Recently I heard a statistic that majority of businesses operate at 60% of their potential. While I was unable to obtain source of that statistic it seemed rather accurate or maybe even high. The Small Business Association reports that “2/3 of new employer firms survive at least 2 years, and about 1/2 survive at least 4 years.” The language they use is almost as scary as statistics themselves. This article provides tips to help you develop and grow a strong, solid business foundation.

1- Solid Plan with a Clear Simple Vision- Think of impact you would like your business to have in world. Think big! You may never reach your vision but vision itself is so grand that your team gets excited about it. Then back up and look at what would have to happen to get there. Create a solid plan with realistic short and long term goals.

2- Focus on Profitability vs. Revenue- While revenue is important, high revenue doesn’t add value if your expenses are just as high. What can you do to create more profit? Possibly develop various streams of income. What expenses could be reduced or eliminated? How can you operate more efficiently? Think profit.

3- Work “in” and “on” your business- Sometimes we get so caught up in daily tasks “in” our business we forget to step back to take a wider look from outside. Seeing it through a customer’s eyes. Noticing how it fits into community. Preparing future of company. On other hand, we can get so comfortable working “on” our business we forget to step in to talk with customers and experience what employees face on a daily basis.

4- Automate and Create Systems- What do you need to automate? What system can you put in place that would free up your time or make you more money? What tasks need to be eliminated, systematized, or delegated. What system would help your employees be more effective and provide best service? Finally, is there a system that needs to be upgraded? Automation and systems help your business be consistent and efficient.

5- Consistent Marketing Plan- Marketing expert Jay Conrad Levinson of Guerilla Marketing has said that “I hate to admit this, but mediocre marketing with commitment works better than brilliant marketing without commitment.” It is important to have a marketing plan in place that is consistently and persistently being carried out on a daily basis....not just when you need more customers.

1- Be Generous- Give without expectations and you will be surprised at how it returns to you. It may not come from same source but a new client, referral, or opportunity will show up because of your efforts.

2- Be Consistent- As in marketing, more consistent your networking efforts more productive they become. Jay Conrad Levinson of Guerilla Marketing stated, “I hate to admit this, but mediocre marketing with commitment works better than brilliant marketing without commitment.”

3- Know & Clarify WIIFT- When creating your introduction clarify who your target market is and “what’s in it for them”. Sell benefits. Verizon sells wireless phone service but sells it when you believe they never stop working to fill your phone service needs. "Can you hear me now?"

4- Get Involved- Getting involved puts you in a consistent position of visibility. 5- Be a Powerful Resource & Advocate for Others- Expand your network and be an advocate for others. Use your networking resources to hook up people you know with others. What goes around comes around.