Businesses are run by people, and just like people, businesses face spurts of growth and times of stagnation. Whether you just started a business or own an established business that has plateaued, there are steps you can take to make things work.

For entrepreneurs, the link between individual motivation and business growth is very strong. A business operated by a motivated and energetic individual has greater chances of success and growth compared to a business that is run by someone who is going through the motions.

Have you fallen in a rut? Is your business seemingly stuck at the same spot? Have you parked your ambitions in the comfort zone and fallen fast asleep? If so, here are five things you can do to change it:

1. Contemplate Goals

   If you don’t know what you want and cannot clearly visualize how you will get there you have little chance of small business success. To fix this, keep your goals in front of you. Spend a few minutes each day reminding yourself about your business goals. Write them down in a notebook, print your goals list and pin it right in front of your office desk. Contemplate where you are and where you want to go. This will give you greater clarity and help you create an action plan for hitting your target.

2. Create a Daily Action Plan

   The success of your professional life depends on your level of focus. It starts with how you spend your day. A daily action plan will help you stay focused throughout the day, make you efficient and boost productivity. Every morning, before you reach the office, list the tasks you want to perform. Make sure you are practical and don’t take on more than you can handle. For instance, write down a maximum of 7-8 task on one page. If you have more, write those down on another page. Put the most important tasks on the first page – this helps you get done with high-priority tasks first. Also, if you travel a lot for business, it is best to use a task or calendar app (e.g., Astrid or Todoist) on your mobile device.

3. Talk with Customers

   Spend a lot of time talking to your customers. Whether it is customers who have reported problems, or those who are praising your services, both are equally beneficial for business. Not only can you find out the strengths and weaknesses of your products and services by talking to customers, but the interaction helps strengthen your bond with customers. This builds a relationship of trust and loyalty. And when you have a good rapport with your customers, sales will soon follow.

4. Chat with Employees

   Your employees are the pillar on which your business rests. They will make customers happy only if they are happy. So, talk to your employees and find out what they enjoy about work and what they hate; get to know about their families, socialize with them, and do all you can to create a positive work environment. If you can inspire your employees and win their trust, they will put their hearts in their work and the results will be great.

5. Cure Procrastination

   There are always certain tasks or activities that everyone tends to hate. These are the to-dos we procrastinate on the most. But if you keep putting off important tasks, it will create problems. So, form a habit of doing at least a one task every day that you generally avoid. At the end of your day, that thing will make your business better.

Boni Satani is an online marketer associated with Zintel Communications – Australia’s Leading Toll free number solution provider. Boni has been helping small businesses generate more sales online through SEO and SEM for more than 3 Years. Connect with @ZintelCo on Twitter.

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