As a business owner, it’s important to continuously strive for growth and improvement. One way to do this is by developing habits that will help you achieve success. Here are seven habits that every business owner should consider incorporating into their daily routine:
1. Set goals and track progress.
Setting clear goals for your business can help you stay focused and motivated. You and your team need to understand what you are trying to achieve and how you are going to make it happen. Your priorities and goals are a roadmap towards success.
It’s also important to regularly track your progress to see how far you have come. A regular check-in will also identify areas for improvement.
2. Practice time management.
As a business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in doing the day-to-day tasks and lose sight of the bigger picture. To stay on track and make the most of your time, try using tools like a planner or a time management app to prioritize your tasks and allocate your time effectively.
Pay attention to where and how you are spending your time. Keep asking, “Is this the best use of my time? Can someone else be doing this? Is this a priority right now?” We procrastinate on the tasks we think are hard, or just don’t like. Outsource or delegate those and focus on what only you can and should be doing.
3. Stay organized.
A cluttered work environment can lead to a cluttered mind, so it’s important to keep your space organized. This can help you work more efficiently and reduce stress.
This includes organizing your digital workspace. Set up a folder structure for your email, your PC and shared drives. Establish a uniform naming convention for folders and documents that everyone follows. It doesn’t have to be elaborate:
Customer Name
Contact Information
Invoices
Contracts
Meeting Notes
4. Build a strong network.
Having a strong network of colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals can provide valuable insights and support as you grow your business. Make an effort to regularly connect with others in your industry or other business owners and build meaningful relationships.
One way to build your network is to join a community of like-minded business owners through the ActionCOACH Membership Community Program. You will meet weekly with your peers to support and challenge each other.
5. Continuously learn and improve.
To stay ahead of the competition and continue growing, it’s important to continuously learn and improve. This could involve taking courses, attending industry events, or simply staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in your field.
Reading or listening to books, listening to podcasts, subscribing to newsletters are all effective ways to learn. Get recommendations from your business Community (see #4 above), and join our Membership Community monthly for a day of learning and discussion on how to apply that knowledge to your business.
6. Take care of yourself.
As a business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in work and neglect your own well-being. However, it’s important to prioritize your physical and mental health in order to perform at your best. Make time for exercise, healthy eating, and self-care to keep yourself energized and focused.
Small steps can have a large impact on your health and ability to focus. That means taking time to eat lunch and go out for a 10-minute walk. Your body and your brain need fuel, and a short break will increase your ability to focus.
7. Be proactive.
Instead of reacting to problems as they arise, try to anticipate potential issues and take preventative measures. This proactive approach can help you stay ahead of the game and prevent problems from escalating. Get to know your customers and vendors. Ask your peers in your Community for advice and strategies.
When problems do happen, and they will, learn from them so you do not have that same issue again. What will you do differently next time?
Developing these habits can take time and effort, but the payoff is worth it. By focusing on your goals, managing your time effectively, staying organized, building a strong network, continuously learning and improving, taking care of yourself, and being proactive, you can set yourself up for great success as a business owner. It is up to you to make strategic decisions, and you have the unique ability to do it well, with the help of some strong habits!
I hope that these tips have inspired you and I hope to see you as a Community Member in 2023.
Author: Sandy Merritt, Business Coach in Louisville, KY