People often ask me, “What does it take to succeed in the adventure of running a business?” I’ve been running my business for 10 years now and it took me awhile to learn any kind of reasonable answer to that question. Here are three workable principles for successfully running my business that I think other business owners can gain insight from:
1. Mean what you do. Really find your passion – what makes you zing – and run with it. It doesn’t necessarily have to be deeply rooted in your philosophies. It just has to be an idea or a product that you feel is so important or so useful that it has to get out into the world. So, find the meaning in what you do and really get down with it!
2. Say what you mean. Find the words that truly describe the meaning of what you do and really get into them. Remember that in every business, it’s always about who you’re serving. Tell your clients how you can make their lives easier and meet their needs. Play with the language and find three or four ways to tell your story. Do it in ways that appeal to different learning styles; create visual and verbal versions of your message. Develop multiple layers to this message through your website and other materials. Play with it, work it and test it.
3. Do what you say. This one really hits at the heart of your personal integrity and principles, and it also focuses on taking care of your clients. New and first time business owners especially are often so eager to have a business that they will say “yes” to anything. This may seem like the path to success, but it often derails us from our purpose, makes us tired, and makes us unavailable to opportunities that are a better fit. I highly recommend that you explore the meaning of “no” – “No, thank you,” “No, that’s not what we do,” “No, that doesn’t serve our mission.” Only say “yes” to what you can do and follow through on.
How do you mean it, say it and do it?
You can post your comments now without hassle! We will do a follow up with comments to your answers to Dyana’s questions with a video blog post in a few days, right here,so don’t forget to check back!
MOSO Nation Contributing Writer
Dyana Valentine, M.A.
www.dyanavalentine.com
info@dyanavalentine.com
310.663.6630
310.663.6630
Helping self-starters self-finish: one project at a time.
D.
#2 is very powerful. I’m getting my radio show ready for its’ debut (in 4 weeks!) and writing the shows description has taken many hours for me to find just the right words.
I’ve written and rewritten it. Recorded (more than once) and played back my thoughts for review. And ran the description past trusted colleagues.
Today finally I finished up this three sentence document. Who knew 30 words could take up so much time!!!!
M
Great reminders, dyana. I especially need to be reminded of the power of no. I have such a big appetite for life that I say yes to too many things and end up fried. I’m going to get on the no train a little more this year.
ohhhh, yess, I know that appetite. We could do some serious dishing on the yes-handles I’m carrying around my waist. Seriously get it. I’ve worked on several scripts, that resonate with my values, which help give me some breathing time to no (social/emotional/intellectual space it takes to make a proper Yes or No decision, but most of the roads lead to no):
“I feel really excited and energized about this idea, thank you so much for thinking of me. (you can say this to yourself, too) Give me three days percolation time and I’ll get back to you.” is one of my favorites. Feel free to cut/paste.
[...] a recent article for MOSO Nation, I outline three basic action-principles for business success: Mean It. Say It. Do [...]
Well said Dyana!
thanks for stopping by, Ron:) Do you have any juicy questions or ideas to contribute? You have had loads of experiences, I know. Would love to hear anything you’d like to share here or for our question/answer video later in the week.
This is really BRILLIANT advice Dyana! Elegant and to the point. You so obviously practice what you preach. Several years ago I bought into an existing small business that truly was weak at “Do what you say” We were always so desperate to be everything to everybody that the business was doomed. It took me several years to be clear on what went wrong. I’m now at the beginning of an new venture and I can see how applying these three points can clarify and and velocity to my business and life. You rock, sister!
wonderful, Amy. I’m so happy to be of service. I know I’m preaching to the choir, so your comments are wonderful to read. Please weigh in with any questions or new ideas we can spin on when Monique and I do our Q&A video later this week. Also, link us up to what you are working on, so we can celebrate you! Thanks so much.
Great post Dy! As a new(er) business owner of http://www.CareerMaxGroup.com (a career coaching services business), I have found that I need to continue to refine and get more and more clear with myself and with potential clients about who I can ideally serve. The more clear I get, the easier it is to attract the people I can serve… those experienced professionals who believe in investing in themselves and their most ideal happy and successful career. Suzanne Evans says, “A confused client never buys.” She’s right. And this is not only disappointing for the business owner who wants to serve people and grow her business. But it also means people are missing out on the opportunity to take action and use your resources to meet their goals. And on a final note… Yes on the integrity thing! It’s soooo important in business and I wish more people believed in this so we could all support one another with honesty and trust.
fantastic, Kelly. YES and three cheers to getting clear and going for YOUR people. That really is the only path. Keep it true, useful and direct, as only you know how to do.
thank you, Monique, for inviting me to work/play with your MOSO Nation community. I can’t wait to hear folk’s responses and stories about how they talk their walk and walk their talk. Let’s here them, everyone!
Hi Dyana, the MOSO Nation (MN) welcomes you with open arms. Thank you for being a MN contributing writer. We can’t wait to hear more from you. One thing I know for sure is that we are many tribes forming one nation. Creativity and Collaboartion are King & Queen for us. Can’t wait to hear all the responses!