The Problem
My pockets ache. May you have the good fortune yours do not. I pray you don't owe a credit card balance of about $1200. I beg it doesn't shave you clean with 24% APR. Whether it be new lease payments, subscriptions or weddings and wakes, an average guy like me could use help.
Americans saved 4.5% of their personal income in June. Sadly, I believe I saved less.
Side hustles make ends meet, but not everyone meets your side hustle. If it's like a well-kept secret, you're in trouble. Nobody knows about it.
To save and earn more, I found a book with business marketing tips.
The Answer
The best strategy for this book involves weekly experimentation with each of the 101 ideas. For quicker help than that, below I share Griffiths' 10 important tips for running a successful business.
One
Surround yourself with positive people and keep negativity out of your life. If you don't like what you are doing then start planning to change the business you are in. It is amazing how much money you can make when you love what you do.
Two
If you promise to do something, then make sure you do it. One of the biggest downfalls of small business is a lack of reliability. The biggest compliment I can get from a client is when they commend me for doing a job on time and on budget.
Three
Be organized. Take the time to organize those records, balance the cheque book and clear the desk or tidy the workshop. Working in a cluttered environment invites mistakes and inefficiency.
Four
Take your pride in your appearance. Iron those overalls, tidy the office and put some flowers in the waiting room- people notice. If you look good you will feel good and your business will benefit.
Five
Compliment people sincerely. Your family, your staff and your customers. If you haven't got anything nice to say, sell up and move away.
Six
Treat everyone that walks in the door as a potential customer- even if they are trying to sell you something, one day they may be looking to buy something as well.
Seven
Don't worry about lack of money- work on making money. Worrying about a bill never got it paid any faster. Spend the time implementing some marketing ideas and figuring out how to get more customers in the door.
Eight
Be open to new and innovative ideas. If you find yourself saying the dreaded words, "that's the way we have always done it and that's the way we are going to keep doing it," perhaps you are not as flexible and open as you could be. An idea that could make you a lot of money may be in the head of a friend or staff member who feels that you would not be receptive if they voiced their suggestion. Encourage innovative and open thinking.
Nine
Be completely honest and ethical in every dealing you have. It is important that you are able to walk down the street with your head held high.
Ten
Take time out to relax and recharge your batteries. You don't get a medal if you work non-stop for ten years- you get hardened arteries, ulcers and a sore back. It's not about money, it's about taking time for you. It is a time to eat well, catch up with the friends that you are always too busy to see, throw the dog a Frisbee, see a movie, go fishing or just catch up on missed sleep.
Which Tip Resonates Most?
If you're saving less than 4.5% of your personal income, a successful business could raise your prospects. Unfortunately, running a good self-made gig is hard. Let me know in the comments below which of these tips helped the most. If they didn't, tell me that too and explain why.