Be a Business Visionary

In order to keep a company in a high growth position, the CEO has to be a visionary. Without this the company will fall. Being teachable, is one of the keys to becoming successful, as well as being open to change. Maintaining that teachability when you have been running a business for 10, 20, or 30 years is the challenge for some. Understanding what has worked and what hasn’t is important however don’t keep your head in the sand too long or get stuck in the past and what didn’t work.

1. Change your strategies; re brand yourself, don’t stick with what doesn’t work. In business having solid systems that work will enable you to keep that consistency. Ensure to keep them updated and not so old that the redundancy begins to suck time out of your day and your employees.  At times change can be difficult but to change and grow means that there will be clarity and understanding in the end. Having those breakthroughs that assist in reinventing your company are only possible for those that have that teachable and visionary mindset. They are the people who do not just throw up their hands at the slightest difficulty but forge on through the issue to the other side. Be grateful for the warning signs and move forward to the success you deserve.

2. Read, learn, and ask questions; Be able and willing to keep learning and listening is vital. Gaining insights from other business owners, mentors, companies, will help you learn better methods of dealing with your business if you are looking for the help. Join a mastermind where like minded people are there to support you with your questions and gain from your experience as well. What may be obvious to you may not be to another so having more than one person on an issue can be very beneficial. Sometimes we need that forceful but helpful advice that only those in a mastermind (which is a safe, caring, business atmosphere) can give.

3. Look to the Future; is what most successful entrepreneurs never lose sight on. They always have the need for growth and learning. In a high performance company, the CEO must be a visionary in order to sustain the ever changing environment in their respective industry. There is always room to improve and grow. Mastery is an ongoing game, one that continues throughout life. It is very true that some entrepreneurs may find this easier than others however with persistence; it is a skill that can be acquired.

The question is…. Do you want it bad enough?

Darcelle Runciman

Good Business: The Facts

Just the FACTS Ma’am!

Having systems in your business is the key towards having that balance that we all crave. Good Marketing, knowing how and where to put your efforts such as online and offline. Knowing how to get Referrals are important as well. Offering a referral program, learning how to gain leads accessing networks, and talking to people. Do you know how to affiliate? What does collaborative networking really mean?

Well….here are the facts! First of all if you want a small business that is wonderful but what if you could take that small business to the masses and without all the work you think it may take.

Fact #1. Doing your homework is key. What is out there and what are people in your field doing online and offline. Understanding what a successful person in business makes it easier for you to learn from them and their mistakes.

Fact #2. Hire help. Doing it all on your own is not working on your business. Finding someone to work on commission or a pay per performance fee can work as a win win for both parties.

Fact #3. Use Systems! Have your networking systemized into a format that you can monitor where you are advertising and what is working. Make it measurable. Need help in this area? Ask Darcelle.

Fact #4. Have a system for your referrals. An outline of expectations what you referral will receive for sending business your way. Make sure it is a win win….yes that is my favourite word! Having others talking about you in a beneficial way is one of the best methods of marketing and getting your name out there. This also can be used through your testimonials which are really a key ingredient to showing others how you can help them especially when others are also validating that fact.

Fact #5. Using Collaborative Networking. This is where business people get together on a collaborative basis to achieve a goal. The goal can be specific to each person individually but together there is more power in numbers and the customer benefits in the end. Use your networking groups to come together on specific projects, items to purchase, or even advertising methods.

-Darcelle Runciman

How I ran a Million Dollar Company

The power of our thoughts and how it relates to what we can achieve is astounding. I am going to briefly touch on the things that helped me take a thought of owning a business to creating a multi-million dollar company. It all started off with a dream, a dream of leaving my job at the time to move into something exciting and new. As one never to sit still for very long, I was ready to see if I could make it in the business world. I had worked in many great companies and management roles, and knew people really well so I thought why the heck not!

What I didn’t know was that being an Entrepreneur and small business owner can be tough work! But I was going to find out about that very quickly! So here is the quick version…. Started with a bit of money, got investors, had a vision, had a solid system, build the company with mediocre employees, then learned how to have great employees and really build a team environment. We were the first in the areas we chose and filled a need, took action and advertised like crazy and tried new things. We showed the customer we cared, valued our staff and investors, and had TONS of ups and downs until we got it right! It took many years to build it up to what it was and the biggest hurdle and success was finally selling it and letting it all go.

1. I was a small business owner with BIG Thinking!
2. I had a Solid Systems.
3. We took Smart, Deliberate, Quick Action when needed.
4. We were able to solidify great relationships.
5. We stopped trying to do it all on our own. Let go of Ego.
6. We showed we cared, and added value to our customers.
7. We understood the numbers.
8. We were great problem solvers.
9. We were always learning and watching our industry.
10. We had perseverance.

Now, did we always do the right thing? No absolutely not! But we did have the ability to see the mistakes and attempt to fix them. The things we learned from this business have been incredible for future success and have allowed me to now help others in their journey for fulfillment in their lives.

 by Darcelle Runciman