There are those of us that run our own business and those of us who are involved in the fundamentals of running a business. This choice of direction allows for a greater purpose, access to core decisions and the results within the business.

We may have found a product that inspires; we may have a service that we are passionate about or a venture that has driven us into this position. A business, however, is more than the product or service that it provides to the target market. There are important factors that left unattended can mean the difference between success and closing your doors (metaphorically speaking).

5 Aspects to be Considered:

1. Time Efficiency
    
   It is probably of no surprise to many of us that working 9am to 5pm is not a good use of time. Many of us have our own routine in efficient productivity. This is not determined by the amount of hours but rather the results gained within the time that is spent. This can sometimes take considerably less or, in the early stages of building the business, can often take longer.
    
   The key here is to ensure that the work undertaken provides a return rather than watching the hours melt away and remaining at status quo.
    
2. Maximizing Your Goals
    
   We all set goals that are aligned to our business plan. This may be in the form of SMART goals or we may have devised a system that works for us.
    
   The purpose of goals is not to feel frustrated at the end of the week, month or quarter and not be any further than when you started. The purpose is to create a working strategy in maximizing and exceeding your set goals with minimal pressure and great success. This is not to say that no work needs to be undertaken, rather have a sense of motivation to get into them.
    
   If your goals are making you feel overwhelmed and causing you to procrastinate, reconsider them and change them into something that is realistic. Every step forward is a positive step so they can be as small as you like. Only you can determine what will work for you.
    
3. Marketing / Advertising
    
   This can seem like an endless pit of required capital to receive even the most minimal of returns. Undertake the research of what will give you the best return on your investment.
    
   A lot of avenues are very expensive and many will have to compete with your competitors. If you are small business how can you stand out from a multi-million dollar company that has been around for years? Simple; use a strategy that works for you. This can be through trial and error or market research.
    
   In the very least you want to be getting back at least 1% of your investment. This is the statistical return on mail box drops. Of course other avenues will provide higher success rate.
    
   Always keep in mind who your target market is and what avenues they would respond to the best.
    
4. Operational Aspects
    
   There is always a lot going on behind the scenes in running the business efficiently. This can include emails, website development, accounts, administration requirements, customer databases, social media updates and the list goes on and on.
    
   Because there is no return in this area of the business it is easy to either completely overlook this area or spend too much time on this. Either way, it is an important part however, that doesn't mean it needs to be at the cost of potential revenue.
    
   Use your business hours for working "on" the business. Use after hours for working "in" the business. It is usually a quieter time of day and easier to get through more. If this becomes overwhelming, break up what needs to happen over the week. Redesigning a website can seem extremely daunting however, if you only need to write one page of content a day it is a lot more manageable and very possible.
    
5. Celebrate Your Achievements
    
   As important as it is to cover all the aspects of your business and warranted there are many more than the four listed above, it is equally as important to celebrate each achievement irrelevant of how big or small.
    
   So, what was the reason for setting up your business?
    
   Answer this on those days where you question yourself and it will assist making it to the next day, which will always be better.
    
   This also assists in reminding ourselves why we are here; why we work harder than we ever have and what makes this one of the most amazing times in our lives.

A lack of clarity can mean a lack of direction. A lack of direction can result in generalizing your target market. This can result in missing potential and simple opportunities.

Success can be determined by the steps you take. What will be your first step in ensuring your business provides you with the results you want?

Get clear on the success that is waiting to naturally evolve in your business.

Hally Rhiannon-Nammu is the Founder and Director of Creative Balance, coaching specialists.

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© Hally Rhiannon-Nammu 2010