by Lisa Cherney
Every
entrepreneur starts her business wanting to make lots of money doing something
she loves. We dream about it. We plan out what our life will look like, and
where we will take vacations. But then something happens.
We start
getting nervous about not making money fast enough, and think maybe we're
charging too much. We spread a wide net and take on clients that are more of a
drain on resources than a boon to our cash flow.
Think about
your business. Does your income reflect the value of your services? If what you
do is worth more than what you're making, this is a sign that you are selling
yourself short. You need to take yourself out of the equation and get an honest
assessment of your business strategy.
There's no
slick cookie-cutter formula to use for every business, but here are some points
that helped me create a successful business model:
1. The main
reason you're not charging enough for your product or service could be that you
don't believe in yourself. Ouch! But it's true. When was the last time you
raised your rates? Don't be afraid to ask for what you're worth. The clients
who get what you do, and appreciate what you can do for them, will pay it.
2. You need
the right words to describe what you do: on your website, blogs, advertising
copy - anything that your ideal client might read. An unintended wrong message
could be what's standing in your way. Write as though you are having a
conversation with the person you are presenting to. Don't worry about the
economy, and what you think people can and cannot afford. Just put the right
message out there, and let them decide.
3. Invest in
your #1 asset - yourself! This is where a mentor and/or mastermind group is
key, to give you the support to command the level that you are worth. Friends
and family, though well-meaning, don't always get what you do. And seminars are
worthless if you just put another notebook on your shelf. The Mastermind group
I joined in 2009 was the next big step for me. At the time, I didn't know how I
was going to pay for it; I just knew I had to do it for myself. Have that faith
in yourself and let it take you to the next level. I had my best year ever the
year after I made that investment. And it's no accident that now I have my own
Divine Juice Inner Circle Mentorship program!
4. Last but
not least, take time for yourself as well. Acknowledge what you need to do to
maintain the mindset, energy level and positive space to live a life you love.
As an entrepreneur, you get to do that! And it looks different for everyone.
It's all about what's important to you. Create time for yourself to not work.
To rejuvenate. What can you do today because of the freedom that you have, no
matter how small? Like taking a walk or going to work-out, or to a movie. What
little thing can you do to create that space now? Start a practice that keeps
you grounded and centered at the beginning of each day. Maybe get up earlier to
lengthen the time you have to prepare mentally and spiritually for what lies
ahead.
Create an
opportunity for yourself to get support for your business. One of the tools my
team and I offer is a Juicy Business Assessment. Someone on the outside can see
your position more clearly than you, and help you get clarity on the changes
you need to make. There are people out there who need your services, and you
need to get the fulfillment from your business that you deserve. Don't give up
before the miracle happens!
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