Back to business … 7 Top Tips from our life & business coach

03/09/13

The holidays are over and it's back to work, back to school – and more importantly – back to business for you as an entrepreneur. This stretch, September to December is a key quarter for many businesses.

It's often one of the most creative, productive and lucrative times of the years from autumn to Christmas and the last chance to push to achieve your annual goals.

Our business coach, Rasheed Ogunlaru who runs the 'Soul Trader' business growth and networking workshop shares these top tips.

Clarity

- Step back, take stock and then move ahead. Check where you are at and identify your key overall, financial, marketing and operational goals for the last quarter of year. Put in regular progress meetings/ sessions.

Customers

- Use this opportunity to get back in touch with, thank and reconnect with customers. Where are they at? What do they need? How can you help them? Ask for feedback. Get them involved.

Courage

- Believe in you and what you do. Do something courageous to help you grow. It may be going on a course, pursuing an award, reaching out to new customers or pitching for new business. What could help you grow?

Co-operation

- Even solo athletes need a time. Identify the help, support and expertise you need. Build a network with other entrepreneurs. Look at ways to collaborate, cross refer, work and benefit from other to help you all grow.

Conversations

- Review and fine tune your website, promo materials & social media interactions – and identify a handful of key clients, contacts and potential customers you should be talking to and get in touch with them.

Creativity

- Mix it up, make it fun. What inspires you and what what makes you feel alive –act on it. What one thing would elevate your business – act on it. Identify the blend of framework and freedom that works for you.

Compassion

- Ensure you stay in love with our business. Take care of yourself: book in some free time, family time. Take care of customers, suppliers and staff. Thanks them, involve them and give them positive feedback.

And finally, change

- What's hot and what's not? List what's working for you how you can build on it. List what's not working and identify how in small steps you can improve it and what help you might need to do it.

Get inspired and organised with Rasheed at his Soul Trader: Your life, your business workshop held each month. The next date is 27 September.