10 Valuable Tips on Starting a Successful Business

10 Valuable Tips on Starting a Successful Business

The feeling that the challenge of starting a successful business is too big is a primary obstacle many entrepreneurs see blocking their road to financial independence. Part of the reason why businesses fail these days is that most entrepreneurs do not know the tips for growing a successful business.

I don’t have my business to my name, but I have learned new skills, generated networks, and other essential things that accompanied my growth in business. These lessons made me affiliate to some businesses and I can say that I have worked with entrepreneurs who saw it fit to help give tips on growing a successful business and most are successful, so why not take their advice?

Starting a business feels more manageable to entrepreneurs when you follow a straightforward, step-by-step process. Here are valuable tips on growing a successful business.

Valuable Tips on Starting a Successful Business

1. Don’t Make Money Your Main Goal

Don’t get me wrong, money is a goal in every business, but it should not be the golden goal in a business because if it is, you stand to lose everything, even your startup capital.

There are a lot of Ponzi schemes on the internet that most people have fallen and still fall into, including me. Before I started writing and selling cars, I got scammed through this invest little and get a million naira within 2 days. I mean, anyone reading this would know it is not possible, but because I put money first, I lost all my money. The sad part is that young entrepreneurs fall into scams like this. All the content that claims to help you make money is just another deep hole dug by a creator who is looking to use you as bait.

After I got scammed, the first lesson I learned was that to make money, you need to provide value to a business or person. You can use YouTube to learn new skills instead of watching quick money cash.

The point here is, to grow a successful business, you should not make money the main goal, all businesses lose money every time, just brace yourself for the loss and also the profits.

2. Make a Plan and Set Goals

Goals are the fuel that keeps your ambitions running. Without goals and plans, it is like you are on a journey to an unknown destination without a map. Goals and plans are maps especially when it comes to business, for good guidance and direction.

If there is one thing most successful entrepreneurs have mastered in growing a successful business, it is how to set goals and then follow through on achieving those goals until they have reached their destination. A business plan is a road map every entrepreneur needs, to get the desired goal.

 If you are looking for a way to grow a successful business, then have a plan, work towards achieving it, and set goals towards your success.

3. Get Your First Customer

The mistakes most young entrepreneurs do is that they target hard customers and also offer free services. I mean, you can’t offer free services when you don’t even have anything to back it up with. I for one have tried targeting hard customers, especially celebrities on social media to buy cars and I will tell you, they will NEVER answer you. Go for customers who are on your level and want to buy your product.

Your first customer should be businesses or individuals who intensively have the problem you are solving. They are ready to pay and work with startups. You can start your journey by creating a social media account on Instagram for instance, that way you would be pitching your business to investors, and customers by posting about solving your problem. By doing this, you can also get your target audience.

4. Fuel Your Vision with Perseverance

A scene in the famous series, Game Of Throne, where Stannis Baratheon was being advised about the lack of wisdom in starting a battle in the snow. He responded…

“We march to victory or we march to defeat, but we go forward, only forward”.

Sometimes, when things get tough on your path as an entrepreneur, you have to commit yourself to move forward, regardless of the discomfort and fear surrounding the next steps. By doing this as an entrepreneur, you are also growing your business!

5. Understand the Rewards and Risks

Most young entrepreneurs just start up their businesses with the sole aim of getting rich on time and living their best life without taking into account risks and rewards. I mean nothing comes easy without making sacrifices to get the desired goal. These are small business tips entrepreneurs looking to grow a successful business should follow.

The key to being successful is taking calculated risks, to help your business grow.

6. Be Dedicated

I have this friend of mine who has a business in the automobile industry, he sells and buys most brands of cars and also imports and exports cars. He is a car guy and he is doing exceptionally well if I do say so myself. He told me, on his journey as an entrepreneur, what helped him were 4 main virtues which are: Dedication, Discipline, Applicable Wisdom, and a Strong Mindset knowing that whatever you put your mind to will yield positive results.

Just knowing about this, you get to see that motivation alone does not always get you where you want to be as an entrepreneur, most times its dedication, discipline, applicable wisdom, and a strong mindset that gets you far as an entrepreneur and also helps you grow a successful business.

7. Be Consistent

Consistency is a key component to making money in business. You have to keep doing what is necessary to be successful day in and day out. This creates long-term positive habits.

Consistency is a very strong virtue and value that every entrepreneur needs to grow a successful business. If you want to get good at something, you have to keep doing the best thing to yield good results. I mean, no successful entrepreneur will tell you they had it easy on their journey to success. You have to be consistent, make new habits and just keep going no matter what for you to grow a successful business.

8. By Creating Your Brand Personality

Most of my friends usually tell me that they can’t compete with large-scale businesses that have gone far or even successful businesses. I just go ahead to tell them that they can compete with large-scale enterprises by just being themselves.

What I have learned with customers is that they want people and businesses they can connect with on all levels in business. Your values, authenticity, and vision are what separate you from other businesses. Build your brand name by putting more “you” into your business. Just be yourself!

9. Put Your Employees First

A lot of young entrepreneurs don’t know how to work as a team and this causes their business to crash on time. If you can’t handle your teammates, then how do you expect to treat your customers? If you treat your employees with disrespect then be rest assured they will run your business to the ground.

You have to learn to work with the people under you, to gain their trust, you have to learn to take criticisms as a lesson to learn and areas to amend rather than insults. Also, you have to be flexible with your employees and your business, that is being humble and calculated. Doing this will help your business grow successfully.

10. Be Good at What You Do

As we grow up in life, we have to know what we are good at and where we fit in, if you don’t fit in, then you have to find your path.

The same thing applies to growing a successful business. A tip for growing a successful business is finding your path, by looking for your niche, you will be solving problems and growing a successful business. Looking at successful entrepreneurs, you will find that there are all doing what they are good at and are excelling in it, for instance, Elon Musk in the automobile industry, Bill Gates in the technology industry, Michael Jordan in the footwear industry, amongst others. These were people who found their niche and used it to solve problems.

Conclusion

Entrepreneurship is not easy in its light, but there are ways to grow a successful business. You have to be consistent in whatever you are doing to be on top.

Entrepreneurs need to know that starting and maintaining a business is not as easy as most people paint it to be, you have to be strong both mentally and emotionally to handle whatever is thrown at you during your journey to being a successful entrepreneur.

But the best thing to know is that once you have gotten an understanding of tips for growing a business, everything else becomes easy to handle.

FAQs

What are the tips to grow a successful business?

Some tips on growing a successful business are, getting organized, being creative, staying focused, and providing great service.

What skills do you need to be successful in business?

Some entrepreneurial skills are, good leadership, financial management, networking, problem-solving, and time management.

Why is growth relevant to the success of a business?

It is crucial for the long-term survival of a business because it helps to acquire assets, attract new talent, and fund investments. It also drives business performance and profit.

How can I make my business grow?

You can make your business grow by knowing your competitors, identifying new opportunities, managing time, and solving problems.

How can i promote my business?

You can promote your business by, using social media, paying for advertisement, creating engaging content, getting involved in an online community.

13 Proven Tips That Will Help You Sleep Better at Night

13 Proven Tips That Will Help You Sleep Better at Night

Do you have trouble sleeping? You hit the bed after a long day, and instead of falling into slumber, you keep tossing and turning. At some point in one’s life, falling asleep might become difficult. The factors causing these may be stress, anxiety, illnesses, etc. From bad skin to puffy eyes to migraines to mood changes, and unproductivity, lack of sleep can be detrimental to health. The effect of lack of sleep in the body, and life, in general, cannot be overemphasized. 

One of the best ways to increase your productivity and live a good life is to fix one’s sleep. Nothing is worse than having a long and stressful day and then finding it hard to drift off at night.

Regard the following as a checklist on how to sleep better, a list to mentally tick off for better sleep. These are easy steps you can imbibe in your day-to-day life for a good night’s rest. Take them up one after the other and implement them daily. You don’t have to do everything all at once, pick one at a time until they become part of your night routine.

How to Sleep Better at Night

Before Bedtime

1. Reduce Caffeine Intake

Drinks containing caffeine like coffee, soda, etc. keep you alert by stimulating your brain and central nervous system.

Reducing their intake, especially late in the afternoon, can help you sleep better since the stimulating effect would have worn out your body.

2. Eliminate Heavy Food

Eating a large meal or eating very late at night will not only aid weight gain but will also tamper with your bedtime. You might feel uncomfortable or bloated because of the undigested food in your stomach.

It is advisable to eat a full meal early in the evening or eat lightly at night. Avoid midnight snacking.

3. Organize Your Bedroom

A well-arranged room will help promote sleep more than a scattered one. Try putting your bedroom in order before bed and make your bed with fresh bedclothes and pillowcases. A smelly and lumpy bed will not induce sleep but a well laid and clean one will.

4. Reduce Screen Time

One or two hours before you go to bed, ditch the phone, laptop, and TV. However, this might not be easy to do, especially on the phone, since we live practically on our gadgets.

It will be better if we let them go before going to bed so our eyes can be away from the bright light they produce, which affects our sleep.

5. Create a Sleep Schedule

Come up with a time when you will go to bed every day and stick to it. Sleeping at different times might be hurting your sleep as your body cannot keep up with it.

Once your body adjusts to a sleeping schedule, you will naturally fall asleep during that time. Check out how to create a foolproof sleep schedule here.

6. Improve Ventilation to Help You Sleep Better

Before going to bed, air out your room by turning on a fan, or air conditioner or by simply opening up the windows. A hot and stuffy or smelly room will disturb your sleep. It is advisable to get rid of anything that will make your bed space inconvenient.

Tips to Sleep Better During Bedtime

7. Take a Shower or Bath Before Sleep

You should not go to bed with all the sweat and dust from the day. Taking your bath before going to bed will not only clean your body but will also relax and refreshen you.

Make a habit of taking a shower before going, no matter how tired you may be.

8. Wear Comfortable Night Wears

Avoid wearing tight or body-fitted clothes to bed. Endeavor to wear more loose night wears as they will allow easy blood flow and let you sleep better.

9. Try Yoga

Bedtime yoga, along with meditation is one of the best things to do for better sleep as it reduces stress and makes you relaxed enough to sleep. Bedtime yoga poses are easy to do and can be done on the bed.

10. Read a Book

If you are still not feeling relaxed enough to sleep, you can try to read a book. Reading a book can be soothing for some, and for others, it is an instant sleep pill. If you are part of the latter, I recommend putting a book on your bedside table to help you induce sleep.

However, I do not recommend this for avid readers, so you don’t “just one chapter” your way to 3 a.m.

11. Turn Off the Lights (Or Not)

There are different perspectives on this. Some people cannot fall asleep with the lights on, but it is otherwise for some. Whichever way, try to reduce your exposure to harsh or bright light.

You can turn it off altogether or use a lesser intense light like red bulbs. However, you should avoid blue light.

12. Listen to Relaxing Tunes

Determine what is relaxing and soothing to you and play at reduced volume to help you fall asleep.

13. Have Good Thoughts

The type of things you occupy your mind with will determine how well you will sleep. Thinking about sad and bad things can raise your alertness and will keep you up from sleeping. While having good and happy thoughts will lure you to sleep. Save all the worrying for the next day and get to bed.

A good night’s sleep will give you a fresh start to tackle life problems the next day.

Conclusion

Lastly, sleeping pills are not a good option for sleep as they can be addictive and detrimental to health. Avoid these as much as possible unless a doctor prescribes them. If your sleeplessness persists, you should seek medical attention.

How to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking

How to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking

The fear of public speaking in its severe form is known as glossophobia. It is a common form of fear among a number of people. The thought of standing and speaking in front of a crowd rips some people apart. Are you one of such persons?  If yes, then there is a need to know how to overcome the fear of public speaking. So, read on.

As much as the fear of public speaking is valid, public speaking skills are one of the most important skills one needs in life. This is because, at one point or the other, you would need to speak to a crowd. You want neither yourself nor others to notice you fidget, sweat, or stammer while making your presentation out of fear. As such, overcoming the fear of public speaking is super important.

Common Causes of Fear of Public Speaking

  • Negative mindset.
  • Being self-conscious.
  • Inadequate preparation.
  • Fear of ridicule.
  • Little or no knowledge about the topic to speak on.

10 Tips for Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

1. Have a Positive Mindset

This point is always my number when it comes to overcoming the fear of almost anything. Being positive should not be mistaken for being in denial. Here, you acknowledge that you have this fear but you have a belief that you can work on it. You strongly believe you can be a good public speaker.

You can work on your mindset by having positive self-talk. Tell yourself that you can do it. Encourage yourself. Use positive affirmations like:

“I am a good public speaker “,

“My audience is happy with my message “,

“I can make a good presentation”,

“I love public speaking”, etc.

You can as well visualise yourself giving an excellent speech. Work on this step first before proceeding to the next.

2. Start by Speaking on Areas of Interest

Overcoming the fear of public speaking is not a day’s job. It’s a journey that should begin from somewhere. If you are glossophobic, you can start building your confidence by speaking on topics that interest you.

As you read this, think about an area that sparks your interest. Select some topics that you would love to talk about. Stand in front of your friends and speak on such interesting topics. Get used to talking about those things. When you are used to this, you can easily progress to speaking based on requests which might not be on familiar topics.

I guess you love those who can give impromptu speeches. They started somewhere. So, start talking!

The remaining points are needed as you improve.

3. Know Your Topic

Do you want to know how to overcome the fear of public speaking? Master your topic. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. Before you can confidently give a speech as you would love to, it’s important to have a good grasp of your topic. What are the expectations? How deep should you discuss the topic? etc. The more you know your topic, the lesser your fear and the more your confidence.

Another importance of knowing your topic is that it helps you anticipate possible questions. Having a firm grasp of your topic makes answering questions after your presentation easy.

4. Know Your Audience

This is as important as knowing your topic. Having prior knowledge of your audience guides your preparations. It enables you to know the kind of persons you would speak to. Also, it gives you clarity on the terms to use in addressing them.

In addition, it helps you anticipate likely questions and attitudes to expect.

5. Adequate Preparation

Prior preparation prevents poor performance. Your confidence is in direct proportion with how much you prepare. In essence, the more prepared you are, the less anxiety you develop.

Write out your presentation and prepare beforehand. Get all the necessary information and resources you need to make a wonderful presentation. Stay organized.

6. Practice and Get Feedback before the D-Day

If you’re on the journey of overcoming the fear of public speaking, your ideal audience shouldn’t be the first to listen to your presentation.

Get used to making your presentation beforehand to a familiar audience. You can do this a day or two before the main event. This audience could be your siblings, friends, spouse, your kids, etc. Ask for honest feedback from them and work on areas of concern. You can do this more than once until you are confident about it.

In the absence of a familiar audience, you can practice before your mirror. You can as well make a video of yourself as you practice. Then listen to yourself. Observe the tone of your voice and the pace at which you speak, and then adjust where necessary.

7. Have a Structure or Outline

This is important in overcoming your fear of public speaking. You might wonder how.

With an outline, you have a guide that would see you through your presentation. Great public speakers also use guides for their presentations. You shouldn’t be an exception. With an excellent structure, you can calmly make your presentation and easily flow from one point to another without difficulty.

You don’t want to just memorize your presentations and get stuck along the line.

8. Breath Mindfully

The fear of public speaking manifests in breathing fast. This affects the pace at which you speak and sends a negative message to your audience. To prevent this, take deep breaths before the presentation of your speech. While presenting, stay conscious of your breath and ensure you’re breathing calmly. You can use deep breaths as your break in between your speech. This helps you maintain a steady composure.

9. Know That Your Audience Trusts You

Maybe no one has told you this. The truth is your audience is there to listen to you. They trust you and your message. This means you should focus on the message you’re passing across. Don’t give too much attention to the audience’s appearance. Some might appear uninterested or distracted; this shouldn’t affect you or make you disappointed.

10. Ask for Feedback as You Progress

Here, you are asking for feedback from your ideal audience. This is one area I don’t joke with. Whenever I give a public speech, I ask at least two persons from my audience to give me feedback.

It takes courage to ask for feedback. And the whole essence is to help you improve. The more you do this, the better and more confident you get.

Additionally, you should consider joining public speaking clubs where you meet like-minded individuals. You can also buy online courses on public speaking or hire a speech coach.

Conclusion

Having known how to overcome the fear of public speaking, you know it is important and can be achieved. However, it should be noted that it wouldn’t happen automatically. You should apply the tips I shared with you above.

Do you have an idea worth sharing with us? The comments section is open.

You could also read on: 10 Tips to Improve Your Presentation Skills.

These 7 C’s of Communication Will Help You a Lot

These 7 C’s of Communication Will Help You a Lot

The 7 C’s of communication are sets of guidelines and principles for effective written and spoken words. However, communication is an inseparable act of our everyday activities.

Hence, the main aim of the 7 C’s of communication is targeted at enhancing a quick understanding of what Is been communicated. 

What are the 7 C’s of Communication?

1. Clarity

It’s difficult for the human brain to assimilate series of complex words at the same time. Hence, clarity as a key factor of the 7 C’s of communication entails your spoken or written words are not ambiguous. The simplicity of content helps to reduce uncertainty while communicating.

Perhaps, you have lots on your list to communicate, begin with grouping your words into sections to aid a quick understanding of your listeners. Learn more about the tips for effective communication.

2. Concise

Almost everyone is guilty of violating this principle of communication. However, been concise implies you go straight to the point without the inclusion of the needless. To master this act, you must value your listener’s time and be disciplined not to waste it with unending talks. Learn to be brief and communicate the necessary words.

This reminds me of how I messed up my project presentation due to my inability to summarize my points within the allocated time slot. Unknowing to me, I kept on speaking about what I felt was important. Not until I decided to go into my presentation proper, then I realized I had a few minutes left. I lost my composure immediately because I had not made emphasis on what my presentation was all about in detail. The supervisors and listeners assumed I wasn’t prepared and asked me to leave the podium. But that wasn’t the case. Rather the issue was my lack of conciseness.

3. Complete

No one is propelled to take action when what has been communicated is incomplete. The next course of action of many listeners is to discard what has been heard. Immediately assume you’re simply entertaining them.

Also, suspense kills the eagerness to listen or read further. Hence, complete as one of the 7 C’s of communication ensure that all communicated words are whole encompassing all the necessary details.

4. Correct

This aspect of communication emphasizes the importance of structure and organization of grammar, diction, punctuation, and vocabulary while communicating. Ensure your words are well spelt, have no errors, and are pronounced correctly.

Incorrect spelling and pronunciation mislead the listeners and creates doubt concerning what has been communicated. Endeavour to cross-check your words before delivering them.

5. Courteous

Maintaining a good manner and regard for others while communicating saves you from the stress of arguing with them.

Always check out your tune while communicating because calm and gentle words are effective tools for convincing others and eliminating misunderstanding. Likewise, your physical behaviours such as your body language should portray respect for your listeners. 

A courteous attitude is crucial while communicating most especially those in charge of customers services in various organizations. Indeed, six out of every ten calls received are from customers who are angry and dissatisfied with a particular service. The best way to resolve their complaints is by responding to their needs with courtesy instead of responding harshly, aggravating their anger.

6. Concrete

The 7 C’s of communication also deal with the accuracy and reliability of what is being communicated. In essence, concrete means that your words are based on a precise source and not an assumption attempting to convince others.

Some years back, I was a victim of a false product advertisement communicated by a group of persons who claimed their products were antidotes for facial inflammations. Meanwhile, they were merely interested in the sales of products. Their information was not rooted in any reliable source. And lots of persons fell victims and experienced worse facial conditions than the Initial state.

7. Cohesive

Every statement communicated should aim at a particular objective and not be spoken haphazardly without focus. Therefore, been cohesive while communicating requires a flow and connection between words either spoken or written. 

You can attest to the fact that no one enjoys reading a novel in which its scenes are not well arranged with links from one story plot to another. This is because you end up been confused without understanding the main storyline of the book. 

How Do You Remember the 7 C’s of Communication?

Your brain gets to familiarize itself with the 7 C’s of communication as you read them frequently. Moreover, If you’re a salesperson, a boss at the office, or an employer. You must master these principles to maintain a mutual relationship in your business and office. Next, become Conscious, have these principles in your mind as you go about with your daily activities.

Finally, practising makes you remember the 7 C’s of communication faster. Don’t wait until you are asked to deliver a speech at the office or an occasion before you practice these keys. Start immediately with your family, friends, and neighbours. And to the larger society.

Conclusion

The application of the 7 C’s of communication is often difficult to practice all at the same time. But then, you can improve drastically through the realization that all the principles are interconnected. For instance, you need to state what you want to buy in a simple and brief manner, containing the exact details of what you want, well pronounced and communicated with etiquette to the seller. Likewise to every other aspect of life. 

Therefore, share with us some of your applications of the 7 C’s of communication in your daily activities.