Ever wonder why some businesses continue to grow and seem untouched regardless of the economy? In fact, I bet you know of a few business owners who have consistent bottom-line improvement, regardless of the market. What do they have that you don’t? Nothing. They simply follow a few key principles consistently. If you’ll consider doing the same, you can begin outperforming your competition immediately. Are you ready?

Keep a Positive Mindset

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of books and audio CDs on the subject of the importance of keeping your attitude and mindset positive. Think from the end. What do you want? What steps do you need to get there? Focus on the action – you have to do a bit more than just keeping positive thoughts. The action brings forward motion. You may be wondering how you keep a great attitude all the time? Frankly, you can’t. We all have upsetting or distracting events occur throughout our day. The trick is to catch yourself and turn your attitude around.

Have a Plan

You do have a plan, right? Start with one year and break it down into quarters. Then break that down into months and weeks. After you do that, think about what your company will look like in 5 years! Just imagine how powerful it would be for your company if every employee had a clear understanding of the company’s goals and what activities they must deliver on each week to help get there!

Understand your Numbers and Manage Them

In my experience, many business owners do not understand the most important numbers of their business, their bottom line. Are you selling at a profit? Is your spending within your means? Do you even know what you are spending your hard earned dollars on? In challenging times it helps to get proactive and creative. Is your landlord open to negotiating the lease on your building? Is your credit card interest rate climbing? Any early payment discounts offered from your vendors that you should be using? Are you paying for overtime because of poor time or project management?

Market with Purpose

There are two targets for your marketing efforts: one is focused on getting new leads or prospects, and the other on retention of your existing clients. Far too many business owners focus 98% of their time and resources on pulling in new customers. Considering the fact that it’s six times more expensive to get new clients, shouldn’t we spend considerable time and effort on keeping the ones who already know us, like us, trust us, and buy from us? The answer is a resounding yes! When you are ready to pursue new business, make sure you have a great system in place to track every lead that comes into your company. Your marketing budget could be better focused when you have the data to know which marketing strategies are successfully feeding new business your way.

Have a Sales Process

What is your sales process? ‘Winging it’ is not an option when you are in front of a prospect. Find out what their business pain is and then solve it. Track sales activity and the results. Take the action you need to keep your sales people focused and producing the results you expect.

Take Care of Your Customers

Now more than ever, you must delight and amaze your customers. If your customers aren’t saying WOW after an experience with your company, you aren’t there yet!

Be a Continuous Learner

Many professions require ongoing training and education. Make it your priority to read, attend seminars and workshops. Cross-train your staff. Create a culture that values professional education.

Seek Professional Advisors

Imagine the satisfaction of building a business that runs without you! Is it possible, really? Surround yourself with a team who will help you get there – your CPA, attorney, financial and advisor. And lastly, many business owners understand the value of having a business coach – someone who will help them build the plan and keep them accountable to it. It’s difficult to stay focused. The business coach will keep you on the path that you’ve designed. This is critical for your success.

Apply these ideas to your business with each decision you make, challenge you face or success you celebrate!