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When you first start a business, things often happen in fits and starts. You might have no clients one week, then several all at once the next week. But, eventually, you start to hit your stride. Clients or customers become more regular and, before you know it, your business is starting to become more sustainable and may turn a profit. 

But what now? Do you just hope for the best and keep trucking? Or do you try to push yourself and your business to the next level?

Why Keep Pushing

Sometimes the safer option seems to be to allow your business to stagnate. It’s comfortable, you know what you’re doing and things seem to be going well enough. This attitude isn’t all bad. After all, a good work-life balance requires a measure of contentment in your business dealings.

However, the fact is that there is no such thing as staying stationary. The world is like a treadmill. If you aren’t moving forwards, then you won’t stay in the same place. Rather, you’ll end up sliding backwards. 

The best way to progress is to understand the risk/reward dichotomy. Without taking risks, you become stuck in your life and in your business. On the other hand, if you’re able to push yourself and your business, then you will find new opportunities open up for you. 

It isn’t easy to push yourself out of your comfort zone, but the rewards are usually well worth the risk. Besides, stagnating is a risk in itself, only without any reward. Opportunities may move on without you, leaving you stranded with clients who may well switch to greener, more interesting pastures.

How You Can Push Your Business

The best way to ensure that your business is constantly progressing and being pushed to the next level is to set goals. Setting goals is a great way to help you to succeed, personally and professionally. 

Think about what you want to accomplish and use that to set tangible, achievable goals for your business. If you have a big goal, then split it up into smaller steps that aren’t as overwhelming. Even a marathon is simply one small step after another. 

Your goals should also be specific. Rather than setting a goal to “have more customers this month”, set a specific number to reach. Cumulative goals are also ideal, so that you know that you’re constantly progressing.

As well as setting goals for your business, you should also consider pushing your staff. Your employees are a vital part of your business, which means that their improvements can help you both. 

Every staff member can benefit from training, and if your employees are thriving, then your business will as well. By providing opportunities for progression, you can encourage ambitious members of your staff to constantly improve their skills while fostering a sense of loyalty to your business. 

In the same way that you would set goals for yourself and your business, set goals and offer incentives for your employees as well. You’d be surprised at how far they can progress.