Aloha! Tom Gaddis, here. Over the last several weeks, I’ve shared answers to a question I get all the time from business owners just starting out: What would I do differently if I had to start my own business over from the beginning?
I’m sharing secrets the gurus won’t tell you but will take you from having an idea to a success, if you’re willing to put in the effort.
So far, we’ve talked about mind shifts, just getting started, shortcutting your success, and building a team. This week, let’s tie everything together. We’ll build an action plan with practical steps to achieve your business goals and create the lifestyle and financial freedom you’ve dreamed of.
If I could do it with everything stacked against me, you can, too. It’s going to take work, but I’ll help you understand where to start.
By the way, if you want to hear this in podcast form, simply follow this link.
Keep Going!
Beware: starting a successful business requires effort and persistence. You must commit for the long haul, and maintain a good work ethic. Resolve ahead of time to push through failures, readjust, and get moving again.
One of the first strategies I tried when I got started failed. When that happened, I got so discouraged that I stopped trying to build a business for a couple of years. That was a mistake. I couldn’t handle failure. Don’t be like me. I want to tell you this: Don’t let failure and fear keep you from getting things done.
None of these methods are super complicated. You want to keep it simple and get things done. Focus on your first sales. You won’t go from zero to a million dollar business overnight… but little-by-little, if you put in the effort, you’ll grow your business.
You have to show up, and be willing to do what other people won’t. Most people don't want to put time (or energy) into market research, work to test ideas, talk to customers, or write those emails. When you only have a few customers, a few listeners, or a few members, you still have to show up.
It’s said that Michael Phelps became one of the greatest athletes of all time because of this: He stayed in the pool long after everyone else got out.
Become the businessperson who does that which others aren’t willing to keep doing.
If you want to make the money and live the lifestyle you’ve dreamed of, there are some practical ways you can move toward your goals.
For more simple tips on how to take your ideas from mere concepts to major cash cows, check out my FREE guide!
Your 3-Step Action Plan to Speed Up Success
I’m listing a three-step action plan so you can get your business ideas rolling, start making money, and keep going for the long run:
- Become a Student of Direct Marketing & Copywriting
These two skills are some of the most crucial when it comes to making a lot of money. You don’t have to be an expert, and you don’t have to do it yourself. But you need to understand the principles so you know that the marketing you're doing has a chance for success.
I had a podcast guest share the art of writing quality copy, fast. Check it out here. Also, here’s a primer on conducting market research.
- Feed Your Brain with Success
Keep a steady appetite for books about entrepreneurs; learn their struggles, how they overcame them, and how they pushed through to success. Read books about how to be more successful. Listen to success-oriented podcasts. Feed your mind with that positive optimism, and surround yourself with successful people.
If you can join networking cohorts, like a mastermind group, do it. Get involved with other business people so you can really absorb how they think. Join Facebook communities of like-minded business people. Successful entrepreneurs will show you what it takes to push through.
Growing a business feels very lonely, especially at first. You may feel like you’re on an island on your own. Get that support. You will find camaraderie and encouragement in the struggles of other business owners.
- Download my Free M.I.L.K. It Method E-Guide
The final step for this action plan will tell you how to turn your product, idea, or skill into a huge cash cow. This FREE PDF has the exact four-step blueprint that I follow whenever I’m starting a new business or trying to get a new idea off the ground.
The letters stand for Market, Idea, Launch, and Ka-Ching! Once you read it, you’ll never be stuck wondering what to do next.
I started my marketing agency following these exact steps. I lay everything out in this download, and it’s free to download. So, go read it!
Stay encouraged as you make these steps toward success. Keep at it. Remain focused. Get support. When you commit to doing the work, day-by-day, you’ll take your ideas further than you can imagine.
For more secrets the so-called “gurus” won’t tell you about making money online, check out my podcast:
