Do’s and Do Not Do’s

  • DO choose your service providers with care. There are many valuable services that you may need such as: accounting, marketing, web design, logo design, coaching . . . the list goes on. However, remember that business is business and there will be an assortment of costs associated with each one so you need to find a balance. Make sure that you research your provider — even if your gut tells you just to go for it! I like to think I am a pretty good judge of character, but any time I made a snap decision it has cost more trouble than taking the time to be thorough.
  • DO NOT be caught off guard –if you aren’t offered time to make a decision, it is probably not a good thing. If you are caught off guard, say you need time to think it over!
  • DO join a meetup group (check out www.meetup.com) that provides you with networking, information, and friendship. One of my favourites is Calgary Professional Business Owners and Managers (http://www.meetup.com/Calgary-Business-Growth-Through-Learning/). These sessions provide networking as well as guest speakers on a variety of topics.  I have personally attended and loved:
    • Why Dumb People Achieve Great Things: An Unconventional Look at Goal Setting by L. Smith — the idea here is that recognizing your weaknesses and using your strengths can take you further.
    • Learn about converting website visitors to potential clients! by D. West — one of the most valuable lessons for businesses today.
    • The Persuasion Advantage by J. Hudson
    • 5 No Fail Strategies to Being Your Best Brand by L. Davies — style tips as well as business tips!
    • The latest is: “the Top 3 Massive Mistakes that Keep Business Owners Struggling for…” which still has some seats left for June 15!
  • DO NOT be fooled.  A colleague told me today, don’t always believe what people say! This is not to say that they are purposefully misleading you . . . just that words do not equate to actions. In business they are always concerned with the bottom line — and in relationships, this is what is actually done, not said.
  • DO find a mentor who has been in business for a while — even if you choose a business coach, I think it is important to find someone who is not charging you to act as a sounding board. This is especially valuable when you are a new business owner who does not actually have business experience — ie. 10 years in teaching public education!
  • Here’s an extra one. I am trying to reflect equally on the positive and the negative, but, what the heck, it’s Friday! Join www.LinkedIn.com. This is an online networking opportunity that lets you add your profile, connect with others, join discussion groups, showcase your talents, as well as incorporating references and providing referrals.

The good/bad news is that the only way to learn some of these lessons is to stumble through them. Hopefully this helps someone avoid at least one potential obstacle!

Always Be Marketing!

More lessons coming up!