Thinking about Growing your Business in 2010?

If you own a small business or start-up, you will be relieved to learn that entrepreneurs have found success in sticking to their plans in 2010. Successful entrepreneurs are not running to hide because of a difficult economy. Instead, they are following basic business principles to grow their businesses.

This week I attended a conference that I attend annually; GROW 2010. It's hosted by Marty Grunder! Inc in Dayton Ohio. If you're a regular subscriber to this blog, you know that I've mentioned this conference before. Besides the fact that I admire and respect the host a lot because of his commitment to entrepreneurs, I also learn a lot each year that I attend.

Well just in case you're feeling a little business pessimism right now, here's a picker-upper for you. A mini survey was taken during the conference. Entrepreneurs were asked to name some successful steps taken to stay afloat in the current economy.


Out of almost one hundred entrepreneurs surveyed, the majority mentioned these strategies that have helped them increase revenues and remain viable during the tough times:

• Purchased new equipment to help service clients better
• Hired key employees in order to delegate work more efficiently
• Fired difficult clients and poisonous employees
• Narrowed services to a "focused niche"
• Got the team more involved in sales and company vision
• Created a board of advisors
• Got satellite locations to help streamline costs
• Created "To-Do" lists to help enforce productivity
• ReBranded the company
• Allotted funds towards advertising
• Created new service offerings

So you see, successful entrepreneurs are optimistic. They follow basic business principles and stick to them even when times are rough. They create a plan for everything; including marketing, team development, and business development. They don't just "fly by the seats of their pants." They plan!
If you need personal advice on start-up business planning, contact Cheryl Isaac, Start-up Business Planner & Owner of Isaac Business Services, The Business Startup Company. She is also the creator of The 12MonthBizPlan.com; an online business planning center where business owners can plan a business virtually with a personal advisor for a year