After starting numerous small businesses over the years I have discovered that it is easy to start a business. It is much harder to sustain it over the long haul.

Wow- I began all my businesses based on my passion and purpose and I had no idea what it took to run them.

Like most of you, I wanted to succeed but I didn’t know “how” to do it at first.

Many small businesses begin from their product or service. This is particularly true for people who offer a service that requires skill and expertise such as web developers, writers, coaches, health and wellness businesses, organizers and virtually anyone who offers some kind of support services for people. People study, get certified and then decide to begin a business.

I struggled early on so  I  dug in and learned the tricks and tools for making my passion into a real business. Here are 5 essential tips to help you move toward sustainability in your business.

Here are 5 essential tips to help any small micro-business owner overcome the obstacles to sustainability.

1. Your product and service is only a very small part of your business. It is important to focus on the other parts as well which include organizational systems, money management and leadership.

2. Know your core marketing message. Too many solo-business owners try to market to “everyone,” instead of focusing in on a niche.

3. It is important to make a business plan that allows you to see the steps to growing your business over the next 10 years. Most solo-business owners begin under financial stress and focus entirely on immediate cash flow instead of planning for steady growth.

4. Find a mentor to help you overcome any self-doubt that will hold you back. Most solo-business owners are too cautious and make decisions from fear rather than empowerment. Regardless of your age or what you are selling, developing a positive attitude and focus is essential.

5. Be willing to do whatever it takes, even if this means doing some things you don’t enjoy. Every business has elements that are not as fun, but in the long run will be gratifying.

Enjoy the freedom that comes from knowing you have overcome all odds and made your small business a big success.

I encourage my clients to publish articles online in order to build their expertise and brand.

This is true for many kinds of businesses but very advantageous for service based business owners, like web developers, coaches, health practitioners, etc.

Regardless of what industry you are in, there is something you can write about that would be helpful to your potential clients.  Writing articles and getting them onto online article banks will:

•  Get you more exposure.
•  Establish your expertise in your area of focus.
•  Help you build a relationship with your community.

One of my clients who is a naturopath specializes in children. She wrote an article called “5 Ways to Get Your Children to Eat Healthy Food,” and the traffic to her website increased dramatically, as she  offered free kid friendly, healthy recipes on her website.

Some business owners are thrown into major anxiety when I encourage them to write articles. They are unsure about writing and feel blocked, so I am offering an easy formula that takes the fear and anxiety out for the process. If you follow these  5 easy steps you can write a good article in less than 30 minutes and it will be meaningful and offer value to your potential clients.

1. Make a list of questions your clients or customers are asking you?
Questions that have emotion are the best ones. If you have followed my 7-step marketing circle you should know exactly what your clients want to know.  Pick one question that you feel you could respond to if you were talking one-on-one to someone.

2. Write a short paragraph or two about this question and why it is so important to them. How will this make a difference to the reader and what benefits will they receive?

3. Come up with 5 simple keys, tips or steps you can offer. You will be delving into your own expertise here and giving valuable help or advice. It won’t be a struggle if it is something you really know about.

4. Write a couple sentences about each of these 5 points and use bullet points or numbers as that makes them easy to read. Elaborate on each one and flesh it out.

5. Write a short paragraph at the end, summarizing the benefits again and what will happen if someone follows these 5 points.

You are done. All that is left is to create a compelling headline using the number 5 or 3 or whatever number you have chosen.  For some reason odd numbers seem to be better,  The number is good because people like articles that offer clear information. The number makes people curious. Online, people have a short attention span so 500 words is a good maximum length. Notice how easy this was to do. Every time you write it gets easier and faster.

Today is Valentines Day and I know a lot of people feel this is just another commercial holiday and not very meaningful, however I beg to differ.

Considering that we all live in a world that is overflowing with violence and fear, this is one sweet, peaceful opportunity to put forth positive energy. What can be more positive and peaceful than “love?”

Here are five loving things you can do today in honor of this heartfelt holiday.

1. Send a huge valentine and acknowledgment to each person on your team. They support you and are there for you when you need them. Show your gratitude in some way. Even an e-card will suffice.

2. Buy a card or flowers for someone special in  your life. This small act has two positive features. You will be doing something really nice for someone you care about, whether it’s your partner, your mom or your best friend. Secondly, buying something locally helps the local economy and supports another business.

3. Put some flowers in your office on your desk right where you can see them.  A feng shui person told me that the best place to put them is  at the far left corner of your desk, which is the wealth area. Your business will like this:)

4. Do something really nice for yourself today. Running your own business is a lot of work and sometimes feels overwhelming. Give yourself a pat on the back and reward yourself for all the hard work and focus.

5. Commit to work-life balance in your business. Plan a time away for at least a couple days. Go to the beach, the mountains or somewhere to re-fresh. Put it on your calendar and make the decision today.

Of course, putting for all this love and appreciation will come back one hundred fold. Just imagine your business smiling 

What do you do when you just don’t feel like working?  Even if you love your business, face it, there are days when you just don’t want to do it anymore. Possibly you feel like your business is running your life!

Maybe you fantasize about taking off on a hike to Machu Pichu or laying on the beach in Hawaii. You want to be free from the daily grind and commitment.

Small business is a labor of love but most business owners do everything themselves and get tired of the constant responsibility. One of my clients who is a real estate agent, says she hasn’t taken a vacation is six years. She’s  afraid to leave her clients as they trust her and want to work only with her, not her assistant.

Do you feeel anxious if you are away from your phone or computer for more than a day?

Is it hard for you to trust other people to work in your business?

If you answered yes to these two questions, then you are in trouble!

1. Begin to look at your work-life balance and what needs to change.
2. Make sure you get out into nature everyday, even for an hour.
3. Join a peer mastermind group to get support.
4. Hire an intern and learn how to train someone to work with you.
5. Plan a vacation and  know your business won’t die while you are away.

If you do these five things you will be healthier, more balanced and will be taking steps to move into more of a management role and will be able to take time off while you leave someone else at the helm.

If these things feel too hard and you think of a million excuses why you can’t, this is an indication you need  help. It may just be a matter of focus and clarity.

Today I was reminded about how important it is to have excellent and impeccable customer service.

I went to my favorite Computer shop. I’ve been their customer for five years, having bought two computers there and a pile of other computer related  stuff.

I have sent other people there and in a funny way, it’s given me a good feeling of security knowing they were my shop.

I discovered today that my picture was flawed.  Until now my only dealings had been with the clerks, as there have been no problems.  Now there was a bit of a problem that happened and I needed  support. My clerk was very nice but said he didn’t have the authority and he looked a bit uncomfortable. I wondered why until I met his boss, the manager.

This guy was cut from a different cloth. He seemed arrogant, condescending and patronizing.  After attempting to speak to him all I wanted was to get out of the store as fast as possible. I told him he had lost a really good customer. He clearly didn’t care. He didn’t even offer me a compromise.

I share this today to make a point. It is so important to honor your long term customers and do whatever you can to keep them happy and coming  back for another five years. It costs nothing to listen and be supportive, but it costs a huge amount to be uncaring.

The sad part is that this guy didn’t own the store. He was a hired manager. I have no idea if the owner carried these same values, but I can only assume he does.  Here is my credo for customer service.

1. Treat your customers like they are your sales team because they are.
2. Offer them a good deal to make them feel special because they are.
3. Never let them go away unhappy. You can’t always fix everything but you can listen and try to find a solution.

Customer service is the 7th piece of the marketing circle. Good customer service needs to be a part of your marketing plan. Do whatever you can to make your customers and clients feel special and valued.