It’s a new year, and new opportunity for growth, both for yourself and your business. As entrepreneurs there are many challenges we face, but all challenges and obstacles provide a learning experience. Here are my Top 10 Tips for Success that I’ve learned along the way that will hopefully help you in 2020!
1. Follow your passion
It seems obvious but if you are working in an industry that you’re passionate about you’ll work harder and be more motivated, and ultimately more successful. You are more likely to work through the obstacles and roadblocks if you love what you do.
2. Stay informed & network
It’s important to be educated and up to date on current news, trends, and stories in your industry no matter what you do. I’d suggest signing up for newsletters, reading blogs, listening to podcasts, and seeking out as much useful information as you can. Reach out to people you find interesting, take notes, and try to learn something new every day!
A few newsletters and blogs that we find valuable include: Mediabistro, GoDaddy, AllAccess, Ed Mylett, RAMP, Deane Media Solutions, and our own of course, The Lakeside Entertainment blog.
3. The notebook
Carry a notebook with you, write down everything, and come back to it later. This is something I’ve done for as long as I can remember. I start a new book every year and transcribe the first few pages from the past year’s notes. This helps remind me of projects I’ve been working on, goals I’ve accomplished, things I’m still pursuing, books I wanted to read, documentaries I should watch, clients I need to follow up with, etc. I find that having a notebook is a great way to stay organized and it also provides a record for the year that I can reflect on and learn from.
4. “There is no can’t, only can”
One of my mother’s famous quotes when I was growing up was “There is no can’t, only can”. That lesson has served me well throughout my life in so many different ways. It’s especially important when running a successful business. High performance individuals don’t accept “no” as an answer and find way to get things done.
In the book “The obstacle is the way” by Ryan Holiday there is a story about the early days of Apple. The company was in the design stages for a new mouse for one of their early products. Steve Jobs of course had high expectations. He wanted it to move fluidly in any direction – a new development for any mouse at that time – but a lead engineer was told by one of his designers that it would be commercially impossible. What Jobs wanted wasn’t realistic and wouldn’t work. The next day, the lead engineer arrived at work to find Steve Jobs had fired the employee who’d said that. When the replacement came in, his first words were: “I can build the mouse.”
5. Take care of yourself
Mental health is very big right now and the healthier you are the more productive you will be. Drink lots of water, keep healthy snacks by your desk, try and get enough sleep, and take a walk during the day to get outside if you can. I know how difficult it can be first-hand but it’s important to remember that health is everything.
6. Your top prospects
Create a list of your top 10-20 clients or prospects and contact them. Send a hand-written note, an email, or a small gift. We do a holiday mailing once a year with hand-written notes to our clients and friends. The response is always overwhelmingly positive. Let people know you’re thinking about them, you appreciate them, and you’re willing to work for their business and stand out among the rest.
7. Social media & Having an Impact Online
Last year we started our social media accounts, the Lakeside Entertainment Blog, and our mailing list which have all been very important in our branding and marketing. In today's day and age of social influence, one cannot overestimate having a presence online. Work to add value to your follower’s and client’s lives by giving them thoughtful and useful content they can learn from and enjoy.
8. Find a mentor
Having the right mentor can be incredibly valuable. Do some homework and seek out people in the business you think you can learn from. Attend conferences, offer to intern, or take that person out for lunch. Sometimes it’s just about being in the right place at the right time but do all you can to put yourself in a position to make those connections.
9. Work hard, play hard
Life is all about balance. Make sure you remember to appreciate what you have. Spend time with your family, plan vacations, and always have something fun on the calendar to look forward to. Some of my best ideas come from writing and reading while on vacation. You need time to rest and reset so that you can come back with a fresh perspective. Your business will grow when you’re the healthiest version of yourself you can be.
10. Keep moving forward no matter what
From my experience I’ve learned that the people who work the hardest and are the most determined and persistent often win. Building a successful business is a long game. There will be challenges and roadblocks so instead of being surprised about it, be prepared for it. It’s important to learn from your past, and it can be helpful to reflect on your journey up until this point, but make sure the majority of your thinking is about where you are, how you can improve to be a better version of yourself, and where you want to take your business in 2020 and beyond!
For more on Lakeside Entertainment Group visit:
www.lakesideentertainmentgroup.com
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