Ways to Create a Successful Business 

Looking to run a successful business? You can create success and become a role model in your industry with hard work, determination, and by following these 4 tips and strategies.   

Tip One: Think BIG

Successful business owners must Think BIG. No matter how bold or ambitious your plans, you can multiply them by 100 or even 10,000 percent. Here’s how: 

1. Identify what success looks like. Success starts with defining what it means to you. Whether it’s revenue, growth, or partnerships, identifying your goal is key. 
2. Know your why. Clarify your purpose and know your “why.” Once your WHY is clear, the WHAT and HOW will naturally follow. 
3. Plan for success. It’s vital for you to set short-, medium-, and long-term SMARTIE goals. Involve your team and track the daily progress you make. Embrace challenges, learn from them, and work on improving.

Thinking BIG requires perseverance, resilience, and continuous learning. To create a successful business, you need to believe in yourself, surround yourself with supportive people, work toward your goals step by step, and celebrate every accomplishment.  

Tip Two: Diversify  

The global energy economy is creating abundant job opportunities. Renewable energy is expected to generate thousands of jobs in technology, construction, utilities, manufacturing, and more. Unfortunately, minority-owned businesses and workers are still underrepresented in the industry.  

According to the American Clean Power (ACP) association, women make up just 30% of the clean energy workforce, and black workers 8%. Women occupy only 15% of energy corporate boards, and people of color just 6% of them. The industry needs to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in hiring practices. ACP is working to gain insights into diversity approaches, and companies should adopt an open-minded approach to value all employee skills. We should all come together and collaborate to build a more diverse and resilient clean energy industry.  

Tip Three: Evaluate 

As business owners, we put in longer hours than most. According to Forbes, around 1/3 of surveyed owners needed about 69 hours per week to achieve success. I myself have countless extended workdays because my business demands it. Before scheduling a meeting, ask yourself: Is it Worth It? Here are some tips on planning meetings that will generate meaningful results: 

• Hold only necessary meetings according to the circumstances. 
• Prepare a clear agenda with desired outcomes, invite relevant attendees, and share the agenda with them in advance so they can better prepare. 
• Ensure a note-taker is present and have a decision-maker available. 
• Assign tasks with deadlines to team members and hold them accountable. 

By implementing these tips, you will make your meetings as worthwhile as possible.  

Tip Four: Strategize 

A robust marketing and communication plan is key for a successful business. Whether you’re launching, entering new markets, or rebranding, you need a strategic plan to make your business competitive. Here’s the step-by-step approach: 

1. Evaluate your current situation. Review and analyze your Brand Promise, campaigns, and communication strategies, resolving any issues. 
2. Set new goals and actions. Clarify your purpose, set SMARTIE goals, and push against your boundaries to try to achieve your vision. 
3. Identify your audience. Know your audience, and tailor your messaging to them. 
4. Communicate with your audience in mind. Choose the right channels to align with your messaging. Use marketing automation, social media, and email marketing tools. 
5. Measure results. Present the plan to your team, gather feedback, and identify successes and areas to improve. Adjust your strategy and prepare to crush it next time!

Click here to listen to my podcast on the topic.  

Your Marketing Momma,

Cheryl McCants ~ Impact Founder and CEO