We are life-long learners in our personal lives and professional lives.  Every decision we make has the ability to redefine our beliefs and values.  Fortunately, we have an opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others.  These are some of the easiest life lessons.

Most business owners want to know how to grow their companies.  More customers, more sales, higher revenue, greater stability…..it’s the white picket fence of the business world.  Unfortunately, countless business owners make the same mistakes over and over when it comes to growth.

Contributing writer for The Business Journals, Clate Mask, shared his insights on some of these reoccurring mistakes and how to ensure that you don’t fall in the same trap.

• 1. Deciding not to grow in the first place

Believe it or not, some people don’t want to grow the business. They figure there are enough customers to pay the bills and you are as busy as you want to be.  You may think it’s a good idea in the short term, but it is not in the long term.  Don’t ever lose sight of the fact that there are competitors around every corner working hard to steal your business away. If you’re not working just as hard as them —or even harder — you’re putting your business up for grabs.

• 2. Relying too heavily on referrals

For just about anyone in any line of business, there’s nothing better than a happy customer with a glowing referral. You served the first customer so well that they can’t help but bring you others. That’s the perfect scenario, right?  But one thing that many entrepreneurs overlook is that even if people really like you and your business, they are under no obligation to pass on your information. People are busy and passing along unsolicited advice isn’t always appreciated or comfortable to do. Ask and incentivize them to share but the responsibility to grow is ultimately on your shoulders.

• 3. Believing you’ll just “figure it out”

Small-business owners tend to get so caught up in the day-to-day operations of the company that they don’t take the time to learn from other people. By nature, most small-business owners are innovative and highly motivated, so they often prefer to just “figure it out themselves.”  Don’t be too timid to ask someone in your field that you respect for their thoughts and insights. There is a whole lot of help out there if you’re just willing to open your eyes and ask.

• 4. Doing everything yourself

This is the most common pitfall of entrepreneurs and small business owners: They just can’t let go of things.  Ask any entrepreneur and they will tell you there is little predictability in a typical day. Although they may start with a to-do list, by the time they close up shop, the to-do list has long since been disregarded. By passing along some of that list to others — either employees or business service providers — they can focus on growth.

Lakeside Executive Suites is dedicated to helping you work smarter by giving you back time in your day to invest into yourself and your business.  Take heed to the advice that Clate Mask offers and allow Lakeside Executive Suites to partner with you as your premier office space or virtual office provider.  With an executive fully-furnished office, live phone answering service in your company’s name, meeting room availability, a professional mailing address, and other first class amenities you can customize to meet your business needs…..all at prices you can afford……you are on the clear, straight path for growth and success.

To learn more about Lakeside Executive Suites and what we can do for you, contact us at (877) 301-6197 or visit us on the web at www.lesweston.com.

Source: Dallas Business Journal