It’s likely you’ve heard about the plumber with the broken toilet or the shoemaker whose children have worn shoes.Many entrepreneurs jokingly compare themselves to the plumber or shoemaker.
If you are an expert, you will be viewed as more credible if your own business is in order, your systems in place and you are not so stressed out that you fail to enjoy what it means to be a business owner.
Some entrepreneurs wear being disorganized like a badge of honor. In reality, you will likely have higher profit margins by being organized.
- Website
- Blog
- Software
- Investments
- Recommended resources
Website
Blog
One of the best ways to stay organized with a blog (and blogging) is to have a blogging calendar. This allows you to map out your topics, timeline and offers.
Software
There are a couple of primary reasons to stay up to date on your software. One reason is to keep you safe from security holes. Now, more than ever, you need to stay on top of your software updates.
Second, there is likely to be some software you may no longer need or want. Even if it’s a $10 a month subscription, that’s $10 in your pocket rather than being wasted.
Add up all those $10 bills on things you aren’t using and it could add up to a nice tidy sum.
Investments
As already mentioned, there are likely expenses you have that are not necessary. For example, let’s say you attend in-person networking meetings. When’s the last time you determined your ROI – Return on Investment with any meeting you attend.
The same goes for associations you belong to. More times than I can count, I’ve worked with clients who had no idea what their ROI for associations and meetings was until we put pen to paper and analyzed their costs.
Several were shocked at how much they spent and how little they got in return. When you think of costs consider the cost of time, gas, membership fees, meeting costs, travel expenses, etc.
Of course, there are plenty of groups you get a great ROI from, but take time to analyze things.
One surefire way to analyze your investments is to review your PayPal and bank account. Notice where your money is going.
If you don’t keep accurate financial records in your business, it’s time to start.
Recommended Resources
Many entrepreneurs have added revenues by recommending resources. I’ve made a lot of money recommending software, information products, training courses and workshops to my community.
I often recommend resources that I find useful such as a database program, LeadPages, Instant Teleseminars, and products by Coach Glue.
I only recommend products and services I can 100% stand behind. After all, I’ve built my business based on integrity.
Don’t Be that Plumber
Bottom line is this; the more professional you are, the more confidence potential (and current) clients will have in you.
Professional does NOT mean you have to wear a business suit, but it does mean you must walk your talk as an entrepreneur.
