When we "grow up" in the business world, we are taught the importance of hitting goals within a timeline: Close the sale this week! Call 25 new prospects! Get a yes today! And yet this is a very masculine approach to business. I'm not talking gender here, but rather energy. Masculine energy in the workplace looks like:
But as we see more of a spiritual approach to business, we are also seeing the feminine aspect come in, which often involves:
It's when we allow this feminine aspect in that we invite flow in. What is flow in business? When you try to force something, how often do you actually achieve what you wanted? Maybe you're trying to close a deal. The potential client hasn't given you an answer. So you call her. And email her. And tweet her. As a result, she never responds and you lose the sale. What might have happened if you just allowed things to take their natural course? Maybe she didn't respond because she was ill. Maybe she just takes longer to make a decision. In that case, you forcing the issue will not convince her to buy your product. Sales experts try to convince us that if you let a lead get cold, you'll never make the sale. That's a masculine point of view. Certainly, follow up. But then back off. Realize that you likely aren't the center of this potential customer's world, and by bugging them too much, you may lose the opportunity. Yes, it takes a shift to move from that assertive/aggressive approach to sales we've all been taught to simply sitting back and waiting, but in my mind, the latter is a better way to succeed in business. When things don't go according to plan If you have a business plan, I invite you to take it out and look at it. Depending on the last time you updated it, the goals you have in your plan may no longer align with where your business is. And that's okay. Businesses are living, breathing entities. They are meant to change and adapt to their surroundings (how many of us had to adapt because of the pandemic? Show of hands?). A business plan should be only a loose guide for where you want to take your business in the immediate future. It should be updated to reflect where you currently are. You might need to change your target audience, the products you offer, your price point, or your marketing plan. I've learned the hard way not to expect things to go according to plan. Clients abruptly end contracts. Project scopes shift and creep. Clients pay late. Rather than get bent out of shape that things aren't going the way you expected them to, just let go of expectations and go with the flow in business. To go with the flow, see the big picture When I used to lose a client, my mind would immediately go into panic mode, thinking about the loss of income. That no longer happens because time and again, I have seen that gap in income replaced by an even bigger client. It's often hard to see beyond the moment you're in, especially if you have no idea how the problem will be rectified. Just remember: this is temporary, and there's a reason for everything. You may have had a client leave to make room for an even bigger and better one a few months down the road. Just try to be present and know that good things are coming. An exercise for allowing the flow If you're Type A, the idea of going with the flow in business probably is stressing you out. You have trouble letting go of expectations. Let me ask you: what good does having those expectations do if they always fall short? Humor me by trying out this meditation and visualization. Get comfortable and close your eyes. Take three deep breaths. Envision a stream, with water flowing in one direction. Simply observe the water for a while. Now imagine the issue that is bothering you. If it's a demanding client, see that person. If it's a stack of unpaid bills, see the bills. Whatever the thing is, see it flowing down the stream away from you. Let it drift away. You might even snicker a little to see your demanding client flailing as he flows down the stream. Humor is healing. Now see something positive replacing that first stressful thing you sent away. See clients you love working with. See piles of money. This you can envision flowing toward you from upstream. See yourself standing in the water, accepting this gift. Feel gratitude for the gift. Take three more breaths. Open your eyes. You can do this visualization any time you feel blocked or stressed by a situation. You might even write down what you see so you can look back to see how you overcame those obstacles later. Source: https://www.allbusiness.com
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Successful Leaders Think Globally — How to Expand Your Business Abroad For Maximum Success8/29/2023 For many small business owners and entrepreneurs, operating internationally from day one is crucial to long-term success. But starting a small business domestically is hard enough, how can these leaders be expected to go global so quickly? Contrary to popular belief, expanding a small business internationally is a much more manageable process than it may seem. While there are obstacles to overcome — banking differences, culture or language barriers, lack of capital and import tariffs — entrepreneurs and small business leaders can employ a few tricks to overcome these challenges and start operating abroad. Given the incredible long-term opportunity it presents for these businesses, leaders need to think and operate globally as quickly as possible. Here's what to know about getting started and ultimately expanding your business abroad. Outline market opportunities and business needs An important part of growing your business to international markets is starting with a strong understanding of where you stand against competitors in a new country and assessing demand for your product or service. Conducting market research is a great way to identify where your business stacks up and what to expect from your potential move abroad. By outlining your target audience's specific needs and preferences in different countries, you can tailor your offerings to meet their requirements and gain a competitive edge. You will also need to assess the specific needs of your business in the new countries you are expanding. You'll need to comply with legal and regulatory requirements in operating overseas, which will vary country by country. Carefully review and understand these requirements before you commence work in another country. Getting everything set up from a compliance perspective, first and foremost, will build the foundation you need for the future. Many countries have resources for small businesses looking to expand into that market. The US Small Business Association has an excellent guide that outlines this process and provides a great starting point for those in the US. Think differently about your workforce In addition to this initial market research, leaders should consider their current workforce. While many small businesses and entrepreneurs are teams of one, having a local presence in the markets you're expanding to is still important. If possible, hire a local team to have on-the-ground support from folks who understand the cultural nuances, market dynamics and language of the target country you're moving into. This facilitates smoother operations and helps build trust and credibility with local customers. Depending on the business size or expectations of success, consider leveraging remote workers or utilizing freelance contract-based professionals who are local to the market. This can offer flexibility while minimizing overhead costs. Ultimately, embracing and building a diverse and multicultural workforce brings fresh perspectives, fosters innovation and enhances your business's ability to adapt to local markets. Create a network to learn from and grow with Alongside establishing a strong local team comes building a network of like-minded entrepreneurs and leaders who have already expanded their businesses abroad or are also looking to do so. There is so much to learn from others who have come before you and found success, and cultivating this network will be a massive benefit throughout the global expansion process. You can build this network by joining industry-specific trade associations, attending conferences and participating in international business forums. This will help connect you with individuals with firsthand knowledge of operating in foreign markets. Their guidance and advice can help you navigate the international expansion complexities and avoid common pitfalls. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the entrepreneurial community can foster growth and open doors to new opportunities. Remember to share your experiences with the groups you join to help others. Put the right tools in place Tying all of these pieces together comes one of the most important factors when expanding globally: having the right infrastructure in place for your business operations. Luckily, there are incredible tools available to help any business build this successfully. There are many options available for all businesses to select when it comes to building their suite of tools, which will vary based on your services and offerings. Everything from cloud-based collaboration platforms, project management tools, online banking resources and communication software exists to help facilitate efficiency across your business. It can be overwhelming to see everything out there, and a good first step is to outline the different tools you currently use against those you likely need. There are also several essential tools to consider at the top of your list — especially for financial management and banking. International payments are a particularly challenging area for many businesses as they go global, with traditional services often lacking transparency on fees and taking way too long for transactions to process. My company, Wise, provides international payment solutions for small businesses. By leveraging the existing power and infrastructure these companies provide, you can have more control and autonomy over the financial aspects of your business operations without added hassle and stress. As you become more established, you can also invest in ecommerce platforms and digital marketing strategies to help cultivate a strong online presence in new international markets, expanding your reach and driving customer acquisition. Your business can find success abroad Overall, expanding your business internationally is a feasible and exciting endeavor. While challenges exist, entrepreneurs and small business leaders can overcome these obstacles by adopting the right strategies. With careful planning, market research and a willingness to adapt, businesses of all sizes can seize the opportunities presented by international expansion. So, take the leap and unlock the untapped potential beyond your borders. Source : https://www.entrepreneur.com
Navigating the business world can feel a bit like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops—you're pretty sure you're not equipped for it and the view from the top seems a long way off. But when you assemble a great team, it's like you suddenly find yourself in high-performance climbing gear with a seasoned crew of Sherpas leading the way. In real estate, teams are in vogue. But teams are not just a trend for the property market—teams can be game changers for all kinds of businesses. But how do you get there? Here are six of the top things to think about when you're on a team-making journey: 1. Alignment Around Shared Goals Remember, you're no longer flying solo. Everyone on your team must be on the same page, marching to the same beat and chasing the same dream. Let's call it the North Star. If everyone is aligned and shooting for that same shining goal, that's when the magic happens. When each member of your crew knows where the ship is headed, it's easier to row in unison. Each team member, whether they're the newbie or the big kahuna, should be able to say, "This is what we're here for." 2. Transparency: The Key To Culture As humans, we like to be in the know. But we don't always share well. So go ahead: Pull back the curtain. Spotlight the big stuff and the tiny details. Share it all. Improving teamwork requires sharing, and one of the best ways to do that is with retrospectives. For every project or sprint, review what worked, what didn't and why. Making retrospectives a habit can help build team spirit. Tools like retrospectives or sprint planning aren't just for show; they're your stage for fostering trust and showing your team that they're part of the narrative. It's not just about posting it on the wall—it's about making transparency part of your daily chatter, actions and decisions to create a work environment where everyone's clued in. 3. Promoting Ownership: Make It Personal Think about when you put your name on something. You naturally care more, don't you? Your name is on the line, right? It's the same with your team. Promote a sense of ownership among your squad and watch them embrace their projects and ideas like it was their idea in the first place. When team members own their projects, I've found that they're more likely to go the extra mile. Make it their baby by giving them the reins and watch them nurture it. You will likely find that nothing breeds success like when team members have a personal sense of ownership. 4. Flexibility: It's Not Always A To B News flash: Not everything in business is linear, and bureaucracy can be a buzzkill. Red tape is a luxury you can't afford, especially when you're starting and growing. As a team builder, like with a startup, you must be nimble, quick on your feet, ready to jump into action and unafraid to dive into the thick of things. Not everything needs to be strategy-then-design-then-execution because motion creates motion. So be the spark that lights the fire, and never be afraid to shake things up and break the mold. 5. Sharing Positivity And Negativity To Keep It Real Positivity is great, but authenticity? That's priceless. Being honest about both the wins and the losses breeds a climate of openness and improvement because building a team is not all sunshine and rainbows. So when things are going great, shout it from the rooftops. And when things get rough, don't sweep it under the rug. Again, authenticity is vital. Being honest about the highs and the lows doesn't just build trust; it can also breed resilience. Share the good, tackle the bad and remember that every stumble is just a step toward getting better. 6. Having Fun And Enjoying The Journey The most important thing? Don't forget to have some fun. Yeah, there will be days that just plain suck, but then there are days that are so good they make it all worthwhile. That's what makes it fun! This journey of building a business? It's yours. Embrace the journey. Make it epic. Make it memorable. After all, you and your team define what this adventure should look like. Tying It All Together Building a top-tier team isn't rocket science—it's about alignment, transparency, ownership, agility, honesty and a whole lot of fun. Remember, you’re not just doing business here—you're also making history. You’ll succeed when you create a work culture that's not just "meh" but "heck yeah." This shouldn’t just be a job; it should also be an adventure. And here's the final secret: It's the journey that transforms a business from ordinary to extraordinary. Extraordinary is not just a milestone but also a mindset. Now make it happen. Source : https://www.forbes.com Image Credit : Getty Images
During my 12-year journey as an entrepreneur, I've unearthed some game-changing mindset strategies and practices that I wish I'd known earlier. These shifts have the power to breathe new life into your business and personal journey once you start to practice them. And most of them are simple. I feel that if I'd known them sooner, I would have had more success and peace of mind. Below, I'll share these mindset shifts with you 1. Creating momentum What most people just accept as reality is that success begins in your mind and thoughts, and "thoughts are things." However, real traction happens when you pair that mental attitude with some real-world action. It's not just about thinking positively — you've got to match those thoughts with tangible action. The secret is keeping that momentum going even when obstacles arise. Believe me, I've been caught in this trap too, finding myself overthinking. The myth we often buy into is that having a meticulously planned roadmap is the only way forward. Sure, it's important, but the real magic happens when you dare to do new things with no safety net. Movement is the name of the game, initiation is key, and keeping up the rhythm is everything. Breaking the habit of perfectionism is vital — doubts are normal, but feeling somewhat foolish doesn't mean you are. For instance, your online content doesn't have to be internet-breaking. Just the fact you're putting yourself out there is a big deal (lots of folks never even muster the courage to start — don't be one of them.) My very first marketing video was downright embarrassing. The sound was awful, I was stiff, and I cringed when I watched it. Actually, everyone cringed. But I did it anyway. Then I did the next. And when we think back to Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak building their first computers in a garage, they didn't wait for anything to be perfect. They just did stuff. It's a reminder that even the biggest names started from zero. The results you want might seem like they're far away. However, they're achieved by taking one step after the other. 2. Going above and beyond According to The Law of Reciprocity, whatever you put energy into creates a situation where something is brought back to you. And according to Napoleon Hill's Law of Success, you need to go above and beyond what you're paid for — a mindset that often is missing these days. There's something magical about helping others without expecting something immediately or at all. And sometimes, as a bonus, that goodwill comes back to you tenfold. But then again, that isn't the reason to serve at your highest level or to help someone out. This isn't to be confused with working for free. Nobody should work for free unless you've allotted some of your hours as Pro Bono and it's part of your model. 3. Fear busting Fear has a way of acting like our friend because it's always there — but ends up stifling us. And its cousins Anxiety, Vulnerability, Frustration and Overwhelm are all part of this bundle. However, worthwhile endeavors and pursuits are never going to be a cakewalk. In entrepreneurship, you'll need some serious determination, drive and motivation. And you will need to be able to sustain it. You need to remember WHY you started your business in the first place. Whether it's about changing lives through coaching, combating diseases, chasing financial freedom or even creating a groundbreaking tech app or product, you need to sustain your energy and find ways to bust through the fear. One way of doing this is breathing into the fear as you feel it in your body instead of avoiding it and then exhaling that space that holds the fear into the air around you. 4. Taking action I mentioned action before, but I want to delve deeper into how to make things happen. Open up your calendar, block the times when you will do specific tasks, and stick to the plan. If it's on the calendar, it will happen. Then come up with some Huge Audacious Goals for your business. The more you imagine big things happening, the more they WILL. A concrete practice for this is something called Creative Visualization, which I initially learned from the book Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz. You close your eyes for 15 minutes and play out the scene of what you want to happen in your life. Your mind cannot tell the difference between those Mind Movies and reality, which makes it all naturally happen. 5. Being accountable as a true entrepreneur We all have a bit of laziness wired into us. It's human. So, we need to find a coach or accountability partner and set up commitments that are non-negotiable. When I recently started my podcasting journey, I had very little bandwidth left for that new project, but knowing my producer is waiting for the shows makes it happen. And the enjoyment of speaking with amazing people keeps me accountable. So, find something that will keep you on track and push you when the going gets tough. All of us have flirted with the idea of throwing in the towel when things seem hard, so it's important to have a sounding board. Another great way of staying accountable is to join a mastermind with other like-minded people. Group motivation is unmatched. 6. Being kind to yourself and practicing self-love Entrepreneurs are high achievers who are very hard on themselves and have high expectations. Entrepreneurship demands a unique mindset that keeps us going. That's what's needed to succeed. However, if we don't celebrate our successes or just be kind to ourselves, we can fall into self-loathing and blame when things don't work — or even when things are working out and we keep moving the finish line. Results are important, and our businesses are our babies. Developing an optimal mindset is a lifelong practice that's completely worth it. You will trip and fall behind sometimes. That is par for the course. Just learn from the journey and see your quality of life expand. Source : https://www.entrepreneur.com
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