Ready to Start a Business? 5 Key Things to Know First

When you’re getting into business, everything looks shiny and new.  A start-up offers a lot of exciting opportunities and gives you a focal point in your work-related life, but there are a lot of details to get right, too.  These details tend to be overlooked because of the excitement of being a new entrepreneur.  To make sure that your business is as successful as possible, here are 5 things to know first in order to make it worthwhile.

  1. Figure out your market and focus on their needs: You need to know who is going to buy your product or service in order to make sure that you are successful and that you’re filling a need.  Try to focus on the idea of understanding your audience and remember what their needs are.  Don’t get distracted and lose their interest as a result.
  2. Keep your passion alive: There are going to be hard days coming your way; that’s just a fact. On those days, try to remember what led you to start your business in the first place.  Remember to hold onto that passion and focus on it to keep your positive outlook even on the roughest days. This is why you need to love what you do.
  3. Make sure you have a business account or credit card: One of the biggest overlooked details is that most small companies try to fund their own business.  While some personal investment is typically necessary, you need to make sure that you put together the right success package which will mean business accounts or, at the very least, a credit card.  Separate business from personal, or you risk losing everything if your business takes a bad turn.  This risk will also raise your stress levels.
  4. Don’t try to be a lone wolf: Another big mistake to avoid is trying to do everything yourself.  Do you have someone that can run your numbers?  Answer emails and market?  If you have the funds, make sure that you outsource whatever you can through employees or through independent contractors.  It’ll take a lot of the stress off you and leave you free to focus on your business as a whole.
  5. Invest in the right tools to help you: Whether it’s accounting software, AI, a virtual assistant or just simple furniture, you’ll have to shell out some money on your equipment or tools to help you get off the ground.  Make sure that you focus on the quality and longevity of these items.  This goes back to tip #3.  You will need to have the right support at your side in people as well as tools to give you the best chance at success.

Your new start-up business is going to be exciting, but it will also be functional by putting these tips to use in a proper fashion. Give yourself the best outcome possible by knowing what to do and not to do when starting your own business.

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Executive Presence: What is It and How to Get It?

Sometimes it feels like there is a lot going against you when you’re looking to climb higher on the corporate ladder.  The good news is that it is possible if you know the proper tools to put into place to make it happen.  The best tool?  Executive presence.  This specialized leadership skill will give you a quality reputation – the right way – and it will also make you well-liked amongst your higher-ups and coworkers.  Here’s what you should know about it.

What is executive presence?

The best way to define executive presence is to find someone who has it.  This is the person that gets the attention of others in a warm and engaging way.  Without being boastful, they appear they can do a good job at about anything.  Someone with executive presence commands trust, attention and respect.  It’s a special kind of confidence.

How do you get it?

Consider getting executive presence for yourself to reap the benefits and proper yourself into a higher position by doing it the right way.  Take a look at some of these great tips to help you get started.

  • Be prepared and look the part: When you show up to a formal meeting or even just a small casual one, make sure that you are dressed professionally to help you feel confident.  Be prepared with questions and content that is engaging and will show your coworkers that you know your stuff.  It all allows you to exude the confidence that you need to show in order for you to progress.
  • Say your part: If you have questions or comments in a meeting or other professional environment, give them voice.  You need to show those around you that you aren’t just a “yes” kind of person.  You are someone who has an opinion, can share it in a respectful way, and is focused on getting the best result.  This is a quality of leadership that is often under-used, but a powerful option to consider.
  • Treat others with respect: Whether it is a chief executive, a co-worker, or an intern, be respectful.  Compliment them on their work and ask questions.  Get to know them.  It all shows that you are compassionate and will do well in a leadership position.  It also makes you a great person to be around in general.

Executive presence doesn’t have to be a mystery.  It’s just about understanding how to put your best foot forward to progress yourself into a position of leadership the right way.

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