We all want our businesses to do well, we want them to succeed and for us to have a business we can be proud of. My 10 C’s listed below will insure that your business performs above and beyond what you might expect. Who knew that there were so many business related words beginning with C that will keep you focussed on your goals no matter whether they are long term or short term.

1. CONSIDER where you would like to be in 5 years time, spend 30 seconds visualising the picture. Who are you with? Where are you? What are you doing? Jot it down and contextualise it. This is what you are striving for.

2. CONSISTENCY. Whichever part of your business you are focussing on, consistency is the key. Your brand, your business has to be seen to be active in what ever it does. If you are known to email your customers 2 a month then don’t miss a month – out of sight is out of mind.

3. CLEAR COMMUNICATION Whether you are talking to your customers, your employees, your suppliers or your accountant, you must be clear about what you require. Share with them your goals and desire so they can understand why you might do certain things.

4. CHALLENGE ISSUES which arise. Sometimes our challenges feel like they come on a daily basis, sometimes we can go months plain sailing. But challenges are put there for you to learn from. Confront (another C!) them head on push through to the other side rather than letting them stop you in your tracks

5. CORE SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES are in place. Aren’t they? No? Well, start thinking about how you could work smarter by implementing them. working smarter using systems and processes saves us time in the long run.

6. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT How often to you review your database of clients? If you haven’t heard from them for 3 years chances are they have moved on or no longer require your services. Keep your customer database up to date so that you can send relevant mailshots. Keeping your customers happy is KEY to a successful business.

7. CALCULATE your financial performance. Have you kept up to date accounts? Have you invested in a piece of equipment and not checked to see if it was money well spent (return on investment). Knowing your financial position is vital to a successful business.

8. COMPARE yourself and your business to those who are in the position you want be and see what their strengths and weaknesses are. This can give you a clear idea on what areas of your business to focus on

9 CLOSELY monitor where you are at. In the systems and processes you have created (see point 5!) you need to schedule in time to review if you are on track. Do you need to make any adjustments?

10. COACH yourself. Entrepreneurs and self employed people are on a continuous learning journey. One which will see themselves transform from one person into another and then another. As time passes our outlooks on life change as does the knowledge we have acquired. Learning new skills is possibly one the the most important weapons in your business armoury!