Networking Your Business to the Next Level
How to Maximize Business Relationships
Ray Sclafani, founder and president of a coaching firm called ClientWISE, wrote an article for womenentrepreneur.com called “Reaching the Next Level of Your Business” in which he discusses the importance of using professional relationships to boost your small business to the next level. In that article he presents three steps in accomplishing this, which we have condensed and modified in consideration of your unique business concerns. If you’ve been thinking about advancing your business, consider the following:
Define your vision.
I was walking down the hallway of my children’s elementary school yesterday and saw a poster that read, “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” If you haven’t given any thought to what you’d like your business to ultimately become, than you’re on track to getting what you’ve always gotten.
All successful business owners have a vision and the vision helps them determine what action they must take in order to move their business to the next level. Are you interested in evolving your business into something more profitable? Would you like to see it become a full-time venture? Are you interested in expanding your business so that you can function as a full-service financial provider? Do you expect to grow your business and add staff employees? All these questions can help you determine where you’d like your business to go. Once that vision is defined you can take the necessary steps to accomplish it.
Turn associates into advocates.
Look at all your contacts (clients, potential clients, colleagues, other business associates) and determine which of those might become your advocates. Consider those you most trust, who appreciate your services. Once you’ve found 10-such associates, you can approach them for help. No, you’re not asking for money or even a lot of their time. You’re asking them to answer 3 key questions regarding your business and how it might improve:
- What do you do well now?
- How might your business improve?
- How would they describe your business to a friend or associate?
The answers to three questions will provide you will insight that will enable you to move forward, taking your business with you.
Work at 90-day increments.
In order to find the best business advocates, Sclafani suggests asking yourself: “Which 10 people could have the greatest impact on my business in the next 90 days?” Once you determine who those individuals are you can work to improve your relationships in order to get that valuable feedback that will improve your business. If that relationship already exists, initiate that conversation as soon as possible so that you can be advised on where next to take your business.
Work in 90-day increments, keeping your goals in mind. Those goals can be to develop relationships with key advocates or being applying valuable advice on improving your business and services. Whichever goals you choose, watch them closely and do all you can to accomplish them within that three-month timeframe.
References
Sclafani, Ray. “Reaching the Next Level of Your Business.” 22 October 2007. WomenEntrepreneur.com
UAC Can Be a Tremendous Advocate for Your Business
One way to fast-track your business to the next level is by adding accounting to your services. You’ll be able to attract more clients and stay busy year-round, managing small business accounts. And by enrolling in Universal Accounting Center’s Professional Bookkeeper Program you can gain the knowledge and expertise much sooner than you might expect.
In less than 60 hours you could complete practical training in small business accounting that will give you the confidence and skills you need to launch your business to another, more profitable level. Not only that, but you’ll find the program inexpensive and convenient, allowing you to study at your own time and pace. Here are the four modules you’ll enjoy:
- Module One: Accounting Made Easy
- Module Two: Practical Small Business Applications
- Module Three: Advancing Your ‘Account-Ability’
- Module Four: Building a Successful Accounting Service Contents
To learn more you can order our video, “Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program” for just $9.95. Imagine that. For less than $10 you can be one step closer to achieving your vision. Now that’s a prime investment! Order today!
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