All in all, I'm pretty happy with how 2005 turned out. My 
business is taking off. I've built a solid foundation to support 
even more growth (which I forecast for 2006) and I've even 
managed to take some time off.

I'd like other entrepreneurs and business owners to feel as good 
about their business as I do about mine, so I thought I'd take a 
moment to share 5 things I attribute to my successful 2005. 

1. Attended seminars. This one is HUGE. Nothing beats getting out 
of your office and away from your computer and actually meeting 
people face to face. I've come away from these events with 
clients, joint venture partners, and more. (And that doesn't even 
include the great information I absorbed and was able to put to 
use in both my business and my clients' businesses.) If you only 
put one of my 5 tips to use, this would be the one to do --
that's how valuable I've discovered attending seminars to be.

2. Hired a coach. Again, this was another tough decision to make, 
but I'm really glad I did. It's difficult to see your business 
objectively, so having a neutral observer on your team is 
extremely valuable. Coaches help you get out of your own way (and 
believe me, that's a biggie for us entrepreneurs.) They can help 
you with both your inner game (your habits and mindset) and your 
outer game (your skills and business structure).

3. Started systemizing my business. Unless you want to be chained 
to your business night and day, you have got to start systemizing 
your business. Yes, all businesses should have systems in place, 
even if you don't have anyone else working for you and you 
primarily sell services. The best part is when you do have 
systems in place, your business suddenly starts running a lot 
more efficiently and effectively (and you can start sleeping 
better at night and relaxing on vacation).

4. Outsourced. For all you control freaks out there, this one is 
for you. If you don't start hiring some help, I guarantee you'll 
never be able to grow your business because you'll be constantly 
doing tasks you have no business doing. Do yourself a favor and 
get some help...NOW. I've just hired a project manager/director 
of client services, plus I have 2 backup writers and 2 virtual 
assistants. Building a team has been a big stress reliever for 
me.

5. Focused on my inner game. Shifting my mindset away from 
"freelancer" to "business owner" was another big piece of the 
puzzle. As soon as I made that shift, all the other four 
techniques fell into place because it suddenly made them easier 
to do.

It's tough to change your inner game on your own -- hiring a 
coach is probably the fastest way to do this. But there are some 
good resources out there if you want to begin dabbling in it 
first. Do a search and see what comes up, I started my journey 
with free ezines and articles.

Creativity Exercise -- Make 2006 the best year ever

Go back and reread my list. Now get out a piece of paper and 
start brainstorming ways you can integrate my tips into your 
business. Which one do you think will bring the quickest results? 
Which one will be more difficult for you to start doing? Which is 
the one you SHOULD be doing? 

Have fun with this exercise, really play around and see what 
comes up. Don't censor yourself, just write down the answers that 
bubble up even if it doesn't seem right. You might discover 
something important about yourself and your business that might 
be the key to launching you forward faster than you ever dreamed 
possible.
 

Michele PW (Michele Pariza Wacek) owns Creative Concepts and 
Copywriting LLC, a copywriting, marketing communications and 
creativity agency. She helps people become more successful 
at attracting new clients, selling products and services and 
boosting business. To find out how she can help you take your 
business to the next level, visit her site at 
http://www.writingusa.com. Copyright 2006 Michele Pariza Wacek.