things to think about.

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    Absolutely Kim! Check out the link on #6 – even explains how to get started in a unique brand! Ann

  • kimrandall

    Great post. The only thing I would add to your list is to be unique. Being unique causes you and your brand to standout which in return sets you apart from the competition.