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As a small business entrepreneur for over 20 years and a former professional athlete with a career that spanned about the same amount of time, I've been able to utilize aspects of both those endeavors that have helped enable me to become a successful small business person.
Like a well played game, all businesses will go through their natural cycles of ebbs and flows. You, as a small business entrepreneur, need to know when to call a timeout, change out your players or when to run another play. Sports has taught me the value of team play, camaraderie, working towards common goals, learning from your temporary setbacks and the ability to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep on going.
If I were to put together a top 10 list of "must haves" whether you’re a startup company or a well-established business, it would go something like this. (I’ll be sending in a new play every day until you compile all 10!)
# 8: Don't Be Afraid of Change -
Even if you feel that you aren't changing, the world around you is. More importantly, if you aren't changing, you can bet that your competitors are, and most likely trying to change for a competitive advantage over you.
It's only natural for us to get complacent and doing the same old thing because that's what we've always done.
I've got a great quote on the wall in my office that says "change is inevitable .... but growth is optional". I don't know about you, but I choose to grow.
One of the advantages of having a diverse team is the fact that they offer a broad range of perspectives and opinion. Older employees tend to stick to a tried-and-true method that may or may not be outdated, while younger employees have fresh brand-new ideas that you may want to consider implementing if the time seems right. Listen to your team and try something new from time to time.
The article "A Small Business Entrepreneur's Top 10 Playbook" was written and submitted by James Donaldson, president and owner of The Donaldson Clinic www.DonaldsonClinic.com of Mill Creek, Wa. Established 1990.
Donaldson is the author of Standing above the Crowd: Success Strategies in Athletics, Business, Community and Life. For more information go to www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com and/or contact him at JamesD@StandingAboveThe Crowd.com
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