There is something that every small business owner, dreamer, and future successful entrepreneur wants and needs more than anything. If you are moonlighting as CEO of your small business, you know that unless you are willing to stop sleeping, take a leave of absence from your day job, or subject yourself to risky multi-tasking at your day job it’s hard to make your business grow. Time is not on your side when you are trying to balance your career and your dream. The transition can be brutal, but it’s worth the extra work.
Make a list of things you wish you had time to do for your business.
If you know that setting up a Facebook page for your business is essential to taking your sales to the next level, or you’ve been meaning to attend a networking dinner but haven’t had the time, just put it on the list. Really wring out all of your ideas and write everything down. Don’t get intimidated by the size of the list, and don’t get caught up in going into great detail. Just get the ideas down on paper.
Give yourself 15 minutes.
Numerous studies show that giving a task your undivided attention increases your productivity. If you are trying to balance your new business with your day job, you are used to constant interruption and may be developing a short attention span. Choose something on your list, and set a timer for 15 minutes. Begin the task. When the timer goes off, stop. Note how much you did, or did not get done. Ask yourself, “Do I need to ask for help with this task? Is it going to turn into a huge time-suck?” If you think you are making good progress, think about your schedule and carve out another 15 minutes to work on it some more. Can you get up 15 minutes earlier in the morning? If you are used to taking a lunch break, could you use the first 15 minutes to further your cause?
Learn to give a speech.
It’s true that fear of public speaking is nearly epidemic among even the most successful business owners. But there’s no need to get short of breath over this assignment. If you can’t answer the question, “So, what do you do?” in less than 30 seconds, you’ll miss out on dozens of networking opportunities. This speech is your Elevator Pitch, and if it isn’t at the top of your “to do” list, please put it there. Equally important is the two minute pitch you’ll prepare for potential investors. Be prepared to give it at any time. According to Kay Koplovitz, author of “The Elevator Pitch that Rises to Success”
The elevator pitch can be the most important, not to mention the most nerve racking, most rewarding, and possibly most devastating presentation of an entrepreneur's life.
You can bring your business from part time to full time, and take yourself from moonlighting entrepreneur to full time business owner. With a bit of organization, and fifteen minutes here and there, you’ll see the kind of progress that will fuel your desire to succeed.
For more information about how to make your business a success, please contact us - we are currently inviting startups with crowd-sourced business models into our private Beta.
-bmt
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