Having a thriving, successful business is so very exciting – don’t you think? And taking it to the next level is just as exciting……provided we have planned and prepared accordingly.

Many entrepreneurs have ‘great intentions’ about growing and succeeding. It takes much more than that – unfortunately, many women entrepreneurs get in their own way, too. They think too small, or get stuck because they don’t know what they don’t know, or……are too shy or too stubborn to ask for help.

There are some key things to consider when you up-level your business.  I am in the midst of that right now and want to share some of the steps I am taking so that you, too, can create an amazing and profitable future.

1. CREATE THE PLAN! No magic here!! It’s no different than when you are starting out in business – you’ve always got to have a plan. I prefer to keep mine simple – focused – and a ‘stretch’. I have adopted the mindset of ‘getting comfortable being uncomfortable”. But what I do know for sure is that I don’t know what I don’t know. So, I move to step #2.
2. GET A COACH!  Seriously. Many of you are trying to do this on your own. What are you thinking? Oh wait – I know what you’re thinking! “I can’t afford a coach’ is what goes through your mind. Well, in my opinion then, you shouldn’t be in business. Every entrepreneur needs a coach – especially when taking quantum leaps to a new level. I just ramped up my coaching commitments for the next year and did it cause me to gulp? YES! I’m no different than you. But, where I do differ is the way I think about the investment – while many of you automatically go to the ‘scarcity’ thinking (lack of resources), I jump into thought process of ‘HOW” can I afford to make this happen? Try it! It really gives you a change in perspective.
3. REVIEW YOUR SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES.  The systems you have probably served you well as you started out in business. When you up-level your business, it’s time to review all systems and processes to ensure you have a solid foundation for the future. Put yourself back in the shoes of your prospects and new clients – and go through your own processes and review each step. You will probably be quite surprised, especially if you haven’t done this in the last year at least.
4. GET YOUR FINANCES IN SHAPE.  It takes cash flow to take your business to the next step. It’s probably time to have a conversation with your financial planner, your accountant and your banker. Be sure to have a support team who buy into your vision, who understand your industry and who are not necessarily risk avoidant. They are your cheer-leaders and your guides, at the same time.

BONUS TIP! – ENSURE YOU HAVE A DREAM TEAM! I posted this quote on Facebook recently and it got a lot of attention –

“It’s easy to find someone who wants the job. It’s more important to find someone who wants to join the team. – Simon Sinek”

When you are serious about being in business, and know that it’s time to kick it up a notch, then you’ve got to get real with yourself. It’s critical that you continue to market your business, speak in public, network and do all those activities that generate the business – but it’s just as important to ensure you have set yourself up for a successful and profitable business.

The world needs you and the transformation you provide – it’s time to get ready!

What are you doing to kick it up a notch in your business? Please share your thoughts!