The Biggest Lessons And Wins of 2018

Highs and lows. Peaks and valleys. Yes’s and no’s. Wins and lessons.

They’re all a part of building a business that provides the financial freedom, profit, happiness and success you desire. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a new or seasoned business owner, you’re going to face challenges. It’s a part of the journey but how you handle those moments will determine whether you achieve your goals.

There are two words, as simple as they may be, have been instrumental in growing my business year after year. No matter what challenge, obstacle or situation you face your commitment to do what’s necessary to have what you desire can’t be up for negotiation. That’s why you must find a way to keep going. Those two words will pull you forward and serve as a gentle reminder that success is certain if you keep taking action.

One of the things I like to do before planning for the new year, is to reflect and review where the past year has taken me and what I’ve learned. This year, I’m going to share some of my biggest lessons, challenges, wins and successes as well as those of my clients.

1.   Don’t build a one-dimensional business that only functions and operates online. Get out of the office and network with other business owners and potential clients.

2.   Make sure you have contracts in place that outline the work expected, due date, payment terms and any other key elements that are important to you and your business. Contracts preserve relationships and will help eliminate any confusion.

3.   Let go of your “shoulds”. When you focus on all the things you should be doing or should have done you diminish the progress you’ve already made. Not to mention, you invite unnecessary stress and frustration into your life and business.

4.   Hire slow. When you’re building your team, get clear about your needs and expectations before you hire. Create a job description, interview potential candidates, ask for work samples and do your research. Don’t hire just because they’re excited and they like your brand.

5.   Forgive yourself. In addition to keeping a gratitude journal, I’ve incorporated the practice of ho'oponopono, an ancient form of forgiveness. This forgiveness practice can help unlock more of the things you desire.

6.   Stop waiting for someone else to clap for you, learn to clap and celebrate yourself, no matter what! Besides, just because they’re clapping for you doesn’t mean they want to see you win.

7.   Keep an eye on your profits and cashflow monthly. The only way to change your financial reality is to get comfortable tracking the key financial data points in your business.

8.   Collaborate. One of my biggest wins of the year was, The Profitable Woman’s Playbook: 15 Strategies To Win Big In Life And Business, my book collaboration featuring 12 powerful female entrepreneurs. Grab your copy of the book here.

If you’re ready to accelerate your revenue and grow your business, then book a complimentary Make More Profit strategy session HERE so we can look at the next and best strategies to keep your profits in the black. 

?2018 by Shontaye Hawkins. All Rights Reserved. Shontaye Hawkins, the Bottom Line Strategist? and CEO & Founder of Profit Is The New Black?, teaches her clients practical strategies to keep their profits in the black – making money and achieve the financial success they desire and deserve. Shontaye has been featured on Fox and CBS News Radio, Black Enterprise, Today’s Innovative Woman magazine along with many other media outlets across the country. Learn more and get your FREE Price for Profit template, here: www.ProfitIsTheNewBlack.com