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Episode #99
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There is something that, along with simplicity and resilience is one of the most important things to master as an aspiring or new business owner.
That is consistency.
But being consistent can be challenging. Especially if you are someone like me who loves variety and new things! Because, to be consistent you need to avoid bright shiny object syndrome and stick at things until they succeed or until you know for sure that they will not work for you.
If someone is working alone in their business, they will not be able to do everything so they need to this is why consistency, simplicity and resilience go hand in hand. It is not possible to do everything, so the trick is to decide on one to three things that are going to be the top focus and be consistent with them. So what could YOU choose to be consistent with inside your business or potential business that you will stick at wherever it takes?
Here are 3 things that, at any stage of your business, when done consistently will make a big difference as you grow.
CONSISTENT HABITS, ROUTINES, SYSTEMS
In the beginning, while you are building a business it is really important that you are consistent with how often you work on it. You need to carve out the time and stick to it. Even if it just means you do 10 minutes, because without that consistency it will be so easy just to let work take over and give up. You may think it’s just that one time that you won’t work on your business for one week, but it’s a slippery slope. That one hour or day you miss makes it easier to talk yourself out of the whole project. Especially you may already have doubts.
So, whatever time you have available, you have to make the most of it. You do that by creating a work routine and clear goals. So whenever you have that window of time, you know exactly what you will work on.
Then as you develop your business and grow it, while still in your job and after, getting into a weekly work routine is super important. It will not only help you manage your time effectively but also ensure that you're consistently focusing on all important aspects of your business.
Make a commitment to yourself that you will stay consistent with your time, and have a clear plan for that time. Use online project management systems like Asana or Trello to set reminders to alert you when it’s time to work and to stop you from losing consistency.
BRAND CONSISTENCY
Whether you are just starting out in your business or are more advanced, consistency is really key to building a strong, recognisable brand. I’m talking about visual elements like logos and colour schemes, as well as messaging, tone, and voice. Now, I’m not saying you need to have all this set up and in place from the start, but just have in mind that whatever you put out needs to be consistent. Even if you have just decided what colours and font you will use, then make sure you use the same everywhere, so on your website, documents, social media and any online or printed materials you have.
This consistency helps to create a memorable impression in the minds of potential customers and sets you apart from your competitors.
CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION
Whether it's putting out a podcast episode, YouTube video or blog post, or sending out a weekly email to potential clients who have joined your email list, keeping in touch with existing clients, or posting on social media, this is where consistency is really important. It helps your clients get to know you and your business and builds up trust because they know what to expect and that you are to be relied upon.
If you are just starting out, picking a content channel where you will share your knowledge (like a blog or podcast) and being consistent with what you share with your potential customers is a priority. Or if you’ve already launched your business then being consistent with your social media posting or how often you reach out to engage and connect with your clients will be your main focus.
Having a bespoke system that you use each time can really, help and even better if you can use technology. Batching can really come in handy here too. So you can record your podcast or Youtube episodes, write customer emails, or write blog posts in batches of 4 or 6. So that you can be consistent even when things go wrong. Some people even have some extra episodes in the bag, so that they have something to post or release in an emergency.
Another way to stay consistent with your communication with your people is to use technology. You are able to load your podcasts, youtube episodes, blogs or emails in advance so they go out automatically.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS…
Consistency is the secret sauce that can make or break your business.
What's important is picking a few key things to focus on and being consistent with them. So, my challenge to you is this: Find your focus. Be consistent. Be resilient. And, most importantly, keep going. Because the world needs what you've got to offer.
Links Mentioned
www.nicholaohara.com/community
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