One of those focus areas is what I put into my body. I’ve been doing some work around digestion and what our bodies NEED to be healthy – to be our best. The things that add value to our life … not take it away.

The same principles apply in our business. Oftentimes we know what we need to do to make our business healthier but it’s easier to do the things we’ve always done. Only to find that we get the same results.

When your business isn’t healthy, you need to look at what you’re feeding it. How’s your pipeline? Have you been nourishing it consistently? As a small business owner, it’s always difficult to achieve balance between getting the work and doing the work. But if you don’t market consistently, what you’re really doing is starving your business.

When you’re hungry – do you grab fast food or do you go home and make a healthy dinner? Sure fast food will fill your need faster (to get your existing work done) but taking the time to make a healthy dinner will sustain you longer and make you more vital in the future (doing what it takes to keep your pipeline full).

Bon Appétit!

And if you’re targeting local business, networking in some way, shape or form is likely one of the ways you get new clients. But are you networking effectively?

I don’t mean – are you collecting enough business cards. That’s the easy part (relatively). But what are you doing afterward to CREATE A RELATIONSHIP??

That’s where most business owners fall down. If you’re not following up with the people you meet in networking situations – whether purposeful or even accidental – YOU’RE LOSING BUSINESS. Period.

The easiest way to make sure you’re getting the most out of the hours and dollars you spend networking with potential clients is to create systems. One idea is to keep a stack of note cards in your car – complete with pen, business cards AND stamps! When you meet someone take a few minutes while the task, and the person, are still fresh in your mind – to write them a quick note (include another business card). Then mail it right away.

You’ll be amazed at the responses you’ll get from that one action alone.

If you’re interested in getting more tips for making the best of your networking efforts to capture local business, sign up to receive my F*R*E*E eCourse.

Happy Networking!