7 Top Business Disciplines That Win On the Street

[H. M. Nasim]

1. Work smart. This means using discipline to get smart before you start working. Find out everything you can about the business domain you are targeting. In addition, maintain a change-oriented and future-focused mentality, with an actionable execution plan. When someone tells you they are working hard, it's usually an excuse for not working smart.

2. Skip the chatter. If you are trying to gain commitment or persuade someone, practice the discipline of thinking beyond conversational chatter. The four steps of a successful presentation always include preparation, practice, delivery and asking for the order. Make these part of every interaction with partners, customers, and team members.

3. Deal with people. People do business with your people, not your startup. Finely tuned people skills make you more likable, warm, friendly, open and effective. Put yourself in their heads to see things from their perspective. Have patience and listen actively before speaking. Street smart entrepreneurs practice this discipline until it does not work.

4. Watch your money. It's not unusual for creative entrepreneurs to find finances difficult to understand, intimidating or just a numbing bore. If you feel that way, find a partner who loves that critical side of the business. In reality, the discipline to manage cash does not require a financial genius. It just requires a discipline of relentless focus.

5. Get more business. This discipline is the art of making a constant of new business opportunities, new customers and new revenue flowing into your startup. Develop an aggressive prospecting mentality, stay close to current and past customers, get referrals, and optimize Internet marketing. If your startup isn't evolving and growing, you are failing.

6. Manage yourself. Entrepreneurs will always be wearing many hats in their business and personal life. Even the more important activities can sometimes be excuses to avoid the underlying challenge of working toward your life-changing goals. Learn and practice time-management disciplines. Banish procrastination. Be decisive. Have fun.

7. Everybody sells. It may not be in their job descriptions, but everyone in a startup should be selling. The very first moment that you have contact with an investor, or a customer has contact with your team, an impression and a perception is created. That perception is your reality, and you only get one chance to make it a good one.

Source: https://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/tech-services/explore-tips-and-advice/tech-articles/7-top-business-disciplines-that-win-on-the-street.html

[H. M. Nasim]

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