Guest Post: Lessons for small business success, from my twin toddler daughters (Part 1)

by Shannon Cherry

My twin two-year old daughters reminded me, without words, about business and success. When you are starting a business, you need to think of it as raising a child. You start by crawling, then walking, then running.

So take heart in the following tips – they may come from very cute, very small people but they have the power to help you achieve success.

1. No matter how small you are, you can change lots of lives. No matter what you sell, your goal for business should be to change lives in one way or another. Remember this in everything you do. Once you are able to answer the question: How can I change my customers lives? You’re well on your way to providing a unique selling proposition.
2. Keep trying, even if it’s hard. My girls have had some trouble speaking, but they kept trying (and learned sign language) so we can communicate. Now, I know when they want a cookie. Remember, persistence pays off in the end. (You may be able to get more than a cookie if you keep on trying!)
3. Remember to share. We all teach our kids to share. But somehow along the way, when we get older, we get protective of what we have learned to achieve success. When you have something of value that would benefit others – share! It will come back to you.
4. Run naked every once in a while. Well ok, you don’t have to be naked but run – have fun, be free and try to be a kid again. Having kids gives you that chance again and it is incredible to relive the fun that you used to have – when you weren’t so serious about life and business. And that free time also allows you the opportunity to think outside the box - and come up with new ideas and solutions.
5. Silence is not always a good thing. If it’s too quiet in my toddler household, I know something is up. And it’s the same in business. If you find too many of your competitors are quiet or your clients are quieter than usual – figure out why! Something serious could be happening out there and you better find out what it is.

Shannon Cherry is a mompreneur, PR pro, and blogger behind Startup Spark and Mommy, Inc. She is the owner of Cherry Communications, a virtual public relations firm. Read part 2 of this series here.

Would you like to write a guest post for Biz Chicks Rule? E-mail your print-ready submissions about women and business to kristen@b5media.com.