We’re coming to the time of year when lifestyle businesses typically get put on autopilot as we plan to enjoy time with family during the holidays. Once January first hits, we hit the ground running towards what we hope is a fantastic year.
Despite the economy continuing to thread water, the Information Age has opened the doors to unlimited opportunity for lifestyle entrepreneurs today. You can create a lifestyle entrepreneurship based business (like the one I operate) or you can add a new revenue stream for your offline business.
To take advantage of the opportunities to help your business grow, you need to implement the right strategies. Sadly, the Information Age has also brought us a lot of fluff and misinformation. Everywhere you look is another guru who wants to sell you on their course or services that are specifically designed to upsell you on another more expensive product or service. Here are three tried and true strategies that will help your growth explode in 2017.
1. Start Your Planning Right Now
January is not a great time to plan out what you will do and promote in your business for the year. By the time January hits, you’re starting the year off behind. Today, right now, this month even, is the best time to plan out what you will do to grow your business in 2017.
You can get your plan in place before the holidays and come into January first well ahead of your competition. With a plan in place now, you can focus on finishing out the rest of this strong and having a seamless transition into the New Year.
2. Focus on Growing Your Online Presence
Online retail sales recently crossed $1.3 trillion dollars. Whether you have an online business or simply sell online, your online presence is paramount to your businesses growth. The plan you put in place now should include efforts to grow your online presence.
Social media has been amazing for entrepreneurs but it’s not the best way and should not be your primary focus in growing your online presence. Email marketing and your website are still the best ways to turn leads into paying customers.
When you rely too heavily on using a rented platform, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Look at what happened in the SEO industry when Google had several algorithm changes. Social media could very well go down the same road. Build an engaged email list and always direct people back to your company’s website.
3. Deliver Value and Avoid Hype
Customers and leads know the real thing when they see it. People hate being deceived and marketing speak will only take you so far. Your plan for 2016 should be focused on how you will deliver undeniable value to those who you serve.
You stand out from everyone else when you focus on the customer and providing him or her value. Too many entrepreneurs are only thinking about the money. Your focus should be on creating products and services that impact people’s lives.
The key to success in entrepreneurship starts with a plan that’s been well researched. Don’t trust your gut, study facts, figures, and use them to form your plan. Once your plan is in place, take action. It’s easy and comfortable to stay stuck in the research phase. All the research in the world means nothing if you don’t take action.
Continue to learn, but filter the information you consume on a daily basis. Test what will work for your business, don’t fall victim to the misleading Facebook ads. Your growth will explode with consistent focused action.
2017 can be one of the best years in your business or a year that leads you to rethink why you became an entrepreneur. I write these words from beautiful Cape Town, South Africa convinced that the opportunity is available for anyone willing to go after it.
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Last week, I opened up five spots for a new group for my Results Mentorship 
Program. That group filled up in a week. I’ve had some people still want to join so I’m forming a second group that will meet Thursday nights. There are only five spots in the program and one of the spots is already filled.
This mentorship program is for those who have a dream/goal to build a lifestyle business that makes $5,000 a month (and more) while booking paid speaking/consulting, writing/selling/even getting a traditional book deal, selling digital information products, getting on TV, and much more. It’s very step-by-step along with docs, templates, proof of income opportunities, and actionable tactics.
Details are here. The four spots will go fast. Many of you asked about a payment plan option. I added one this go-around 🙂
