When you run a small business, every decision feels like a big one. How do you know what the right decisions are when everything in the business world is constantly changing?
Here are three tips for making good decisions for your freelance business
1. Ensure your values are in alignment with your decision
Even if you’re not super connected with your needs and values, you have them…and they give you valuable cues to help you make decisions that fit with your life. Having good values (and maintaining them) in business is one of the best ways to stay balanced. This will also attract your ideal clients to you!
2. Look for ways to make the pie bigger
Many years ago I took a negotiation course and one of the principles that stayed with me was don’t SPLIT the pie, find ways to make it bigger. That way everyone gets more than they wanted and no one has to give anything up. Isn’t that fun? In business, I also look for ways to make the pie bigger. Yes, I want to keep clients happy, but I also want to keep myself happy (one example of this could be using hosted checkout services to provide better payment options.). Let’s find those win-win-win scenarios. Makes the decision a no-brainer.
3. Surround yourself with the right people
Whether you’re investing in coaching, sub-contracting to fellow freelancers, or bringing on team members, hiring the best possible talent is a make-or-break experience for many small business owners. There’s a lot at stake! Good decisions in this arena will lead to business growth, so take the time you need to weigh the pros and cons…and invest your hard-earned dollars wisely.
It may be tempting to outsource decision making (it’s hard!) but it’s an important skill to have at your disposal and you’re going to ultimatley make the best decisions for your business. What will make it easier:
- Get in touch with your values
- Find ways to surprise and delight your clients while still reaching your goals
- Surround yourself with the right people who set you up for success
