I Want to Be Successful, Don't You?

How often do we hear from successful businesswomen that it’s tough getting to the top because they’ve had to push through the proverbial ‘glass ceiling’ and prove themselves more than a male counterpart and yet they succeed! Being a woman hasn’t deterred them and it won't deter me; I work  harder, stronger and at sometimes tougher. 

If success in business is only about making money then I’ll be working for quite a while before I become a millionaire! Success is not necessarily only about making money - it is also building something that is meaningful, creates value, and sustains growth.

We all want to be successful in our businesses for a variety of reasons. For some it's the lure of making money and having financial freedom. For others they want a business that defines them. Another group want to have the means to help others and make a difference and finally because of the love of it.

A successful business today is financially stable and growing even if it’s slow but sure. And that’s definitely mine. I'm no Bill Gates, but I can see growth and money coming in! The best compliments are returning clients or referrals from clients. Word of mouth suggests that I am doing something right. I have new clients as a result of people that I worked with a few years ago! It always amazes me that previous clients keep my number. I’m not deleted!

I am my team, just me but what about yours? Do they work well together and are they happy? I’ve led big teams before and their welfare was always paramount. What you value, they will value. Respect them and they will respect you. Be adaptable and flexible. I can’t do cartwheels but I am not rigid and will make changes and listen to others in my network. Listening to your team leads to growth as their ideas can be better than yours.

Be clear on what your values are and what you want to accomplish. It is so important to define these as you will never feel successful if your success doesn’t align with your values. Your values should be at the core of your business. Never lose sight of them and go back and reevaluate them regularly. 

I would love to be an overnight success! What an amazing feat that would be. But no. It’s a long, hard slog and it’s not over… yet! Many of us have not had quick success; it’s been persistence, dedication, patience and having a ‘I’m not throwing in the towel’ attitude. 

I plan, set goals and change them when they are achieved. My aim? Grow so I can employ people, creating jobs and contributing more to the community. 

And then the ‘F’ word… Failure. We all fail at some point. I have. It can be so disheartening and at times I’ve wanted to wallow like a pig in muck, it’s easier however brown is not my colour. Not. At. All. I shake the brown off, remove myself from the piggy wallow mess and try again. I’m determined and stubborn (apparently) so I know that not giving up is imperative for success. What I learn from not successes are as important as learning from success. 

No one can do it alone, especially as a sole business owner and being part of a network is so important. Networking gives you the opportunity to grow, find others to work with and support each other. Go and find the network and belong. Give to it and be happy. Networking has enabled me to keep learning, advise and help others, collaborate with new people and made me rethink my own strategy. All for the good because I want to be the best for my clients.

And finally, you! 

Success cannot be achieved if you don’t take care of your own wellbeing. The media uses the catchphrase ‘self-care’ and can sound trite but it’s not. Burnout will not help you or your business. It’s perfectly fine to take time during the day for yourself. It can be 5 minutes or 50! Do it. Be selfish. Your business depends on you being well and healthy and focused. 

Finally, celebrate your success. Go for a meal, take a day out, go to the spa. Do whatever you enjoy. Celebrate! Be proud of your achievements. 

My best friend Wanda. Follow me on Instagram to find out her views on success.

Next time: Social Media - Love it, hate it but it’s here to stay.