by Thembe Khumalo

Starting and running a business is no small feat. It requires more than just passion; it demands a strategic approach, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Let’s delve into some essential strategies that will help you handle your business like a pro.

Firstly, it's essential to know your why and who. Why are you in business? What drives you? Who are you serving? If you don’t know the purpose of a thing, it’s easy to abuse it. Understanding your purpose and identifying your ideal customer are the foundations of a thriving business. This clarity will guide your decisions and strategies, keeping you aligned with your core mission.

Next, transition from hustle to strategy. While passion fuels your drive, it’s strategy that turns your vision into reality. Instead of chasing every opportunity, focus on setting clear goals. Create a plan and then work your plan diligently. Avoid being distracted by every shiny new object that catches your attention. This disciplined approach will ensure that your efforts are purposeful and productive.

Resist the temptation to overspend. In the early stages of your business, it's easy to feel the need to invest in various tools and resources. I remember one of our consultants at Brandbuilder talking about how she embarked on a business as a virtual assistant, and the first thing she bought was a printer! She could see how foolish this was in retrospect, but at teh time, what she desired was a fully fitted office, and that included a printer! Clearly, not everything is essential, and our most valuable tool might just be a simple notebook. Prioritize spending on what truly adds value to your operations and is closely linked to returning revenues.

When it comes to finances, cash is key - many businesses seem to be making money on paper, but struggle to keep afloat because of cash shortages. Develop cash flow projections and also understand that revenue is not the same as profit—a lesson many of us learned from watching our parents manage side hustles that they were financing from their salaries. Conduct a monthly reconciliation to keep your financial health in check.

Embrace the wealth of free or nearly free resources available for continuous learning. Online courses, workshops, and meet-ups offer valuable knowledge that can enhance your business skills. The learning journey is never-ending, so keep growing!

Don't get overwhelmed by your big dreams. Break them down into manageable goals. As the saying goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Track your progress and celebrate every win, no matter how small. These victories pave the way for bigger successes and keep you motivated when things are tough.

Focus on one thing at a time. Inspired by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan's concept from “The One Thing,” pick one problem to solve at a time. This focused approach prevents overwhelm and ensures that you’re making significant progress.

Systems are your best friends. A system is simply a set of steps you follow to get things done consistently. They save you time and eliminate the need to reinvent the wheel each time. Develop systems for various aspects of your business to streamline your processes.

Prioritize with the power of three. Every day, identify the three most important tasks that will move your business forward. Whether it's contacting potential clients, working on a product launch, or completing urgent bookkeeping, focusing on these tasks will ensure you’re making meaningful progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Batch similar tasks together to boost efficiency. Multitasking is a myth; it often leads to mistakes and wasted time. Instead, group similar tasks together. Answer emails in one dedicated block, schedule social media posts for the week, or set aside a morning for administrative tasks. This approach helps you get into a flow state and reduces context switching.

Utilize free online calendars like Google Calendar or tools like Trello to manage your schedule, deadlines, and appointments. Color-code tasks by priority or project, set reminders, and schedule buffer time between appointments to avoid feeling rushed. This organizational strategy can significantly enhance your productivity.

Keep a customer love list. Track positive interactions, testimonials, and referrals in a simple spreadsheet or document. This not only boosts your morale but can also be used for marketing purposes. Share snippets of positive feedback on your social media or website to build trust and attract new customers.

Create a "someday maybe" list for new ideas. While new ideas are exciting, they can distract you from your current goals. By maintaining a separate list for future ventures, you acknowledge their potential without letting them derail your current workflow.

Repurpose and recycle content to maximize your resources. Turn blog posts into scripts for social media videos, or transform infographics into slide decks for presentations. This approach saves time and money while ensuring your message reaches a wider audience.

Learn from local legends. Collaboration can be more beneficial than competition. Share experiences with other local businesses and support each other's growth. There is much to be gained from learning from each other's successes and challenges.

Finally, build your tribe. You are not alone on this journey. Network with other female entrepreneurs, find mentors who inspire you, and build a support system that empowers your growth. Together, you can achieve more than you ever could alone.

Developing business acumen is a continuous journey, but with these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to handling your business like a seasoned pro. Keep learning, stay focused, and remember to celebrate each step forward.

Thembe Khumalo is one of Zimbabwe’s leading voices when it comes to brand-building, business growth and personal development. A winner of multiple awards both at home and in the region, she is the founder and Managing Director of Brandbuilder, a high-performance brand strategy firm that helps entrepreneurial leaders and SMEs achieve visibility and growth through comprehensive brand strategy, creative execution and social media content strategies. Known for her clarity and courage, Thembe Khumalo’s leadership track record includes board positions in listed, unlisted and not-for-profit entities. With more than 20 years in the media and communication industry, she delivers a network of high-level relationships across many industries in several African countries. | thembekhumalo.com | www.brandtobuild.co | askus@brandtobuild.co