Top 10 Tips for Running Your Business

Running a business is overwhelming at first. These are the top 10 things I've learned and put into practice to make my business run more smoothly - and take care of myself in the process!

1. Build your support network

   Being a business owner can be isolating. It's easy to find yourself working long hours and doing all the work yourself. Having a support network of other business owners/professionals is essential for the success and longevity of your business. I don’t even know where I would be without my network. 

   
   

   Here are some of the things people in a support network can do for each other:

   • Engage with and share social posts

   • Share referrals

   • Exchange feedback and advice

   • Discuss business ideas

   • Provide resources

   • Co-working and collaboration

   
   
   

   
   
   

   Not only is community good for your business, it’s good for your mental health! Friendships are often overlooked in business when we are in a competitive mindset, but what if friendship is what we are missing?  I truly believe we are molded by the people we surround ourselves with. Set yourself up for success with the community you cultivate!

2. Utilize a CRM software 

   CRM software is your best friend. If you’re not using one to run your business, consider this your sign to invest in one! There are several great options out there, so do your research.

   
   

   Benefits of a CRM:

   • Manage clients

   • Send contracts & invoices

   • Organize project details

   • Schedule appointments & manage calendar

   • Workflows & automation

   • Bookkeeping capabilities

   
   

   What I use: I can personally vouch for 17hats. I’ve been using it for years and it has streamlined so much of my work. I love having all the tools I need for daily operations in one place.

   

   
   

   Need help setting up your CRM software or optimizing what you already have? Let me know! Let’s get your business running more smoothly.

3. Track your expenses and revenue 

   You’d be surprised how many people don’t keep their finances in order. And if you neglect them for too long, it can be a grueling process to get back on track. If you have a CRM software with bookkeeping capabilities, that can go a long way in helping you track expenses and view financial reports. When you have a small business, every write-off counts when tax time comes! 

   
   

   Depending on your needs, a virtual assistant or professional bookkeeper can be a game-changer for your business. Organization is everything.

   
   

4. Hire the right people

   Whether you’re building a team of employees or outsourcing to contractors, the people you choose to work with matter. So much of your success as a business owner will come from delegating the right work to the right people. 

   
   

   One of the most important questions you can ask yourself during the hiring process is: How coachable is this person? The ability to receive constructive feedback and easily learn and adapt is a very valuable characteristic. Sometimes it’s not about hiring the most skilled person, but the person who is eager, motivated, and can take direction and run with it. 

   
   

   Ultimately, you should hire people that vibe well with you and will be dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Before you get lost in resumes and details, remember that your instinct is the most important tool you have. Be confident and trust your gut.

   
   

5. Provide an unforgettable client experience 

   This might be THE single most important thing you do as a business owner. By providing an excellent client experience, you are ensuring the health and longevity of your business. Of all the things we have to juggle as business owners, client experience should be our #1 priority. Nothing else matters if your clients aren’t happy.

   
   

   Ways to deliver exceptional service:

   • Make it easy for clients to get in touch

   • Respond to clients in a timely manner

   • Set clear expectations

   • Keep clients informed

   • Provide personalized support

   • Deliver a consistently great product/service

   
   

   How I do it: I prioritize client experience by creating a unique Slack channel for each client. They know when I am available and how to best reach me – through our dedicated channel. Not only does this establish clear expectations and smooth communication for my clients, but it also improves my own workflow by housing all of my client communications in one place! 

   
   

   

   Photo credit: Round Rock Studio

   When it comes to your clients, it’s all about quality over quantity. Plus, the better their experience, the more likely they are to refer you!

   
   

6. Find your niche

   It’s important to understand your target audience/client. It’s tempting to provide your product/services to everyone, but that makes your job a lot harder in the long run. Finding a niche is an important step in establishing your brand and growing your business. Decide who your ideal clientele is and cater to them.

   
   

   What I did: When I started my virtual assistant business, I decided to focus on creative businesses because of my background in wedding videography and independent filmmaking. I already had many connections among fellow creatives in the Austin area. I understand their work, and I love working with them.

   
   

   

   Working on the set of independent film, A Room Full of Nothing in Austin, TX.

   Benefits of choosing a niche:

   • Attract more clients with targeted messaging

   • Gain extensive knowledge and experience in a specific field

   • Build a reputation as a specialist

   • Charge premium prices

   • Provide better client support

   
   

   Specificity is key to a successful business. Choose a niche, focus your skills, and provide a quality product/service to your ideal clientele. It will be a lot more fun and enjoyable for you! 

7. Celebrate your wins 

   With everything you’ve got going on, it’s important to enjoy your successes as they happen – no matter how small. That’s how we keep our cup filled and remember what we love about our work. It can be easy to think we can’t celebrate until the biggest moments, but life is about daily joy – so find it in everything. 

   
   

   As a virtual assistant, one of the best feelings is watching my clients succeed. I love being their “hype girl” and encouraging them to reach their goals. Remember, your success will always be built upon your client’s success. 

8. Use a project management software

   Let’s talk project management. You’ve got files, links, documents, project details, deadlines, to-do lists, and tons of miscellaneous info to juggle – for every client. It can be tricky to manage a variety of creative projects at once. Software is essential.

   
   

   There are a variety of softwares out there, so do your research and find one that meets your organizational needs and fits your budget. 

   
   

   What I use: My personal favorite is ClickUp. I love seeing all my client projects and details in one place. I am so much more productive. 

   
   

   

   
   

   Benefits of a project management software:

   • Improved planning and scheduling

   • Create projects, to-do lists, and prioritize tasks

   • Create and track project deadlines

   • Better team collaboration

   • Ability to track and manage time

   
   

   Most of my work is time-based, so having a software that can track time spent on tasks for each client is crucial for me. 

9. Be specific with your goals 

   When you have a small business, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the things you have to do. Dreaming big and envisioning the future is exciting, but it’s important to have a solid plan in place for achieving your goals. 

   
   

   A few tips: 

   • Break up your goals into categories (5-year, 3-year, 1-year, etc.)

   • Use a SMART framework: Create goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

   • Consider using your project management software to track both short and long-term goals.

   
   

   Remember that daily, weekly, and monthly goals are also necessary for paving the way to your “big picture” goals. The routines you establish and the steps you take on a daily basis will set you up for long-term success. 

   
   

10. Take breaks during the day

    It’s so easy to fall into the rhythm of the hustle and work non-stop. Sometimes we have so much on our to-do list that taking breaks seems physically impossible. But it’s not. No matter how busy you are, breaks are an essential investment in your health and long-term capacity. You’d be surprised how much a 10-minute break can recharge you and increase your productivity. 

    
    

    How I do it: Every day, I take an intentional break to go walking or cycling for 30 minutes. It clears my head and contributes to my daily exercise goals! 

    
    
    

    
    
    

    If you have a hard time remembering to take breaks, set a few alarms to remind you. Whatever you do, don’t grind until you drop. It’s unsustainable and unnecessary. We are human and we all deserve balance.