In the “7 Habits of a Highly Effective Leader”, author Steven R. Covey reminds future leaders that they must start with the beginning in mine. Through many well-spoken affirmations and long hours sitting at the computer, followed by down time with the family, the entrepreneur takes the first step, emerges from the cocoon of their structured thought, and gives birth to a business. 

Now that your business has gone from the preparation stage and into full execution mode, you must continuously monitor and maintain the good health of the entity. Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly appointments are major follow-ups that cannot be overlooked, just because the business has taken on a life of its own. 

The small business guru must think and perform like a large operation in order to stay afloat of what going on. In order to do so there must be a long-term propinquity between the owner and the business.  I like to call my business the other baby.  As we are well aware, babies need regular check ups in order to grow healthy and strong. A business check up will require the same attentiveness of caring for a child. The only difference is that you must be ready to play doctor and admisnter your business the need medications.

Below are several key check up tips that will ensure that your business will be able to push ahead for future successes. The key words that I will share with you that have been and continue to define my ability to challenge myself when the going gets rough are: UTILIZE APPLY and SUCCESS.  They say that knowing is half the battle to success, but knowing without utilizing what you have and applying action in order to get the wanted results, will leave you with deferred dreams.

The Entrepreneur’s Business Check Up List

• Business plan:  The business plan is the go to book for the business. It keeps you abreast of the work that must be done as well as the work that will be conducted later. Often time’s small businesses operate without a business plan and in doing so; many opportunies for growth are often missed because the visual creation for the business had not been written. After creating a business plan, you must continuously assess the plan and tweak it as needed. Remember that as you grow the business will grow.

• Mission Statement: The mission statement is the lenses in which the business image will manifest.   Steven Covey’s 2^nd habit stresses the importance of creating a personal mission statement as well as maintaining a business mission statement that constitutes your core values and vision. By reviewing your personal and business mission regularly, you will stay in alignment with yourself, the business, and your clientele.

• Financial Assessment: Although success in business depends heavily on your ability to pursue your goals, financial common sense is vital to the keeping the business rotating in the right direction.  By reviewing the business budget and prioritizing your needs and wants for the business, you will eliminate the need to overspend. Keep a clear and precise budget outline for all investments. When you are not sure of what financial direction to take, seek assistance from a financial expert.

• Networking:  so you have met a few business associates at several meetings and exchanged business cards, when was the last time you made contact? Networking is a great resource tool for the entrepreneur if utilized properly and efficiently. The goal is to interact with as many people as possible in your field or interest, as well as networking opportunities that may lead business referrals. Once you have made a networking connection, be sure to follow-up regularly with your list of contacts.

• Mental Health Check:  I saved the biggest check up tip for last. As you continue to pursue your goals, it is imperative that you take time to check in with yourself. By taken daily mental health breaks, you will allow yourself to stay focused and refocus on your goals.  Yes, there is work that must be completed in order to keep the business going, but if your not well, then the business is not well.

These are just a few of the adjustments that have helped me along the way to building a better Business.  Take a deep breath. Inhale and exhale. Look at all the great things you’ve done for yourself, the business, and the community. Keep pushing ahead, but do not forget to begin each task with the ending in mine because the best is yet to come.