young male entrepreneur doing research to expand his business

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship Archives

Entrepreneurship | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

Are you wondering how to grow your business now that you’ve experienced some success? Understanding key growth strategies, including new technologies or economic fluctuations, is critical for adapting to change, regardless of where you are located or what industry you are in.



 



A structured approach using strategic expansion tactics can benefit both small business owners and established companies can effectively help you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-scale-your-business-a-guide-for-new-entrepreneurs/">scale your business</a>. Yet most people either don’t know where to start growing their business or have so many ideas for expansion that they’re unsure which to pursue.&nbsp;



But it doesn’t have to be overly complicated. For instance, <a href="https://fitkit.com/amie-hoff/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amie Hoff</a>, New York fitness trainer, corporate wellness consultant and public speaker, co-created <a href="https://fitkit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FitKit</a>, a series of portable kits with all the tools needed for a full-body workout, along with more than 200 exercises via FitKit’s digital exercise library. She is an example of someone who successfully grew her revenue stream and says that doing more doesn’t have to be complicated—as long as you do your homework. By following this type of blueprint, you’ll be able to attract more business opportunities over time. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-business-growth-strategies-nbsp">10 Business Growth Strategies&nbsp;</h2>



Learning how to expand your business takes time, patience and diligence—not to mention innovation. Here are 10 business expansion strategy steps to start taking action today to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/tackling-business-strategy-6-tenets-of-building-a-scalable-brand/">build a scalable brand</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-conduct-market-research">1. Conduct Market Research</h3>



The first step is to assess the current market to better understand your existing customers, competition, and company growth strategy. You’ll want to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-ways-to-identify-your-ideal-client-and-prime-your-business-for-growth/">determine your target market and their needs</a> so you can adjust to meet those needs as you grow. Understanding your competitors’ strengths, weaknesses, offerings and plans will also help you formulate your own. Read industry reports and websites, peruse competitors’ materials, conduct surveys and interview current and potential clients.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



Hoff’s research winnowed her options and educated her on exactly what she was getting into with expanding her business. She studied fitness industry publications, joined networking groups and examined industry trends on blogs and in webinars. “Most [of these sources] offer insight into what is already being done and how you might fit in,” Hoff says. “I also connected with human resources directors and corporate wellness managers to better understand what was being done, what was lacking and where and how I could offer my expertise. Most people are willing to share their experiences and offer guidance.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-map-out-a-growth-strategy-nbsp-nbsp">2. Map Out a Growth Strategy&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>



Once you gather enough research, it’s time to write your growth plan. Follow the SMART goals philosophy to develop your plan (make goals strategic, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound). Include these goals—along with mission, vision and procedures—in a business map to follow as you work to grow your business.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Hoff’s research gave her a handle on the anticipated costs and timeline of expanding her business. “You must understand the cost of developing and the time involved. Then you have to be realistic about what you have and are able to spend,” she says. “Putting every detail on paper shows you the reality of what you are up against and whether you can make it work.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-hire-the-right-team-members-nbsp">3. Hire the Right Team Members&nbsp;</h3>



Once your plan is set, start building your team by hiring the right people to meet your outlined goals. Try to carefully match employee skillsets to the company’s needs and choose people who will enhance the workplace culture. Incentivize them with a competitive salary and attractive benefits so they are dedicated to the company’s success and want to stick around for many years.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-add-new-products-or-services">4. Add New Products or Services</h3>



You can reach a broader client base by <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-branch-out-to-new-markets/">diversifying your products and/or services</a>. This may look like spin-off products and services from your core options that help meet the more specific needs of your customers. Or it could be a different way to provide the same information, such as an e-book or audiobook. Perhaps you offer a membership or subscription versus a one-off product.&nbsp;



Hoff could have booked more personal-training sessions to expand her offerings, but there are only so many hours in a day. To make more money and reach more people despite limited time, she expanded by selling FitKits to corporate wellness programs and moving into corporate consulting. In the process, she tapped a new pool of clients and greatly increased her income.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-network-widely">5. Network Widely</h3>



Another great way to continue expanding your business is to participate in a variety of networking events, such as attending and speaking at conferences, participating in webinars, connecting with others online and hosting or co-sponsoring events. Not only can you build new relationships that could ultimately lead to new sales or partnerships, but boost your credibility and brand visibility as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-prioritize-customer-service-nbsp">6. Prioritize Customer Service&nbsp;</h3>



If your customers aren’t happy, they won’t come back. That’s why it’s critical to prioritize customer service to increase customer satisfaction and retention. By building customer loyalty, you can end up increasing sales. Make sure you address their concerns and give them the best experience possible.&nbsp;



Build engagement by sending out a newsletter, posting and engaging with customers on social media, offering freebies or special deals and creating a customer loyalty program. Hoff, for example, gave potential corporate clients a free taste of her FitKit, a step she calls “a small price to pay for the experience and feedback.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-form-strategic-partnerships">7. Form Strategic Partnerships</h3>



Consider combining efforts with other businesses so you can grow together—through one another’s audiences. Gaining additional followers builds your clientele and piques audience interest. You can also match your products with someone else’s services for a special client offer. This could be a one-time offer—or you could develop a product or service together for both of your clients.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-expand-to-new-markets">8. Expand to New Markets</h3>



Explore the feasibility of expanding your products or services into a new market, including the competition you’ll be up against and the costs involved. This may include marketing, new office space or travel expenses. You’ll need to evaluate the investment and risk required upfront to reap the future benefits of reaching a broader audience.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-boost-online-marketing-nbsp">9. Boost Online Marketing&nbsp;</h3>



You may be wondering how to grow your business online. Digital marketing is extremely important today. Ensure your website is modern with updated information, you are active on social media and listed in as many online business directories as possible. You’ll also want to build an effective sales funnel to help take your business to the next level by converting leads into sales.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-invest-in-technology">10. Invest in Technology</h3>



Invest in the latest technologies to streamline your business. A customer relations management (CRM) system like Salesforce can help manage relationships with existing and potential customers. Automate payroll and manage accounting with a system like QuickBooks. By tapping into these resources, you will work more efficiently and in turn, can focus on more important tasks, like how to expand your business.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-challenges-in-business-growth-and-how-to-overcome-them">Common Challenges in Business Growth and How to Overcome Them</h2>



Even if you follow the steps above to a tee, you are bound to face obstacles trying to scale your business. Here are a few of the most common challenges to keep in mind:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Unsuccessful employee recruitment: If you struggle to attract the talent you need, expand where you post the job description and consider hiring a recruiter.</li>



<li>Limited financial resources: Look for outside funding, like investors or taking out a loan, to get the financial boost you need to keep growing. </li>



<li>Unable to keep up with inventory: If the orders are coming in more quickly than anticipated, look to solutions like order management systems and just-in-time inventory management solutions to stock products as needed.  </li>



<li>Decision paralysis: Feeling stuck and not sure what direction to take? <a href="https://coaching.success.com/">Hiring a business coach</a> to work through strategies for growing a business can be incredibly helpful. </li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



If you want to know how to grow your business, start with a solid, research-backed strategy you can follow as your guide. By outlining clear goals and updating them as circumstances change, you can continue to expand into new markets, attract new customers and design the business of your dreams.&nbsp;



Just be ready to give it your all. “Trying to create something part-time will not allow you to truly grasp the full potential,” says Hoff. “As scared as I was, I took a hiatus from my personal-training clients, who were my bread and butter, to put more effort into consulting. You won’t know if something is going to work unless you give it the time and energy to find out,” she says.



This article was published in February 2015 and has been updated. Photo by fizkes/Shutterstock

Sandi Schwartz

Are you wondering how to grow your business? Here are 10 business growth strategies to help you effectively scale your business.

Are you wondering how to grow your business? Here are 10 business growth strategies to help you effectively scale your business. | SUCCESS

How to Grow Your Business: 10 Strategies for Expansion

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How to Grow Your Business With These 10 Strategies l SUCCESS

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Tory Johnson is CEO and founder of Spark &amp; Hustle, a weekly contributor on ABC's Good Morning America and a contributing editor of SUCCESS magazine.

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Tory Johnson

Personal Development

Personal Development Archives

Personal Development | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

I’m busy as heck but not getting anywhere. What am I doing wrong? Well, have you considered writing your to-do list in categories?



Entrepreneurs say that staying focused is a huge challenge. It’s crucial to have an ongoing plan <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jodiecook/2021/03/15/how-successful-entrepreneurs-block-out-distractions-and-stay-focused/?sh=5b2c9df4b51c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to keep you on track</a>, a written outline that stays within reach and states what you intend to accomplish every day.



I set aside an hour or so every Sunday night to map out the week ahead. What will I focus on first thing Monday? Then on to Tuesday, and so on. Whom do I contact and why? What are my top priorities—no more than three—for the week, and what activities could distract me? The more detailed my calendar, the more prepared and focused I am. Committing my priorities to words focuses me mentally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Categories to organize your to-do list</h2>



Despite that, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-youre-always-distracted-from-the-task-at-hand/">distractions can still derail you</a>. I often find myself pulled in too many directions, reacting to phone calls, email and other stuff that pops up. Using the triage method below—touching things only once and then moving on—to organize my to-do list into categories keeps me from being overwhelmed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-do-immediately">1. Do immediately.</h3>



If a task feeds my priorities, my time is justified.



<ul>
<li><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-separate-the-urgent-from-the-important/">Here’s how to prioritize</a>.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-delegate">2. Delegate.</h3>



Someone else can and should take over certain tasks to save me time. Even microbusiness owners can benefit from an intern or temp.



<ul>
<li><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-delegate/">Here’s how to delegate</a>, the smart way.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-drop">3. Drop.</h3>



I ask myself, “Will this make money for me right now or anytime in the future? Does it fulfill my current priorities?” If the answer is no and the task falls into this to-do list category, I dump it.



<ul>
<li>Here's how to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-focusing-on-your-personal-growth-now-is-more-important-than-ever/">focus on your personal growth</a>.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-defer">4. Defer.</h3>



Some items might appeal but aren’t time-sensitive or high-priority. Delay them <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-a-to-dont-list-can-help-you-achieve-your-goals/">to a more convenient time</a>.



Business coach Jenn Lee says her biggest time-drain involves dozens of mini-projects each week. “I used to try and squeeze them in between phone calls, emails and posting on Facebook, but there were days when I’d leave my office without accomplishing anything. Something needed to change,” she says.



So Lee sets aside 25-minute blocks of time each day, one for each of three key tasks she must accomplish. “I look at everything I need to do and assign them one of my blocks of time dedicated to that task,” she says. “I set up three a day, usually two in the morning, when my brain works best on creative things, and one in late afternoon to finish up. Knowing that I have dedicated time to each task means I don’t fret all day over them, and I get better results because I’m focused.”



Another time-sucking aspect of Lee’s business was trying to help clients who, for whatever reason, couldn’t be helped. One client “never did what I advised her to do,” she says. “As a coach, a good part of what drives me is <a href="https://www.betterup.com/blog/entrepreneur-tips" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seeing entrepreneurs succeed</a> after gaining clarity and guidance from me. But when I work with someone who isn’t moving forward, it drives me crazy.”



Ultimately Lee told the client she could no longer work with her. “Since then, I am very careful who I work with,” she says. “Before I take on clients, I ask a series of leading questions. Their answers help me see if I will like working with them. Working with the right client saves me time, and time is what we all need to get it all done.”



<ul>
<li>Here's <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/12-productivity-tools-and-strategies-to-help-you-seize-the-day/">how to be more productive</a></li>
</ul>



This article was published in July 2017 and has been updated. Photo by Prostock-studio/Shutterstock

It’s crucial to have an ongoing plan to keep you on track. Organize your to-do list by these categories to help you be more productive.

It’s crucial to have an ongoing plan to keep you on track. Organize your to-do list by these categories to help you be more productive. | SUCCESS

Organize Your To-Do List into These 4 Categories

4 To-Do List Categories That Will Keep Your Day Organized | SUCCESS

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woman starts her day drinking coffee in bed

Lifestyle

Lifestyle Archives

Elevate your lifestyle for success and happiness

Wondering how to start the day off right and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/11-tips-to-transform-your-morning-routine-and-make-your-entire-day-more-productive/">make mornings manageable</a> instead of manic?



Mornings at my house are harried, too. My husband, our kids, the animals: Everyone needs something, and it’s usually chaotic until they’re out the door. But my 18-year-old daughter, Emma, set a good example for all of us. Since middle school, she has set her alarm to allow for a full hour of calm before school. Her rationale: “I refuse to be rushed, and I refuse to be late.” My husband, our son and I also adopted Emma’s early reveille, so we walk out well-prepared and eager to conquer the day.



<h2>How to start the day off right</h2>



To learn what works for other people, I turned to business owners who <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-happy-successful-optimistic-people-know-about-life/">consider themselves happy and successful</a>. Here's how they start the day:



<h3 id="h-1-moment-of-gratitude">1. Moment of gratitude.&nbsp;</h3>



“I say my grateful prayer before getting out of bed,” says inventor Sandy Stein of West Hills, California. “<a href="https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-stop-overthinking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">We tend to dwell</a> on all the things that go wrong, and it’s easy to overlook just how much greatness I have in my life.” On the rare occasions she doesn't start the day with her ritual, Stein says the tough times of the day overshadow the good, reducing productivity.



<h3>2. Prayer and meditation.&nbsp;</h3>



Some people do one or the other, but business coach Lena West of New York does both. “It’s my A &amp; L ritual—Ask &amp; Listen,” says West, who devotes at least 15 minutes to “asking for what I need and then <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-speak-well-and-listen-better/">listening for the answer</a>…. [Afterward] I feel grounded, guided and supported all day. I feel like I’m co-creating my outcome with the universe. When things <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-deal-with-unexpected-change/">don’t go as planned</a>, I’m not as ruffled… which is critical for my life as an entrepreneur.”



<h3>3. Puppy time is the perfect start to the day.&nbsp;</h3>



Minutes after she wakes up in Los Angeles, Melissa Rappaport, who owns a public relations firm, heads outside with her dogs. “The refreshing air, along with watching them explore the great outdoors, sets a positive tone for my day,” she says.



<h3>4. Start social.&nbsp;</h3>



While it may seem counterproductive to start the day with digital distractions, Boston-based Instagram consultant Sue Zimmerman spends 45 minutes on the social platform “getting inspired by vivid visual content.” Style and food photo streams are her favorites because “they <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/18-out-of-the-box-ideas-to-spark-creative-inspiration/">provide a creative charge</a> that motivates me to have a beautiful day.”



Another social media strategist echoes those sentiments. Tulsa, Oklahoma,-based Cindy Morrison starts her morning with 20 minutes on <a href="https://about.flipboard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flipboard</a>, an online source for organizing and viewing her favorite magazines. “I catch up on People magazine’s posts because pop culture makes me happy. By the time I hop in the shower, I know what’s happened overnight in my industry, and I’m ready for the day,” she says.



<h3>5. Work out before work.&nbsp;</h3>



Florida esthetician Mindy Black knows she’s at her best after <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-create-an-exercise-routine-that-doesnt-suck/">hitting the gym</a>, so she revamped her schedule accordingly. “My first client appointment is now at 10 a.m., which allows me to start my day with a full, unrushed workout. Nothing makes me feel better and more energized, and my clients deserve me at my peak,” she says.



Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do. For many, avoiding email keeps them on track with morning intentions, while others insist on seeing the new arrivals to their inboxes. Only through trial and error can each of us <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-change-your-habits/">develop the habits</a> that serve us best.



This article was published in April 2015 and has been updated. Photo by ChamanExperience/Shutterstock

Are your mornings always rushed, leaving you stressed before the work day even begins? Follow these tips for how to start your day off right.

Are your mornings always rushed, leaving you stressed before the work day even begins? Follow these tips for how to start your day off right. | SUCCESS

5 Ways to Start Your Day Just Right

How to Start Your Day: 5 Ways to Have a Great Morning | SUCCESS

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The Customer Isn’t Always Right But How Do You Know Where to Draw the Line?

Business &amp; Branding

Business &amp; Branding Archives

Stay ahead in business: strategies and insights for success

Relationships

Relationships Archives

Relationships | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

Remember Kenny Rogers’ line from “The Gambler”: “You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em….” It’s saying every situation is unique, so <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/go-with-your-gut-the-science-of-instinct/">use your instincts</a>.



If you sense your adversary is a bully, that’s actually good news. Bullies’ drama and yelling are mostly bluster. In my experience, they usually give in if you stand your ground.



More difficult are situations in which you can’t suss out the motivation behind unreasonable demands.



This might be because your adversary is the one with the problem, says Dana Lynch, a mobile app specialist in Atlanta (and a lawyer). One client, insisting on a refund for the app Lynch had developed for her, said Lynch had not followed her instructions exactly. Lynch responded that she had, but had added a few extras.



In emails and phone calls, Lynch explained that “it’s easier for our clients to see everything, then pare back” as desired, and that deleting is easier than mocking up additional pages. She also offered to rework the demo exactly as the client wished, but nothing short of a full refund would do. “She had no interest in allowing us to make it right. She said she would sue me…. I mentioned that I was confident I had fully performed the contract and was still <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-win-back-a-client/">offering to rework things</a> to make her happy. I didn’t want her to waste her money attempting to sue me with a baseless claim. That’s when she went quiet.”



Confidence kept Lynch from refunding a penny, and she wasn’t sorry to lose the difficult client.



Another common scenario is the customer who suddenly balks at a cost or makes extra demands after the price is settled, says Ali Craig, a Phoenix area-based luxury branding expert. “When and how to stand up to your clients depends on your ability to truly know who your customer is and where they’re coming from,” Craig says. “If you do, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-solopreneurs-guide-to-email-marketing/">you can overcome any opposition</a>.”



Craig cites this example: A client was about to sign a contract but suddenly wanted a price cut without a reduction in service. During a follow-up call, Craig learned that the client’s real concern was “about being able to deliver on her side of her business once my work was complete.” The exchange taught her that customers’ emotions, such as <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201512/the-3-most-common-causes-insecurity-and-how-beat-them" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insecurity</a>, come into play in business transactions, and that “a hesitation is more about them than about me.” This knowledge stops Craig from dropping rates simply to land a project, something she would later <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-overcome-regret/">regret</a>.



Knowing your costs and schedules is crucial for evaluating when to refuse a client’s request. Web designer Jen Puckett won’t work with people who have unrealistic budgets and time frames. “They’re coming to me for my expertise, but they think they know best. I will do everything possible to educate them. In the end, if they’re unwilling or unable to learn, I would rather walk away.” Her philosophy: “An unreasonable client who walks in your door is worse than needing to pound the pavement to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-ways-to-value-yourself-by-valuing-your-time/">find one who truly values what you offer</a>.”



Finally, pause instead of immediately buckling to the fear someone will bad-mouth you (such as in <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-ways-to-increase-online-reviews/">online reviews</a>). Most people who want freebies or similar concessions know what they’re up to, and they know you have the truth on your side. So fallout isn’t too likely. Be brave.



This article was published in December 2014 and has been updated. Photo by @lithiumphoto/Twenty20

I've always done pretty much anything to please customers, but lately I’ve been tempted to refuse some outrageous demands. When should I?

I've always done pretty much anything to please customers, but lately I’ve been tempted to refuse some outrageous demands. When should I? | SUCCESS

The Customer Isn't Always Right: Drawing the Line with Confidence

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You might feel inadequate when others flaunt the tantalizing places they go, the fascinating people they meet and the envy-worthy stuff they buy. But the voice in your head can land a worse blow to your confidence and your drive toward achievement.

<blockquote>
Related: <a class="row-title" href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-art-of-true-confidence/" aria-label="“The Art of True Confidence” (Edit)">The Art of True Confidence</a>
</blockquote>
You know that voice, the one that traps you in <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-negative-thinking-can-ruin-your-life/">negativity</a> by dwelling endlessly on what’s missing. Although all small-business owners worry about needing more employees, capital and expertise, unchecked hand-wringing over deficiencies can sidetrack you from conquering the real issue, which is figuring out how to make great things happen.
&nbsp;
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The voice in your head can land a worse blow to your confidence and your drive toward achievement.</h3>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.aprillefranks.com/about-epic-aprille/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aprille Franks-Hunt</a>, an Oklahoma City-based business coach and small-business conference producer, knows firsthand the paralysis of a fretful, can’t-do attitude. While trying to grow her presence in the coaching space for six months, she suffered from a crisis of confidence. Franks-Hunt knew she could provide valuable services, but her self-defeating mentality held her back. “I was stuck thinking that because I wasn’t a big-enough name, I couldn’t transition from empowering people who had heard me speak to coaching and training them [to grow their businesses].”
She thought the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-lessons-death-defying-adventure-taught-me-about-facing-my-fears-as-a-solopreneur/">solopreneurs</a> of her target market would laugh at her because they’d compare “little me to big brands that have more capital to work with, large fan bases, robust resources and extensive star power.”
<img class="aligncenter wp-image-34471 size-full" title="How to Overcome Your Cant Do Attitude2" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/How-to-Overcome-Your-Cant-Do-Attitude2.jpg" alt="How to Overcome Your Cant Do Attitude" width="1100" height="733" />
Three words—not big enough—held her back for months, she says. “I’m not a known name in coaching. Although my small fan base jokes that I am their Oprah, I didn’t feel that way. I felt that because I don’t have certain things, starting with a high school diploma, that I have to work so much harder to prove myself. I let that stagnate me for quite a while.”

<blockquote>
Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-simples-strategies-for-conquering-self-doubt/">5 Simples Strategies for Conquering Self-Doubt</a>
</blockquote>
Franks-Hunt says she turned her business around by getting real. “I got over <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-ways-to-improve-your-self-image/">not feeling big enough</a> when I started listening to people who really support me. The fact is I am a great teacher, and I get my clients results in their businesses quicker than they can on their own. By dissecting my programs and services, I realized that what I do truly works. I began to let that speak for itself.”
Instead of fixating on woe-is-me, Franks-Hunt began proving to the industry that she is definitely a player. “I got myself booked for speaking gigs. I engaged much more actively on social media. I created a strong newsletter that I sent out consistently instead of randomly and infrequently.”
<img class="aligncenter wp-image-34470 size-full" title="How to Overcome Your Cant Do Attitude1" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/How-to-Overcome-Your-Cant-Do-Attitude1.jpg" alt="How to Overcome Your Cant Do Attitude" width="1100" height="733" />
After a few months, she no longer fussed over what she lacked and shifted her emphasis to what she had to offer. “People with hundreds of thousands of [social media] followers started coming to me for coaching, which made me confident that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-ways-the-power-of-i-can-changes-you/">I am big enough</a>. I began to own it for myself.”
To avoid becoming trapped again, Franks-Hunt starts each day recounting a challenge that she has overcome as well as something big or small that she achieved the day before. “It reminds me that I have what it takes to get what I want.
“The answer to challenges is often within me.”
<blockquote>
Related: <a class="row-title" href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-your-attitude-is-everything/" aria-label="“Why Your Attitude Is Everything” (Edit)">Why Your Attitude Is Everything</a>
</blockquote>
&nbsp;

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in March 2016 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy and comprehensiveness.
This article appears in the <a href="https://store.success.com/by-media/magazines/success-magazine-april-2016-kendra-scott.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">April 2016 issue of SUCCESS magazine.</a>

You can overcome your negative attitude by focusing on your strengths instead of what you lack. Give it a try, and witness your best life unfold.

'The answer to challenges is often within [you].'

How to Be Confident In Your Abilities

How to Overcome Your Can&#8217;t-Do Attitude

How to Overcome Your Can't-Do Attitude | SUCCESS

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It starts with focusing on your strengths instead of what you lack. | SUCCESS

How to Overcome Your Can't-Do Attitude

Q: I love being my own boss and working from home, but I miss the daily camaraderie with my former team. How can I create that feeling from a distance?

A: Consider setting up a virtual team of colleagues whose skills and expertise <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/john-c-maxwell-why-you-need-to-surround-yourself-with-like-valued-people" title="John C. Maxwell: Why You Need to Surround Yourself With Like-Valued People | SUCCESS.com">complement</a> yours. You’d talk regularly with this team to receive advice and help on projects. Other benefits: You might be able to delegate tasks and projects you can’t or don’t want to do. And you’re likely to land more clients and business through referrals from your virtual team members, says Janine Heydrick, a Florida-based project manager who advises small businesses on connecting via email, text, recorded team phone calls, or video chats via GoToMeeting, Skype or Google+ Hangouts.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/working-remotely-heres-how-to-do-it-right">Working Remotely? Here’s How to Do It Right</a>

How do you put together your team? First identify specific areas where you could benefit from others’ knowledge to enhance and grow your business. This may include admin support, bookkeeping, graphic design, marketing, sales, etc. Create postings to share socially and through your network to identify virtual workers with such skills.

Before jumping into virtual relationships, use Skype chats and phone calls to get to know potential teammates and their work. Ask questions to learn their <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/discover-your-personality-style-at-work" title="Discover Your Personality Style at Work | SUCCESS.com">work styles</a> and preferences. For example, what are their work environments and schedules? A mom may work from home while her kids are in school, which defines her hours of availability. Learn what work resources a candidate can tap. A virtual assistant may need only a mobile phone, laptop and Wi-Fi to manage a project; a photographer should have studio space, lighting, a camera, computer and editing software to produce catalog shots.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-the-biggest-challenge-youll-face-as-a-leader">Rohn: The Biggest Challenge You’ll Face as a Leader</a>

Most important, do you like the person? “The <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/7-things-all-great-relationships-have-in-common" title="7 Things All Great Relationships Have in Common | SUCCESS.com">relationship</a> must come before skill set,” Heydrick says. “Skills and business protocols can be learned.” If everything clicks, at this point you can create a well-defined 90-day trial that allows either party to bail for any reason.

To manage your virtual team:

<h2 class="BODY">1. Clearly communicate your expectations.</h2>

An assistant can’t effectively manage a project for you without <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/john-maxwell-the-big-5-challenges-people-face" title="John Maxwell: The 'Big 5' Challenges People Face | SUCCESS.com">knowing the challenges</a> and desired outcome. A photographer can’t deliver useful product shots without understanding your customer base and marketing and sales&nbsp;strategies.

<h2 class="BODY">2. Nurture.</h2>

All members must value a free flow of ideas without any one person dominating. “Treat your team the way you want to be treated,” Heydrick says. “Trust that each team member knows what she is doing and will get the work done to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/5-tips-to-avoid-an-expectation-hangover" title="5 Tips to Avoid an Expectation Hangover | SUCCESS.com">meet expectations</a> and deadlines. If a team member has an issue with a project, we share PC screens via Skype, Join.me or similar applications so everyone is looking at the same thing and working together to come up with a resolution.”

Remember birthdays, and compliment a job well-done. “Each team member needs to invest in one another, learn each member’s strengths and weaknesses and likes and dislikes, and inquire about their personal lives,” Heydrick says. “It’s all about relationships.”

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/the-leadership-secret-to-supercharging-your-team">The Leadership Secret to Supercharging Your Team</a>

<h2 class="BODY">3. Interact regularly.</h2>

You’ll probably meet once a week to plan the week ahead. You’ll need to cross-train members in case of emergencies. Adopt an open-access policy that encourages phone calls and instant messages. You want to explore proposed alternatives and receive great tips.

<h2>4. Beware of any breakdowns among team members.</h2>

These problems invariably result from mistrust, a lack of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/john-c-maxwell-the-greatest-skill-communication" title="John C. Maxwell: The Greatest Skill—Communication | SUCCESS.com">communication </a>or becoming too comfortable with the status quo. “A solopreneur needs to stay on top of the business,” Heydrick says, “and not get complacent and rely solely on the team.” To keep this message top of mind, she sends her clients this framed quote from Henry Ford: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success!”

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/want-to-keep-your-best-employees-dont-wait-for-the-exit-interview">Want to Keep Your Best Employees? Don’t Wait for the Exit Interview..</a>

&nbsp;

This article appears in the <a href="https://store.successcom.wpenginepowered.com/by-media/magazines/success-magazine-march-2016-jimmie-johnson.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">March 2016 issue of SUCCESS magazine.</a>

Even when you’re working by yourself, you can create camaraderie. Here's how.

Even when you’re working by yourself, you can create camaraderie. Here's how. | SUCCESS

Do You Work From Home? Here Are 4 Ways to Create Camaraderie

Do You Work From Home? Here Are 4 Ways to Create Camaraderie | SUCCESS

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Q: I’m pushing like crazy to meet an important product-distribution goal that will be a huge milestone for my business. How can I maintain my momentum for the less exciting follow-up&nbsp;steps?

A: That distribution goal should be just one part of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/6-tips-to-outline-a-top-notch-business-plan" title="6 Tips to Outline a Top-Notch Business Plan | SUCCESS.com">the solid plan you must develop for your business</a>, a plan to enable you to constantly think ahead and build on each achievement.

Vivian Tenorio, a mom from Bedford, Texas, learned that lesson the hard way. She planned to leverage a family flan recipe into a&nbsp;fortune.

Armed with courage and audacity inspired by a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/mobile/blog/the-most-important-lesson-tony-robbins-taught-me" title="The Most Important Lesson Tony Robbins Taught Me | SUCCESS.com">Tony Robbins</a> motivational tape, Tenorio—with Signature Flan samples in hand—walked in unannounced to Whole Foods world headquarters in Austin, Texas. “From the beginning, my goal was to get my product onto the shelves at Whole Foods, the mothership for a small artisanal company like mine,” Tenorio says. “Whole Foods was the Holy Grail: Get in there, and it automatically gets you in the door at other stores.”

She remembers her approach vividly. “It was a Monday. We packed our car, packed our flan cups, and within 24 hours, I was meeting with a buyer.” And after a year, her flan was on the shelves of 19 Whole Foods Markets in four states and in more than 120 specialty food markets across the country.

In some ways, her meteoric initial success was the beginning of the end for Signature Flan. Tenorio realized that her baby would need daily nurturing, and she wasn’t fully committed to that. “What I noticed after the fact was that I thrive in the chase. To me, the challenge of getting into Whole Foods fueled my fire.”

Being in Whole Foods did get her in the door at other stores, but that was hardly a free pass. “I just assumed they knew I was the little girl selling flan door to door and would give me a break.

“But everyone wanted a discount. Everyone wanted free product samples. I couldn’t afford to discount or give away my product.”

At that point, Tenorio questioned whether her goal of taking her flan into the big leagues was worth the effort. She asked herself, Do I really want to accept the realities of being in this business?

The answer was no. So after a little more than two years, she closed shop and paid off her loans. The act of giving up bruised her ego and confidence. “It hurt because I wanted it to work, and it&nbsp;didn’t.”

Yet Tenorio was much happier than she had been in months. “I’m a creator, and I always want to be involved in doing something creative,” she realized. “Once that creativity is not being met, I get bored fast. I learned that about myself.”

Tenorio now <a href="https://www.viviantenorio.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hosts podcasts geared toward entrepreneurial startups</a>. While fear of failure is no reason to derail a dream, she says “it’s a very good idea to know yourself from the beginning, along with what exactly must happen after the initial big goal is realized, better than I did.”

If Tenorio had had a step-by-step plan in place, she would have seen the big picture and the future that didn’t dovetail with her&nbsp;passion.

<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-it-only-takes-6-steps-to-plan-your-success" title="Rohn: It Only Takes 6 Steps to Plan Your Success | SUCCESS.com">Before you take the leap with a new goal, think ahead. It only takes 6 steps to plan your success... </a>

&nbsp;

This article appears in the <a href="https://store.successcom.wpenginepowered.com/by-media/magazines/success-magazine-february-2016-joel-osteen.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">February 2016&nbsp;issue of&nbsp;SUCCESS&nbsp;magazine. </a>

Always know your next move, or lose your momentum and risk your happiness (and your business).

Always know your next move, or lose your momentum and risk your happiness (and your business). | SUCCESS

OK, You Reached Your Goal—Now What?

OK, You Reached Your Goal—Now What? | SUCCESS

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Young women smiling while showing how to start a podcast

Looking for tips on how to start a podcast? You’re not alone! There are tons of benefits to starting your own podcast, especially exposure for your personal brand.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-start-a-podcast">How to start a podcast</h2>



That’s why I consulted personal-finance expert <a href="https://farnoosh.tv/my-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farnoosh Torabi</a>, who launched the <a href="https://podcast.farnoosh.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">So Money</a> podcast in January 2015. From the get-go, she was tweeting big-name guests such as <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/tony-robbins-the-holy-grail-of-investing/">Tony Robbins</a> and Tim Ferriss. Her show has 1 million-plus downloads, and Inc. magazine dubbed it a top podcast for growing your business. Here are Torabi’s seven best winning tactics on how to start a podcast for beginners.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-be-patient">1. Be patient</h3>



“A podcast—particularly a daily show—can feel like an absolute grind, because it is! This is a marathon, not a sprint.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-set-clear-goals">2. Set clear goals</h3>



Torabi spent the last quarter of 2014 planning the launch and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/top-podcasts-to-elevate-your-life-in-2023/">studying successful podcasts</a>. “A daily podcast differentiates [hosts] and helps them reach high download numbers faster.”



She aimed for an audience that could be monetized, “justifying to myself and my family the 10-plus personal hours a week and thousands of dollars a month it takes to create this show.” Her goals included creating a professionally executed show with high-profile guests, gaining media visibility to enhance her credibility, racking up reviews by critics and winning fans.



She sought iTunes’ ranking as “New &amp; Noteworthy,” which ensures a top spot in the iTunes store in your selected categories for several weeks. Reviews help; shoot for 12 the first week. “I was selected my first week, and my traffic rose about 50 percent,” she says.



Torabi aimed to use her podcast to increase her email contacts for marketing herself, and she did so by 50 percent as of Sept. 30, 2015. “If your podcast draws an average of 3,400 listens 30 days after its debut, it is in the top 10 percent of all podcasts,” she says. “Earn roughly 5,000 listens, and you’ll attract sponsors.” Mission accomplished: She has paid advertising on her podcast and a greater media presence, plus more paid speaking gigs and book sales.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-go-for-the-best-guests-out-of-the-gate-and-listen-to-followers">3. Go for the best guests out of the gate and listen to followers</h3>



From her research, Torabi knew high-caliber guests make a huge difference, so she went after them. “Guests with major social followings were particularly helpful because they shared the show with their fans,” compounding her listens.



She also paid attention to fans’ feedback and catered to their requests. “I dedicate an episode each week to answering their questions to have the show be as much for and about them as possible.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-ask-for-what-you-want">4. Ask for what you want</h3>



Best-selling business author/podcaster Chris Ducker taught Torabi the importance of listener reviews for iTunes’ rankings, which boost her audience. “He told me that you don’t get what you don’t ask for. On every episode, I ask listeners to leave reviews, and I have over 300.” (She thanks listeners for their comments and reviews every day.)



Torabi also requested votes after GOBankingRates.com nominated So Money for Best Financial Podcast of 2015. “This award would offer instant credibility and recognition, so I rallied hard for votes during the show and on social media.” So Money—up against Dave Ramsey, Freakonomics and other titans—won.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-repurpose-content">5. Repurpose content</h3>



Torabi orders episode transcripts that she turns into articles published on Money.com, Yahoo and Business Insider. She embeds links in the articles that drive traffic to her website, bio and ultimately back to her podcast.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-be-social">6. Be social</h3>



She schedules her posts and provides podcast guests with suggested posts to share with their fans. She says her following on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) has grown by about 2,500 since the launch.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-maintain-momentum">7. Maintain momentum</h3>



Torabi celebrates every major milestone, and she hopes to reach more in 2016 after partnering with an agency that connects advertisers and digital content.



This article originally appeared in the <a href="https://store.successcom.wpenginepowered.com/by-media/magazines/success-magazine-january-2016-sara-blakely.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">January 2016 issue of SUCCESS magazine</a> and was updated in April 2024.



Photo By Rido/Shutterstock.com

Podcaster Farnoosh Torabi gives her best advice on how to start a podcast, from how much it costs to why a podcast can boost your business. Learn more today.

Podcaster Farnoosh Torabi gives her best advice on how to start a podcast, from how much it costs to why a podcast can boost your business. Learn more today. | SUCCESS

7 Tips for Starting Your Own Podcast

7 Tips On How To Start a Podcast For Beginners | SUCCESS

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A publicist calls to thank me for featuring her client on “Deals &amp; Steals.” She says they’ve already gotten more than 5,000 orders and it’s only noon—they expect to sell far more by the time buying ends at midnight. We begin talking about other things and she says she’s spending the afternoon prepping to pitch a new client the next day.“Have any words of wisdom?” she asks.“Wear red underwear,” I say without hesitating.She pauses and asks, “Why red underwear?”I’ve always liked red underwear because I feel there’s something that’s simultaneously naughty and empowering about the color. I’ve advised more than a few women who need a psychological boost before heading into a high-​stakes conversation to go red. It’s a power color that you may not be able to pull off on the outside, but when you wear red underwear it’s a hidden superpower that only you know about. Wear red undies and you’ve got a good luck charm and a sure-​fire confidence booster wrapped in one. My dresser drawer is filled with them.As I build a stronger me, I realize I could use a new pair of red undies myself. I already have my neon yellow Nike sneakers, which Peter calls my “don’t mess with me sneaks.” When I wear them in the park, every step seems easier.I’m always on the lookout for stuff to make me feel strong.It doesn’t take long before an opportunity to put my red underwear theory to the test.I am speaking at a conference in Long Beach, California. I’ve given hundreds of speeches in my life, but I’ve never stood alone on stage in front of 13,000 people, which is what I’m about to do for an entire hour. I am here to talk to direct sales reps for a skin-​care company, about personal and professional challenges and triumphs. The main event is in a cavernous arena where people fill the main floor and a balcony.I can talk to 5 million Good Morning America viewers and not get nervous, but now I have 26,000 eyes staring intently at me. The crowd is welcoming and gracious with laughter and applause as I speak about my own heartaches and successes. They’re here for inspiration and they hang on every word.I want to bottle the energy in this hall. It feels like this is my personal cheering squad—and it’s 13,000 strong.When I start coughing midway through this speech and think I’m losing my voice, someone in the audience races from her seat to the stage to bring me bottled water and cough drops.As I take a sip and catch my breath, I hear women say from random parts of the balcony: “We love you, Tory. Take your time.”I love them right back, so much so that I take a risk: I ask everyone to stand so I can snap a selfie from the stage. I want to capture this magical memory. To up the ante, I ask them for their favorite mantras for a short video that I’ll post on Facebook.Backstage, unbeknownst to me, my husband Peter has recorded that moment on a monitor. On a whim he sends the clip to several friends and relatives.As I walk offstage to a standing ovation, a barrage of texts appears on my phone from the people back home who have watched, courtesy of Peter’s video. The best one comes from Barbara Fedida: “OMG. That looks like a Taylor Swift concert!”I’m not a rock star, but I feel like one today and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I am wearing red underwear.Put on a pair of red underwear and rock your confidence.<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/need-a-fresh-start-try-these-5-steps-to-shift-for-good" target="_self" title="Need a Fresh Start? Try These 5 Steps to ‘Shift for Good’ | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener">Need a fresh start? Try 5 steps to “shift for good” from my new book.</a>&nbsp;Excerpted from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316261564/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0316261564&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=sm0fe-20&amp;linkId=ZLVHLBSD3ODKBVWR">Shift for Good: Simple Changes for Lasting Joy Inside and Out</a> by Tory Johnson,&nbsp;Good Morning America&nbsp;contributor, #1 New York Times best-selling author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C0ZP48Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00C0ZP48Q&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=sm0fe-20&amp;linkId=STTIO4KW6LUIMTP3">The Shift</a> and columnist for SUCCESS magazine

A publicist calls to thank me for featuring her client on “Deals &amp; Steals.” She says they’ve already gotten more than 5,000 orders and it’s only

A publicist calls to thank me for featuring her client on “Deals &amp; Steals.” She says they’ve already gotten more than 5,000 orders and it’s only | SUCCESS

Ready to Rock Your Confidence? Wear Red Underwear

Ready to Rock Your Confidence? Wear Red Underwear | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/sites/default/files/main/blogposts/RockYourConfidence.jpg

Q: I tend to beat around the bush rather than asking directly for what I need to grow my business. What should I be&nbsp;saying?

A: Many people struggle to generate sales because they can’t… quite… seem… to get to the point. They might be direct in other aspects of their lives, but when it comes to nabbing business, they hint, hope and cajole, but don’t ask, which is most problematic in four crucial areas: support, referrals, business and payment.

Here are the confidence-building scripts used by four successful businesswomen:

1. Support: When she initially launched a crowdfunding campaign to finance the mass production of a clever travel container, inventor Ruby Vasquez says it fell on deaf ears. The El Paso, Texas, entrepreneur had high hopes for quick success, but only after she actually asked for support did contributions flow. “Once I made a key switch in my language, the money came in. Instead of saying, ‘I&nbsp;launched this campaign, and I’m so excited about getting the product to market,’ I&nbsp;tweaked it, adding, ‘and I’d appreciate your support, so please click on the link to watch our video and consider contributing today.’” Within days, she raised more than $40,000—exceeding her&nbsp;goal.

2. Referrals: Jenn Lee, a Lake Mary, Fla.-based small-business consultant, has grown her business almost exclusively by asking for referrals. She doesn’t offer a free steak dinner or a prize to valued clients who refer her. “I don’t want to diminish them by making them feel they’re in a program,” she says. Instead, once she has established rapport, “I ask straight out for the referral: ‘Whom do you know who may be struggling or stuck in marketing their speaking platform for profit?’ The more specific I am, the easier it is for them to think of someone because they’re already seeing a difference in their businesses by working with me.”

3. Business: Amandah Blackwell, a marketing communications writer in Parma, Ohio, says small-business owners are often good at pitching themselves but then rely on the potential client to close the deal. “Too often we tout our skills and abilities, and then we wait for the prospect to take the next leap. We hope they’ll ask how to work with us. When that doesn’t happen, we assume they’re not interested.” Bad assumption, Blackwell says. Instead of focusing only on what she can accomplish—“I will ensure that your marketing copy positions your company effectively”—she bridges her capabilities with asking for the business. “So let’s start working together now.”

4. Payment: Graphic designer Amy Morelli of Longwood, Fla., says the key to getting paid is not just how, but when, you ask. “The client has to be equally invested in the process. One way to ensure that is to make them pay a deposit or partial payment upfront. They don’t waste my time when they have skin in the game.” Before instituting her upfront policy, a client who hadn’t put any money down beforehand “would ask me to do 50 versions of a design, only to settle on the first one I submitted.” More important, “doing this ensures that I don’t have an issue with getting paid,” Morelli says, so she’s not having to chase down her fee after the job is done.

<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/how-to-ask-for-and-get-everything-you-want" target="_self" title="How to Ask for (and Get) Everything You Want | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Afraid to ask for what you want? Check out 6 strategies to overcome the obstacles of requests.</a>

[node:summary] - Want to be successful as an entrepreneur? Stop tiptoeing around requests and start being direct and specific.

Q: I tend to beat around the bush rather than asking directly for what I need to grow my business. What should I be&nbsp;saying? A: Many people struggle | SUCCESS

How to Ask for the Things You Need to Succeed

How to Ask for the Things You Need to Succeed | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/YouveGottoAsk.jpg

<div>
Want to make lasting improvements in your life? Here’s a pared-down guide based on the steps in Tory Johnson's new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316261564/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0316261564&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=sm0fe-20&amp;linkId=YQ34TGMBZZZ3CQ2W">Shift for Good: Simple Changes for Lasting Joy Inside and Out</a>:

Related:&nbsp;<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/how-to-change-yourself-in-positive-ways" target="_self" rel="noopener">How To: Change Yourself in Positive Ways</a>
</div>

<div>
<h2>Step 1: How fed up are you, really?</h2>

In other words, are you finally sick of the way things are now? When you’re at the point where the pain of the present outweighs the pain and sacrifice that change demands, you’re ready to shift.

<h2>Step 2: What are you willing to give up?</h2>

Big change requires big sacrifice. There’s no way around it. If you want to shift for good, nothing can be more important than <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/10-steps-to-achieve-any-goal" target="_self" title="10 Steps to Achieve Any Goal | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener">tackling your goal</a>. You must be willing to give up things that are near and dear to you, including certain behaviors, to succeed. You must be ready to commit fully—be willing to accept the shift as an all-or-nothing deal, as hard as it sounds. The process is hard but becomes easier to live with over time.

<h2>Step 3: What’s your plan?</h2>

There’s no winging it if you’re serious about making a significant life change. You need to establish clear, concise rules in order to eliminate ambiguity. Make a simple plan for how you’re going to take on your issue.

<h2>Step 4: What’s your daily accountability?</h2>

It’s easy to slip up when nobody’s looking. It’s also possible to fool yourself into thinking that you’re on track when you’re not. Take a moment to review each day to see which emotions and attitudes reigned: calm or panic, happiness or anger, joy or joyless. If you consistently practice the action steps you outlined in your plan, you’ll see and feel results. Progress begets progress, which makes daily accountability important.

<h2>Step 5: How will you develop patience and celebrate your victories?</h2>

It’s hard to go from panic to perfect overnight, no matter how much we want it to work that way. A journey toward wholeness takes time. To <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/top-of-mind-how-do-you-find-motivation-when-youre-not-feeling-it" target="_self" title="Top of Mind: How Do You Find Motivation When You're Not Feeling It? | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener">stay motivated</a>, celebrate teeny victories with rewards that won’t derail your success.

Related:&nbsp;<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/top-of-mind-this-is-how-to-reinvent-yourself" target="_self" rel="noopener">Top of Mind: This Is How to Reinvent Yourself</a>

&nbsp;
</div>

[node:summary] - Ask yourself these questions to make positive changes in your life.

Want to make lasting improvements in your life? Here’s a pared-down guide based on the steps in Tory Johnson's new book, Shift for Good: Simple Changes | SUCCESS

Need a Fresh Start? Try These 5 Steps to ‘Shift for Good’

Need a Fresh Start? Try These 5 Steps to ‘Shift for Good’ | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/sites/default/files/main/articles/StepstoShiftForGood.jpg

Professional Growth

Professional Growth Archives

Professional Growth | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<div id="_idContainer003">Looking to shift gears at work? These answers to questions from SUCCESS readers can help you make smart professional moves.Q: I want to move up from the clerical staff at the small family-owned business where I currently work. I’m not a good fit there, so I plan to change jobs, but I&nbsp;don’t want to make a lateral move. I think I’d enjoy (and be good at) marketing, but it’s a challenge to move forward in my career. What should I do? How do I&nbsp;assess my skills and figure out which ones to acquire?</div><div id="_idContainer005">—Sandra A., Sarasota, Fla.A: Let’s start with your last question. To figure out what skills you need for any position, talk to people who do that kind of work every day.An easy way to conduct this research is to connect with a few marketing professionals through LinkedIn. Ask them whether they’d be willing to answer some questions about the field. Find out what knowledge, skills, abilities and experience are needed to excel in today’s marketplace; also ask them their likes and dislikes about what they do. Developing a detailed understanding of the field is always a smart move because sometimes a position seems more appealing in the abstract than it is in reality.In terms of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/12-ways-to-mess-up-a-job-interview-and-12-ways-to-ace-it" target="_blank" title="12 Ways to Mess Up a Job Interview—and 12 Ways to Ace It | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener">finding a new job</a>, here are two options that might help you land what you want.1. Pursue a clerical role that mirrors your current one at a marketing firm or in the marketing department of the company of your choice. This approach will give you a relatively easy way to jump ship from your employer based solely on your current experience. And it will allow you to get your feet wet as you work in marketing and learn the ins and outs. Let it be known upfront in interviews that you are interested in a career in marketing and explain why you’re confident you’d be good at it.2. A second option is to do an inventory and assessment of your current skills and duties. In a small business, you’re almost certainly doing far more than you give yourself credit for. In other words, you might already be engaged in a variety of marketing tasks without realizing it.For instance, in my small company, our administrative staff members help write and format newsletters, plan and execute social media content, create fliers and handle various creative projects. All of these are marketing functions.Write down your day-to-day and weekly tasks and look for keywords that apply to marketing activities. Then craft your résumé to highlight those responsibilities and results while minimizing your unrelated administrative tasks and skills.Q: How can a small business such as a doughnut shop formalize disciplinary actions? Isn’t that environment too informal for rules and policies?—Carlos Jimenez, DallasA: Every summer when college interns take a break from their books to get real-life experience in my office, I have them sign a simple one-page document that spells out codes of conduct and the parameters of their internship. This ensures that everyone is on the same page from day one.Just because your workplace is an informal doughnut shop doesn’t prevent you from having formal rules and giving performance reviews every six months (or however often you want). Consistency in enforcing these rules will help you formalize the professional behavior that you’re striving for.Here are some steps for setting up policies and procedures.Start by putting your workplace rules in writing. Include scheduling, breaks, sick days and paid time off; the expected code of conduct; safety precautions and requirements; protocols for sharing compliments, complaints and resolving conflicts; frequency and methods of performance reviews; and any other issues that may be relevant to you and your workplace.Once you’ve mapped out your rules, be sure they comply with the law. Start your research by visiting the website of your state’s department of labor. Most have staff on hand to answer labor-related questions from employers.Have your employees review and sign the finished document. Keep the hard copy in a safe place, or scan it and file it electronically. Reinforce your rules by hanging poster-sized versions that serve as visual reminders of the issues that are most important to day-to-day operations.Performance reviews are so important that I want to emphasize a few related points.First, use those reviews to identify and share your expectations with all of your full- and part-time employees. By assessing everyone, you advance your goal of reducing the appearance of a too-casual workplace.Also broaden your thinking about performance reviews. Although you will need to point out areas for improvement, you should look upon reviews as opportunities to praise what each person is doing right.Finally, reviews serve as a terrific opportunity to solicit feedback for ideas about making your business a great place for both employees and customers. By giving your workers a voice in your operation, you’ll maintain high morale, which is crucial to growing the business. As another morale-booster, I &nbsp;suggest that you hang a bulletin board in a back room or somewhere else that’s prominent yet behind-the-scenes. Use it to post employee raves by peers and management, which will help foster a culture of people who take pride in their jobs and want to excel at work.<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/how-to-react-to-negative-feedback-at-work" target="_self" title="How to React to Negative Feedback at Work | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener">We all receive feedback on our performance at work. Find out how to react to the negative critiques.</a>&nbsp;Editor’s note: This article appears in the September 2015 issue of SUCCESS magazine. We gave you, the reader, the opportunity to ask the SUCCESS columnists anything—and these are some of your best questions answered.</div>

Looking to shift gears at work? These answers to questions from SUCCESS readers can help you make smart professional moves.Q: I want to move up from the

Looking to shift gears at work? These answers to questions from SUCCESS readers can help you make smart professional moves.Q: I want to move up from the | SUCCESS

What to Do When You’re Ready for a Career Change

What to Do When You’re Ready for a Career Change | SUCCESS

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➽&nbsp;I&rsquo;d feel less guilty about all the hours I devote to my work if I incorporated my family more into my business. How can I do that?I started&nbsp;my first business in 1999 in my bedroom with an AOL email address, dial-up Internet, and my twin babies Emma and Jake at my feet. My kids and husband have never been far from my work, literally and figuratively: Owning a small business means the line between work and life is thin, if present at all.Since then, inviting my family into my work has reaped numerous rewards, including terrific ideas, some great arguments and my sanity. Doing so works well for others,&nbsp;too.Jill Donovan, a Tulsa, Okla.-based jewelry designer whose <a href="https://www.rusticcuff.com/pages/about-us" target="_blank" title="About Us | RusticCuff.com">Rustic Cuff</a> pieces are carried by Nordstrom, Dillard&rsquo;s and hundreds of boutiques nationwide, says that instead of choosing between time spent on work or with family, she strives to make it all part of the same world. She looks for ways to include her two daughters in all aspects of her business.&ldquo;As much as I can, I involve them in the design process by asking their opinion from a young girl&rsquo;s perspective,&rdquo; Donovan says. &ldquo;I want them to feel that they are a part of the ultimate design process so that when a product is created, they have that proud feeling that they played a role in it.&rdquo; As a result, her daughters have a vested interest that leads them to love Mom&rsquo;s business, Donovan says, &ldquo;and they add a fresh new perspective that I may not otherwise get.&rdquo; In addition, Donovan has named certain products and designs after her daughters and their friends. &ldquo;It gives them a sense of pride that they can share with their friends.&rdquo;Deborah Gilboa, M.D., an internationally known parenting and youth development expert, says that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/6-tips-to-balance-the-work-life-seesaw" target="_blank" title="6 Tips to Balance the Work-Life Seesaw | SUCCESS.com">work-family balance</a> &ldquo;often translates into trying to keep a constant tally of minutes spent with one or the other. The stress of trying to keep things equal&mdash;in a world of urgent, unexpected deadlines on one side and last-minute requests on the other&mdash;can leave us feeling unbalanced.&rdquo; Instead of considering these to be two separate buckets you must fill, Gilboa says to make them one, using these three tips:1. Tap family for brainstorming. &ldquo;When a work conundrum stumps you, take it to your kitchen table for out-of-the-box ideas. This lets your family know that you value their ideas and opinions, and it models the resilience you bring to your work when <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/the-5-emotional-challenges-youll-face-as-an-entrepreneur" target="_blank" title="The 5 Emotional Challenges You’ll Face as an Entrepreneur | SUCCESS.com">challenges</a> crop up.&rdquo;2. Leverage the skills at home. &ldquo;Our kids and partners are great at all kinds of things, from graphic design ideas to tech solutions, proofreading and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/the-case-for-brainstorming" target="_blank" title="The Case for Brainstorming | SUCCESS.com">brainstorming</a>. Explain that you need their particular help with a work project and outsource at home.&rdquo;3. Join &rsquo;em. &ldquo;Find something that takes more time than experience to accomplish and pull it out with a younger family member to have great conversation while they help you work. Or just sit down [to do] your work at the homework table.&rdquo;By incorporating their families in their nonstop work, neither Gilboa nor Donovan is burdened by the overwhelming sense of guilt that working parents often describe. As my twins graduate from high school this May, I can proudly say that I&rsquo;ve always been among those guilt-free moms, too.<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/how-to-run-a-family-business" target="_self" title="How To: Run a Family Business | SUCCESS.com">Feeling inspired to involve family in your full-time venture? Go all in. Find out how to make a family-run business work.</a>

➽&nbsp;I&rsquo;d feel less guilty about all the hours I devote to my work if I incorporated my family more into my business. How can I do that?I

➽&nbsp;I&rsquo;d feel less guilty about all the hours I devote to my work if I incorporated my family more into my business. How can I do that?I | SUCCESS

Guilt, Be Gone! Try These 3 Ideas to Involve Family in Your Work

Guilt, Be Gone! Try These 3 Ideas to Involve Family in Your Work | SUCCESS

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➽ How do I overcome my fear of losing the sale and instead firmly set prices in line with the value of my products and services? &mdash;Mary T., Chicago➽&nbsp;A:&nbsp;I&nbsp;often see businesswomen cringe from talking about money and ask for far less than they&rsquo;re worth, while men tend to be hardwired to ask for what they want. I also know many women who squelched their pricing anxieties, so I turned to them for advice. Of course, their tips will help you guys who have this problem as well.Women are natural givers, accustomed to doing more than what they receive in return, says Adina Laver, a Philadelphia-area divorce and relationship coach. &ldquo;In sales, this translates into an inequitable exchange of value between the business owner and her clients,&rdquo; she says.When her business was young, Laver sometimes lowered her price on the spot out of fear of losing a client. &ldquo;Sometimes the client walked anyway. In other cases, I could feel my inner voices of resentment rising as I realized I was on the short end of the value-exchange stick again.&rdquo; Recognizing her behavior was key to changing it; Laver channeled her frustration into building her business muscle and committing herself to &ldquo;<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/stumped-borrow-someones-brain" target="_blank" title="Stumped? Borrow Someone's Brain | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">acting more confidently</a> the next time.&rdquo;Makeup artist Marcella Cardinal&rsquo;s lightbulb moments occurred when she observed how salespeople interacted with her: &ldquo;They believed in what they were selling. I didn&rsquo;t feel forced or duped.&rdquo; Their attitudes put her at ease when asking for money for her services.Cardinal also says anyone struggling with sales should dump the notion that selling is a tawdry interaction: &ldquo;Money is simply an exchange of energy. What gives you the right to decide for someone else that your product isn&rsquo;t right for them? What if you&rsquo;re denying them something that could truly help? They have a right to say no, but you don&rsquo;t have the right to say it for them.&rdquo;Cathi Nelson, founder of the Association of Personal Photo Organizers, offers this insight: Women often worry about being perceived as greedy, which causes them to undervalue their worth. When she started her photo organizing business, Nelson underpriced until &ldquo;I realized that I would better serve my clients by charging what I&nbsp;was worth. I slowly started raising my rates.... Even after I doubled my rates, I kept getting clients. It was my mindset that needed adjusting&mdash;not my clients&rsquo;.&rdquo;South Florida marketing consultant Jackie Awve says there&rsquo;s nothing worse than learning you undervalued yourself after the deal is done&mdash;especially with a high-maintenance client. &ldquo;It affects your disposition working on a project and possibly the quality of your output,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;It also sets a price precedent.&rdquo;Naturally, checking what competitors charge for comparable services is helpful. &ldquo;If your peers are not willing to work for less, why should you?&rdquo; asks Awve. &ldquo;I mostly get comps by doing Internet searches to compare pricing, service descriptions and quality of work. Knowing where you stand allows you to price and discuss pricing based on something more tangible than emotions.&rdquo;If all else fails, Effie Walthall, an Orlando, Fla., travel agent, suggests getting comfortable with being uncomfortable when it comes to sales. &ldquo;People always ask why they should book through a travel agency. Oftentimes my price is the same as the cruise line or tour operator. The difference is they don&rsquo;t get me, and I&rsquo;m worth something.&rdquo; Educating prospects on her value enables Walthall to secure their trust and their business.<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/the-price-is-right" target="_self" title="The Price Is Right | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Find out everything you need to know about how to price your product or service, when to discount (and when not to) and more.</a>

➽ How do I overcome my fear of losing the sale and instead firmly set prices in line with the value of my products and services? &mdash;Mary T.,

➽ How do I overcome my fear of losing the sale and instead firmly set prices in line with the value of my products and services? &mdash;Mary T., | SUCCESS

Make the M Word Less Scary

Make the M Word Less Scary | SUCCESS

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➽&nbsp;I&rsquo;ve spent&nbsp;a year creating a budget and forecasting sales for a retail shop. Now I&rsquo;m ready to make it a reality. What should I know about determining my location and launching my dream?➽&nbsp;Start by&nbsp;talking to people who have successfully done what you want to do. Chances are that you have a favorite store or two where you&rsquo;ve gotten to know the owners. If not, pick one, introduce yourself and ask for advice.After a layoff from a major department store, Tierra Destiny Reid opened an Atlanta-area consignment store. Today, after selling that business, she helps others open shops as founder of <a href="https://www.theretailcampus.com/default-homepage/about-us-2/" target="_blank" title="About | TheRetailCampus.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Retail Campus</a>.Her advice on finding a perfect <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/location-yeah-still-important" target="_blank" title="Location... Yeah, Still Important | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">location</a>: Pound the pavement. &ldquo;Visit areas where you&rsquo;d ideally like to be. Talk details with current tenants to get an honest perspective on real foot traffic, not the basic demographics of drive-by stats,&rdquo; Reid says. &ldquo;How many people are really walking by and walking in, not simply driving by?&rdquo;When negotiating rent, lock in a long-term rate that has a short-term clause, Reid advises. Don&rsquo;t sign a lease for low rent for only a year to play it safe, she says, &ldquo;Because if you do well and want to stay, your landlord can significantly raise your rent, which may drive you out. Instead, lock in a low rate for three to five years and reduce your risk by insisting on an opt-out clause.&rdquo; Reid says rent should be about 10 percent of potential gross sales.Sweat the details on killer signage that customers will notice from a distance, using the biggest allowed by local zoning. &ldquo;See if you can hang a grand-opening banner and ground signs for more visibility,&rdquo; Reid says. &ldquo;Create vibrant window displays that&rsquo;ll attract passersby.&rdquo;Offer <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rewarding-experiences-for-loyal-customers" target="_blank" title="Rewarding Experiences for Loyal Customers | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">loyalty rewards programs</a>. Reach out to local vendors and charities to participate in in-store events, Reid says. They&rsquo;ll market to their base, which can attract new customers to your turf.Ask for customer contact information to send regular e-newsletters. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t just offer discounts and deals, but also include tips, tools and resources that will interest and serve your audience,&rdquo; says Marquesa Pettway, who teaches entrepreneurs how to attract &nbsp;clients.<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/how-to-hire-well" target="_blank" title="How To: Hire Well | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hire wisely. </a>If your budget allows, use an experienced human resources veteran on an as-needed basis to handle hiring. Then save time by meeting only with the top three to five candidates.Because your employees must represent your vision and deliver consistently on customer service, training is essential. &ldquo;Create a mission statement and operations guidelines for all employees to sign. Hire initially on a 30- to 60-day trial period. Once you&rsquo;re up and running, create an internship-apprenticeship program and hire from those ranks,&rdquo; Reid says.Offer sales incentives to encourage your team to compete to reach goals. &ldquo;Commission is an option, but a clothing store might offer free necklaces or shirts for the month to whoever hits the sales goal,&rdquo; Reid says. &ldquo;For others, public recognition&mdash;employee rock star of the month&mdash;also motivates.&rdquo;Finally, tap organizations that help startups. Check with your mayor or town supervisor&rsquo;s office on small-business development to find the best resources. In addition, SCORE, a national organization, assists entrepreneurs with every facet of startup and operations, including free coaching and low-cost seminars. You can find your local chapter at <a href="https://www.score.org/about-score" target="_blank" title="About SCORE | SCORE.org" rel="noopener noreferrer">SCORE.org</a>.

➽&nbsp;I&rsquo;ve spent&nbsp;a year creating a budget and forecasting sales for a retail shop. Now I&rsquo;m ready to make it a reality. What should I

➽&nbsp;I&rsquo;ve spent&nbsp;a year creating a budget and forecasting sales for a retail shop. Now I&rsquo;m ready to make it a reality. What should I | SUCCESS

A No-Nonsense Checklist for Setting Up Shop

A No-Nonsense Checklist for Setting Up Shop | SUCCESS

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Let’s say your child comes to you and explains that he or she wants to run for class president. Would you look your little pride and joy in the eyes and say, “Don’t bother. You’re not that popular, and there are some really cool kids going for that job. There’s no chance you’ll win”?

Of course you wouldn’t say that. You’d muster endless enthusiasm and prepare for a heated campaign—maybe head to the bookstore and buy Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. “Let’s make it happen,” you’d say. “We’ll create the best campaign slogan, design the coolest posters and start shaking hands.”

Here’s the problem: Somehow between childhood and adulthood, many of us quash our natural inclinations to dream and do big. Tiger kids become scaredy-cat adults, hampered by self-limiting beliefs that flatten our self-esteem, hurt productivity and dampen success.

“When you think about all the struggles we go through in life, most of it comes from our self-limiting beliefs,” says Arizona-based entrepreneur mentor Ali Brown. “When we’re stuck, it’s not because we are held back by someone else.” Brown suffered from that mentality for years, thinking she wasn’t good enough to work for herself. Then in the late 1990s she met a freelancer for the company where she worked full &nbsp;time.

“He was nice, but not too smart, and made a great living working for himself,” Brown recalls. “I thought, Wow, I think I can do this.” She went out on her own a few months later. Today she surrounds herself with “positive people who do great things. They make me realize what I am capable of.”

When you replace negative limits in your beliefs about yourself with positive images that focus on your potential, “your success increases exponentially,” Brown &nbsp;says.

For a moment, suspend any glass-half-full tendencies and be honest with yourself, even if memories like Brown’s make you cringe because they’re all too familiar.

Related:&nbsp;<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/5-mindset-traps-that-will-derail-your-success">5 Mindset Traps That Will Derail Your Success</a>

Answer yes or no to these scenarios. Have you ever:

<div id="stcpDiv" style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;">•</div>

Sat silently in a meeting, afraid of sounding dumb if you shared an idea?

<h3 class="BODY">• Allowed others to decide for you because you doubted yourself?</h3>

<h3 class="BODY">• Shied away from an opportunity because you questioned your ability?</h3>

<h3 class="BODY">• Been cynical, jealous or angry about other people’s successes?</h3>

<h3 class="BODY">• Wondered privately whether you’ll ever amount to anything significant?</h3>

If you answered “yes” to at least three of those five common situations, you’re a self-doubter.

You have plenty of company.

“Self-limiting beliefs are everywhere and a part of all of us, to greater or lesser degree,” says Bruce Frankel, author of What Should I Do With the Rest of My Life? “The keys to overcoming many of these are recognizing them, understanding how we got them, and then banishing them through sustained activity.”

Put another way: Eliminating self-limiting beliefs is entirely doable.

A first step in moving forward is to recognize that you need to get out of your own way to get ahead. Warning signs of self-doubt include a tendency to answer “yes, but…” when questioned about goals or progress, says Frankel.

“How come your business isn’t up and running by now?”

“Well, it would have been, but…”

The second step is to know that many self-doubters aren’t even aware that they are their own enemies—they constantly seek permission or approval before moving forward. If you’re perpetually working toward another “qualification, certification, designation or degree,” odds are you’re stalling and need to have a frank talk with yourself, according to Brown.

In order to conquer self-limiting beliefs, taking action is key. “Motion beats meditation,” Brown says. Positive quotes and inspiring refrigerator magnets will only go so far. You won’t move forward until you move to get out of your own way.

Let’s look at four common self-limiting beliefs and the action steps you can use to bust through them, starting today.

<h2 class="SUBHEAD">No. 1: I’m not good enough to charge a decent fee for my&nbsp;services.</h2>

Jackie Awve of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was confident about leaving her cushy corporate job to open her own marketing firm: She had the right contacts, a perfect skill set and an exceptional local reputation. But what she found daunting was the specter of asking fees that would give her a standard of living commensurate with her old corporate &nbsp;salary.

“I was worried that going out on my own wouldn’t be stable enough, that I wouldn’t be able to do it,” the 44-year-old mom says. “There was no safety net, and I was afraid of the freefall. It was like standing on a cliff about to jump into water or jumping from a plane—I thought, I don’t know if I can do it. I panicked.”

Doubtbuster: Jenn Lee, an Orlando, Fla.-based business coach, advised Awve to nail down specifics, like how many clients and projects it’d take to replace or exceed her old salary. Next was determining how to price her service “so that it fit what the market will bear and feed her,” Lee explains. “Once you know your numbers, the rest is in building and delivering the brand to meet what you’ve promised.”

In the first year of business, Awve beat her old salary. Having an overall goal of success helped, she says, but taking specific steps to make money paid off. “If you focus on the actions, it’s not as overwhelming,” Awve says. “You realize you are in fact good enough, and other people will recognize it, &nbsp;too.”

<h2 class="SUBHEAD">No. 2: I’m not worthy of being in this space.</h2>

For years Cathi Nelson of West Hartford, Conn., was too intimidated to leave a sales job and start her own company. She sensed that business owners belonged to an exclusive club that they were born into—a club that she had not been asked to join.

“I was intimidated,” she says. “I kept asking myself, Do I deserve to be really successful?”

Doubtbuster: Nelson says she overcame her fear by just “showing up” to local chamber of commerce meetings, networking group get-togethers and a three-month small-business class. She set one goal per day and concentrated on doing that one thing well, which “helped when I felt overwhelmed by all I didn’t know.” She picked up the phone and reached out to people she admired to ask for help.

In time she founded a photo archiving company, PhotoSimplified, and the Association of Personal Photo Organizers. An early victory was being accepted to speak at a photography conference in Las Vegas. “I &nbsp;spent most of my time in my hotel room, insecure and wondering if I belonged,” she says, after a disappointing five people came to hear her talk.

But to her surprise, when she reapplied to speak at the same conference the next year, she was booked and more than 75&nbsp;people attended her session. One year made all the difference. “I now believe I belong in the room,” Nelson, 54, says. “What matters are mutual respect and a willingness to share and learn.”

<h2 class="SUBHEAD">No. 3: I’m not as good as they&nbsp;are.</h2>

Many of us are taught to measure ourselves against celebrated individuals and the accomplishments of others—“not on what we are discovering and doing,” Frankel says. “As a result we lose out on the reward of experience by worrying about measuring up to someone else.”

Doubtbuster: Jealousy and anger about what others do or accomplish are good indicators of someone stunted by self-limiting beliefs, Frankel says.

To fight the “I’m-not-as-good-as” syndrome, Frankel suggests mapping out a plan and celebrating baby steps and milestones: “Create the habit of doing, of advancing.”

Frankel says it also helps to live in the moment, putting aside your ultimate goal to simply focus on the nuts and bolts of your progress. Finally, enjoy the ride by finding people with similar interests. “See yourself doing the thing you want,” he says (check out the quote below for the best advice for visualizing your&nbsp;success).

<h2 class="SUBHEAD">No. 4: I’m afraid of success.</h2>

This is a fear that I often hear when speaking to large sales teams. A salesman will stand up and say he’s “terrified of success” because he has watched peers get to top levels only to subsequently lose their titles and ranks. Now, he’s afraid the same thing will happen to him, so he sadly settles for middle-of-the-pack results and stops trying to advance.

Doubtbuster: Don’t model your path on someone else’s failure. Learn from others’ challenges, but create your success based on your real ambitions. Your focus should not be hampered by negative “what ifs” or obstacles that may or may not be down the road. Instead, do something every day to make every day better than the one &nbsp;before.

Beliefs of all stripes affect how we think and act and are much more important than we often realize, Brown says. “People go to war and die for their beliefs—that is how strong they are. So beliefs affect our day-to-day decisions and our ultimate potential.”

In her quest to vanquish self-doubt and start her business, Nelson learned that most entrepreneurs are willing to offer encouragement and support.

“They’ve been there, done that,” she says. “And if someone says no, I move on. I stopped thinking small and started thinking big. I stopped making assumptions of what people thought, took a deep breath and forced myself to make the call. In the small-business world, people can’t thrive if they are too fearful.”

Despite what popular culture often leads us to believe, success takes time. “We live in a world filled with manufactured illusions, in which achievements appear to happen extremely fast and in which we’re fed false, inflated images,” Frankel says. A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step, as the ancient Chinese proverb says. So put one foot in front of the other and just get started on the quest to achieve your greatest aspiration.

On TV, Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran is clearly a successful, no-nonsense, savvy businesswoman. So much so that it’s hard to imagine her as anything but brimming with self-confidence.

Yet the real estate empire builder says that when she was in her 20s, she was filled with self-doubt, afraid to reach for the brass ring. She had what she calls “a self-limiting tape” running in her head.

Dumping her first husband, who told her she would never make it in real estate, was the first step to making it big. “I learned to replace my fear with a tape that kicks in my brain that says, You have the right to get out of life exactly what you want and be as successful as you want to be,” Corcoran says. “You have just as much right as the next guy, the God-given right to get there just like anyone else. It’s not a private club.”

That tape in Corcoran’s head has served her well.

“It has gotten me through every door I’ve been afraid of,” she says. “And I’ve always gotten what I &nbsp;wanted on the other side.”

Let’s say your child comes to you and explains that he or she wants to run for class president. Would you look your little pride and joy in the eyes and

Let’s say your child comes to you and explains that he or she wants to run for class president. Would you look your little pride and joy in the eyes and | SUCCESS

Doubtbusters: Erase Self-Limiting Beliefs

Doubtbusters: Erase Self-Limiting Beliefs | SUCCESS

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