The 10 Habits Behind Small Business Best Practices
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Of course, you are!
But let’s be honest, running a business can be tough, and if you’re carrying the additional title of mom—hats off to you!
Finding time to work on your business can be difficult. Still, with the right small business best practices in place, you can work smarter, not harder.
Grab a notebook and a pen, and let’s dive into the habits that will help you achieve your business goals.
1. Create and Follow a Schedule
Your time is precious when you run a small business, so you want to manage it efficiently. The flexibility of owning your own business can be liberating, but it can also result in a lack of productivity.
Creating a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule can keep you on track and ensure you complete the required tasks to achieve your goals.
2. Network Regularly
Networking is an essential habit for small business success. It allows you to form strong relationships with industry peers, expanding your ability to attract new clients and grow.
We know finding time to get out to events can be challenging, but the recent boom in virtual networking has opened up a world of possibilities that you can access from the comfort of your home office.
3. Focus on the Client Experience
Small businesses depend on their clients for success, so it makes sense that focusing on client experience is one of the essential habits behind small business best practices.
A client who has had a positive experience is more likely to seek your help in the future and may recommend your business to friends and family. Word-of-mouth marketing is incredibly valuable and well worth your time and attention.
So, be proactive in building relationships with your clients, understand their needs and challenges, and seek feedback on creating a positive client experience.
4. Set Smart Goals
Setting clear goals for your business is one of the most powerful habits you can implement. However, with that said, many of us can fall into the trap of setting a long-term goal without considering whether it is realistic or exactly how we will achieve it.
Think about using the S.M.A.R.T method when creating your business goals to cover the essential aspects and guide you on the road to success.
The S.M.A.R.T method suggests that your goals should be:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound
5. Don’t Stop Learning
You may feel that with all the responsibilities you are juggling, there is no time or energy left to improve your skills. However, committing to continued learning is a wise investment for your business. It allows you to stay competitive and supplies you with the knowledge and skills you need to grow your business.
Whether it’s reading a book, attending a workshop, or taking an online class, make sure you schedule time in your calendar for continuous learning.
6. Keep Up With Marketing Trends
Marketing is all about gaining a competitive advantage. In today’s digital world, most of the action occurs online, and best practices are constantly evolving. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, SEO, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok—how on earth are you supposed to keep up with the latest marketing trends when it feels like they change more often than a newborn baby’s diaper?
First of all, don’t try to maintain a presence across all of the digital marketing channels. Instead, pick a few platforms that will successfully engage your target audience and focus your energy there.
And in terms of keeping up with the latest trends—consider subscribing to a digital marketing blog or podcast to stay informed and up to date.
7. Watch Your Finances
As a small business owner, it is critical that you have a solid understanding of your financial operations.
Commit to performing a regular business audit to gain a detailed picture of your financials, including:
Profit and loss projections
Opportunities for cost savings
Tax obligations
Goal trajectories
8. Maintain a Positive Mindset
Running a small business takes a lot of grit and determination. The path to success is never straightforward, and there will inevitably be obstacles and problems to solve along the way. That’s why it’s so crucial for small business owners to maintain a positive mindset.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when challenges arise, but a positive attitude can help you stay open to creative solutions and strengthen your resilience. Furthermore, it’s a valuable tool for maintaining motivation and staying focused on your goals.
9. Journal Your Thoughts
Does your brain feel like it has too many browser windows open?
As a business owner, you often have so many thoughts, ideas, and multiple to-do lists running in your head—it’s exhausting!
Journaling can be an excellent tool to get everything out of your head and onto paper, gaining clarity and allowing you to close a few browser windows!
In addition, small business owners that practice journaling often find it’s a powerful practice for processing thoughts on successes and challenges and identifying opportunities for growth.
10. Consult With a Mentor
When it comes to small business best practices, consulting with a mentor is a habit that will set you apart from the crowd.
You don’t have to navigate the path to success on your own. Business owners can benefit greatly from consulting with a mentor with industry experience and knowledge.
A mentor can provide valuable insight, build your confidence, and help you avoid costly mistakes. They’ve been in your shoes, and by sharing their hard-earned lessons and experience—they can increase your chance of achieving success.
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, check out the Sweet Sleep Academy mentorship and coaching options.
Contact us today, and let us guide you on your path to success.