Spring Cleaning your Business

When March and April roll around, a lot of people start getting rid of those dust bunnies, taking clothes to the donation center, and letting in the fresh air. Have you ever considered doing the same with your business? Every aspect of your life can use a little refresher every now and then, and your business is no exception. Now's a good time to apply that renewed energy to your biggest asset.

You could start by de-cluttering. Switch from paper files to technology and begin scanning things into the system. Look for a cloud-based storage solution to ensure that all your files are backed-up. Then, get rid of those filing cabinets. The more open and airy your office feels, the more clear-headed you'll be when you go to tackle a task.

Meanwhile, start updating your business's technological wardrobe. Is all your technology up-to-date? Maybe it's time to get some new cash registers, get faster computer software, or find a more organized communication tool for everyone to use. You could even benefit from replacing that old, leaky fridge. New things make everyone feel better and give the physical feeling of a fresh start, which is great for your attitude.

Start organizing your customers and your leads for some more de-cluttering. Even large-scale entrepreneurs like Alexander Bouri have to prioritize their customers every once in a while, and when you can delineate your higher-spenders and ready-and-willing from those who aren't so interested, you can then begin to get back in touch with them. Send them an e-mail or give them a phone call to see if there's anything you can do for them as a great business refresher.

Now might also be a good time to think about re-branding. Even if it's a slight simplification of your logo, a new slogan, or a new pricing model, doing something new not only makes you feel like you have a new start, it makes your customers re-evaluate how they see you as a brand.

Remember, spring cleaning isn't just for your house or your wardrobe. Refreshing your appearance, your car, your computer, or even something as large as your business can be beneficial.

Four De-Stressing Tips for Entrepreneurs

If you own a business, you know how it feels to think that there just aren't enough hours in the day. You want to do it all – sometimes at the sake of your sanity. If you want to have a business and a life outside that business, you have to de-stress and take some time for yourself every now and then. Take it from Alexander Bouri, a man who owns a global country and still finds time for his hobbies, like gardening and playing chess. The more balanced your life feels, the more productive and successful your business will be, so when you're feeling stressed, try one of these tips.

Get Out of the Office for Lunch

If you spend long hours at the store or in the office, you're going to grow weary of it really quickly. Instead of taking your lunch break in the breakroom, go get some lunch at a nearby restaurant or simply eat outside. You need to change your environment in order to truly feel like you're taking a break, and it's an easy way to de-stress.

Make Time for Vacations

Your business may be your livelihood, but it's not your entire life. Don't give up on vacations with your family or friends just because you feel like you need to be there 24/7. As long as you have a partner or manager you trust, the business will be fine without you for a week or two.

Take Up Meditation or Yoga

Meditation and yoga both require clearing your mind to focus on your body in the present moment. A lot of people find it hard to stop the racing thoughts about what needs to be done, but meditation and yoga are actually practices in clearing your mind. You'll feel much better after taking a break from your buzzing thoughts and ringing phone.

Make Personal and Business To-Do Lists

Always make checklists so that you can prioritize to avoid stress, but be sure to keep your "business" and "personal" checklist separate. Figure out what are the biggest priorities on each so that one does not take precedence over the other. For example, don't skip your child's championship game just to make the schedule at work.

Three Things You Should Never Do When You’re Starting Your Business

How many of you reading this wish you could quit your job and start your own business?  Nearly everyone in the workforce dreams about being their own boss, but few are able to start and maintain a successful business.  Alex F. Bouri and other successful entrepreneurs have been in your shoes, and starting a business is no laughing matter.  It takes a lot of planning, effort and money to start and build a business, and it seems like nearly every news site and business blogs have advice on how to do it.  If you really want to learn how to start a successful business, you’d be better off reading articles on things you should avoid doing instead of things you must do.  If you want to have a successful business, avoid making these common mistakes when you’re starting out.

Not figuring out a target audience

A lot of new business owners assume that everyone is potential customer and think that their target audience is the public at large.  This way of thinking may seem smart, but neglecting to identify and research your target audience will only lead to failure.  Go online a do a little research on how to find your target audience, and spend time researching them to get a feel for them.  Find out where they like to spend their time, what websites they like to visit, and their average level of income.  After you learn about your target audience and their interests, you’ll be able to better market your products and services. 

Getting loans from family members and friends

Your aunt or best friend is more than willing to give you the money you need to launch your business, but if you want to succeed you’ll turn their money down and head to a bank for a loan.  Friends, family, and business rarely mix well, especially when there’s money involved.  Imagine having your friends and family members dictate your business decisions because they feel like they need to protect their financial interests.  Envision having to explain to your family member that you can’t pay back their loan on time because of business matters.  Don’t risk any of your personal relationships over a business, do your best to keep your business life and personal life separate.

Relying on yourself for accounting and legal matters

You may have enough knowledge to open your own business, but unless you have degrees in finance and law you shouldn’t handle your business’ books or legal matters.  There’s a reason why self-made businessmen have a team of accountants and lawyers handle their legal and financial matters.  They have enough foresight to know that they don’t have the expertise or the time available to handle their business’s financial needs or legal needs.  It may seem “too expensive”, but you can’t afford to not have a lawyer or an accountant help you when you’re starting out.