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#47: Listen (and really listen)
Listen to your clients, be proactive, give them a call, find out their issues, problems, even if it’s not related to you. This is where your networking can pay off you may know someone that could help them, or a blog post you have read that could.

#48: Don’t pretend
Be yourself, let your business reflect that, you are attractive, maybe not to everyone, but to a big enough group to build a business off.

And that’s it! Well from me anyway.

I wrote this about a year ago one night, when I thought what would I tell someone starting where I started, I hope it’s been of value to you.  If you’d like to read the full thread go here.

Starting out is always tough, it’s not hard though (as millions of other people have gone through exactly the same process) so most of all be prepared to listen, swallow your pride and learn.  I’d rather you became a stellar success than quitting as you weren’t prepared to adapt.

I may turn this into an ebook or short book at some stage (who knows) but if you’ve anything to add or wanted to ask me a question about any of it just send me an email to ben@bwagy.com – let me know how I can help.

#44: Put some good karma out there
Do work for free, help another company that’s growing, if you don’t expect a return and it’s just for fun, much more rewarding, plus it’s free marketing for you.

#45: Leverage your communications
Leverage your story! Blog, podcast, write. Creating media that you write once but that can be read many times is the only way to truly build your business. There is only one you, so leverage your skills.

#46: Testimonials
Don’t be shy to get testimonials, these are a great way to enhance your brand but also when you ask you remind your client how good you actually are.  They also provide reassurance to potential customers and minimise perceived risk.

#41: Sell products with low (or no) variable cost
Aim to build products that you can sell with no extra cost per unit, if you can write some ultra niche ebooks, provide some training materials, videos, the cost of selling an extra copy is nill. It is so refreshing to wake up and find you have supplemented your income with no additional effort.

#42: Implement Investing Ethos
Take a portfolio approach to your clients, have some casual month to month steady income clients, some mid risk clients (risk as in non consistent cashflow) and high risk. My magic number is 7, I can have 7 projects total being worked on, in the works, or wrapping up. Often it is 2 steady income, 2 ‘projects’ or semi risk and 3 in the works. (My rough rule of thumb) Depending on your type of business you may need to have less.

#43: Upskill
Upskill yourself constantly and share your new skills (hint heres where a blog comes in handy).

#38: Read
Read as much as you can (i suggest local library as FREE!) but buying books also works, second hand books just as good as the real thing.

#39: Read some more
Read blogs on all facets of business, cashflow, finances, marketing, delivery, there is an infinite amount of free advice out there, filter the best ones and listen.

#40: Rewire your brain
Take yourself into exact opposites, try a new sport, a new hobby, read a case study on a different industry. Exploring them will help you understand your own business better.

#35: Deliver the unexpected
Remember your client delivery doesn’t end when the final payment comes in, follow up, give them some surprise bonuses, unexpected benefits are the cornerstone of my client delivery.

#36: Quit! (fail fast)
Quit and quit often. I fail at lots of projects, it helps me to recognise something is failing and quit early.

#37: Persevere
Persevere.. the rewards really do come to those that turn up and turn up consistently. My theory is every interaction you have is a potential customer in the waiting, not in the next 3 months but the next 5 years, they will either have a need for your product or have an encounter with someone who does. Your in this for the long haul, so act like that.