Build a Better Business with This One Simple Habit

I remember when I changed my side hustle into a full-time gig. I'd spent months working hard to walk away from the job that took me away from home far too often. I loved what I did but trying to care for my dad made it impossible to really devote myself to may career. I really needed to work from home.

So, I made the decision to just go for it. Being relatively new at this, I started hanging out at local networking events, looking for others I could connect with. That's where I met Kerry. As soon as I started talking to her, I knew we were going to become good friends. She was so warm and welcoming. And SMART! And more than willing to help the new kid in town.

But what really impressed me was Kerry’s book collection. She had dozens of non-fiction books on almost every subject.

When she saw me eying her small library, she laughed, “I’m always reading something. I think it’s the best way to learn more about the world and it’s a habit that served me well when I started my coaching business.”

I am an avid reader. So hearing Kerry say that my reading habit could benefit my business was just validation of something I had always known....reading has some wonderful benefits for everyone, especially entrepreneurs. If you haven’t picked up a good book in a while, here are a few reasons to do that now…

Discover New Ideas

Reading doesn’t just boost your vocabulary or make you smarter; it also exposes you to more ideas. These ideas may be exactly what you’ll draw on when it’s time to deal with a cranky client, launch a podcast, or update your products. 

It’s easy to rely on your wisdom alone to guide you in your business. But it can also be tricky and may even lead you into trouble, since you can get stuck in ruts and overlook vital information.

Lower Your Stress Levels

Imagine this: You’re having one of those days where you keep bumping into a problem. Try as you might, you can’t seem to come up with a solution that doesn’t create more work or chaos for you.

Instead of fixating on it and letting it derail your productivity, consider reading a book instead. Quietly reading for a few minutes can lower stress levels and give your mind break. As an added bonus, you may even find that a few minutes away helps you come up with the solution you were looking for.

Embrace a Mentor

Reading business books filled with advice and insight from entrepreneurs who have walked the same path can be like having a mentor to guide you. You can benefit from their years of experience without having to make the same mistakes.

Of course, a good book can’t take the place of a supportive coach. But it can be a wonderful way to learn from others and glean valuable insights to help you grow your brand in new ways.

Developing a regular reading habit is one of the best things you can do for your business. Not only will you boost your communication skills, you’ll also improve your own creative thinking at the same time.

Shining the Spotlight on Moji Mandi!

I love shining the spotlight on my friends!  Especially when they are as giving and loving as this one.  Once you get to know her, you'll love her like I do.  Meet "Moji Mandi" (we all call her Amanda)!

1.       Amanda, tell us about yourself.

I am a work at home mom of 3 little ones (8, 5 & 2) with a spouse of 15 years. Also a pet owner. and chronic hobbyist, haha!  So many interests it would be impossible to list them all.  Top of the list is photography and my personal quest to wake up every day and live that day to the fullest.  I also sell MojiLife which is currently part time as I build and bring it up to a full time business.  I volunteer for an animal rescue and I have been teaching photography to my son's kindergarten class.

Years of financial and personal stress made me someone I didn’t want to be and I am rediscovering myself and fighting to be the best me ever!  I welcome anyone who wants to join me!

2.       Tell us about your business

MojiLife, started out as a fragrance company, but it has become so much more!  We offer products to allow you to enjoy every moment and take those moments for yourself to make sure you are as stress free as possible to allow you to enjoy life to the best of your abilities.

From the Airmoji (a rechargeable, programmable, wax and heart free fragrance device) to bath bombs to virtual reality goggles, we offer natural ways to relax.

3.       Why did you start your own business?

I dreamed of having my own shop or company since I was young.  I lost site of that little dream until I found my first opportunity.

My first business was also in network marketing and I joined because I thought it would he fun and I could make a little extra cash because money was often tight.  I was totally wrong.  It was hard work and not easy but if you can put in the hours it can be very rewarding.  I struggled and let the company go.

When I found MojiLife I was very excited about the product because it resolved some issues I had with my first company.  I was hesitant but decided I would join to prove to myself that I can buckle down and make it work.  With none of the excuses I had for my lack of success with the first company, I joined to try the product and loved it and decided I would keep selling it.

4.       How did you choose this particular niche?

I have memories of smelling the lilac tree in my yard as a kid.  The right fragrance can calm or invigorate me.  So I felt this was a good stepping off point towards building a business about taking care of ourselves.  This gave me a product and branding to go crazy with while I develop a bigger dream.

5.       What do you like most and least about being your own boss?

I love that I can be at home with my kids.  I want to be a mom who is always here and involved as much as possible. Working from home gives me that.

What I like least is the challenge of time management.  As my kids get older they start sports and activities and time gets tighter and it becomes more difficult making time for myself and my business so sometimes tasks get left later than I like but its teaching me even greater patience and to develop better systems to manage my time.  It motivates me to get in shape so I can accomplish physical tasks faster.  So it’s the toughest part but you can't deny it has a silver lining

6.       What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business?

You need to have patience.  It can take time to build a business.  Especially these days with so many doing it.  You need to play the long game and build a network of people you connect with.

You need to be stubborn enough to want to push past the lows and flexible and open minded enough to ready for opportunities or necessary changes.

7.       What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?

Making the time for your business.  My family comes first and short term that delays business and personal tasks.  You have to remind yourself that in the long run the potential income and showing your kids the person you want to be has amazing benefits for them as growing people.

8.       Do you have any resources that you have used to build your business that you would recommend?

Use what your city offers you.  Events, trainings. I also follow a number of social media gurus that I frequently get inspiration from.  I recommend the book Go Pro by Eric Worre.  It was an excellent read.  I follow Fraser Brookes and Fallon Zoe on Facebook.  Tons of value there.  Of course I have to mention the Ninja Marketers group.  This group has become more than just getting tips and resources. We are all supporting each other and it is my favourite business group.

9.       Do you have any tips to share on promoting yourself?

Figure out the awesome person you are.  Be that person every day you can, even when you make a mistake or just don’t feel like it.  Share that person with the world.  You'll find your tribe.  They'll find you and you’ll start to build a world to share your business with.

10. What other advice would like to share with someone starting their own business? 

Free resources are abundant.  Take advantage of them.  I know many people don’t have much, if anything, when starting out. Take advantage of the any free resources you can find and don’t feel guilty about it.  You’ll start to find the people who are sharing value because they care and you'll connect and eventually you’ll find the people you really want to learn from.  As you make money set aside 10% or more to save to invest in yourself.  Then take the courses of those you’ve connected with and watch your business soar!

11.   How can we contact you to learn more about your products and services?

My Facebookpage.  I can get messages there.  And on Instagram.  Or you can always contact me via my email.

12.   Is there anything else you would like to share?

Be consistent. Try to work your biz a little each day.  Even if it’s just to update your files.

Word your posts from the heart to make sure they show you and your individuality.

Don’t be ashamed or nervous to be excited about your product.  Sometimes that alone will get you a sale without feeling like you're being pushy.