Before you hang your ” I HAVE A DECORATING BUSINESS” shingle, consider what it takes to mount a successful business. One thing The DSA team knows, “It takes more than Talent”. After all, many talented people love what they do, but have not been able to turn it into a profitable business.
If all it took was talent, every talented singer would have a number one hit and every talented writer would have a best seller. Your talent for creating beautiful spaces is critical, but must be blended with attention to the details that compose a successful business plan. Take a long hard look at your strengths and weaknesses. Vow to overcome them or find someone to help you fill the void. Let me share the FAB Five Skills combined with talent which can result in a successful business.
1. People Skills: Understand and relate to others in a genuine way, sincerity is always appreciated. No matter what you do, you must sell yourself and respecting and caring for others is key.
2. Work Ethic: self start and work when no one requires it of you, remember you are the boss. Self Motivation is critical for a profitable business. This may come more naturally to some than others, so be aware of your personal approach to maximize it.
3. Business Skill: An organized approach to record keeping and marketing your business. This skill can be learned with practice and motivation. But also keep in mind, if number crunching is not your forte’, find a qualified person to help you.
4. Tough Skin: Learn from rejection and understand that although this may take a lot of practice, not everyone needs or wants what you have to sell.
5. Sales Skills: Enlighten a potential client to the need for your product or service rather than convincing them to buy something they don’t want. Some may have a more natural approach but finesse your sales approach by video-taping yourself sharing your product or service.
Success is a combination of talent and attention to the skills involved in growing a business. If you are considering becoming self employed and owning your own business, begin by paying attention to The FAB Five. For more details, download our FREE Entrepreneurs Guide, Five Best Practices for Entrepreneurs.
