business growth

We all want to grow our businesses. I have never talked to a business owner/entrepreneur who did not want their business to grow. What I have heard from some of these conversations about the ways they try to grow worries me. You have heard the expression “fake it til you make it”. This should not be a business growth strategy. Sometimes we have requests from clients who preface it by saying ‘you are so great at helping me with A&B, can you do C as well? Some of you may be so afraid of saying no, that the fake it temptation is strong.

Although as business owners we typically do not like to hear the words no, no thank you, not interested etc., sometimes those are the kindest words someone can say to us. We have all had this happen to us where we are trying to connect with someone, they say they are interested and then…nothing. You try to follow up and again they say yes, just been busy, will get back with you, give me a call next week, blah blah blah, and again…nothing. This is extremely frustrating and time consuming. When this happens it feels like you and your business are not being valued or respected.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make as an entrepreneur is not seeing the big picture. That’s not an easy thing to do when you are trying to start up a business. Not easy, but a must, as you need to have a vision for the future. For me it was not connecting with people who I felt did not fit my model. Five years down the road my model changed and those people I did not bother to connect with I now wanted to know. Those were wasted opportunities. Not connecting with people you don’t think you will do business with has another downside.

Kevin Willett says sometimes the money is not worth the headache

As business owners we obviously want as many clients as possible. But what happens if a client is not right for your business? Well, you have to be honest with yourself and the client. This is a hard thing to do. It is unnatural to turn away business. Honesty is best for all involved.

Kevin Willett says a broader focus can lead to bigger things

Kevin Willett says when you set goals and take action, your dreams can come true

Kevin Willett says being a good salesman includes selling yourself

We need to take risks as entrepreneurs. The bigger the risk, the harder the decision and the more time it will take to make it. For example, if something is low cost and may or may not work for you, would you try it? You probably would because the risk was low. Quick decision. If something were of a higher cost, you would probably take more time, think of the pluses and minuses, weigh your options against your finances and more.

Kevin Willett says your actions should override your reactions

Kevin Willett says ditch the vanity and take pride in yourself instead

Kevin Willet says your roots are what made you strong

I grew up in a neighborhood that had large families, not a lot of income and diverse ethnicities. I am super proud of that. While people from more affluent neighborhoods may have looked down on it, my neighborhood was awesome. I got to grow up with people with backgrounds from all over the world! Today, in my business, I am still interacting with people with diverse backgrounds. Networking is an important part of everyone’s business no matter the revenue, location or the clients that are sought.