Business Tips – What Is Security - Really?

 Business Tips – What Is Security - Really?

By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting  (Pty) Ltd 

So what does security mean to you as a small business owner?  Does it mean that your success will be guaranteed?  Does it mean that Joe Public will be blown away by the products that you want to sell or desperate for the services that you provide?

Whatever your idea of what your security actually is – how long will it last?  Is it long-term or short-term – seasonal or here for the duration?

Well here’s the reality – the answer to all of the above is actually “who knows”?

Security is more fickle than the most high-maintenance person that you know or probably are ever likely to know.  What may be absolutely fabulous today and selling like hotcakes may die a brutal and lonely death tomorrow.

So how do we protect ourselves from this “lack of security”?

Well quite honestly there are several ways and I am going to share some of them with you now.

1. Firstly we have to keep evolving, growing, changing, morphing – looking at new ways to do things, keeping up with technology or business trends.  We do this by researching, reading (not the heat type magazines), but what is in the newspapers and business magazines.  Read blogs and articles online.  Take a course or two – meet with like-minded individuals and discuss what is happening around you. Keep up to date with what’s in and what’s not.

2. Don’t ever give up – be tenacious – find ways around obstacles (whether that means you go around them, under them, over them, or even through them).  Collaborate with people who do/sell similar things to you or team up with people whose strengths are your weaknesses and visa versa.  If it is worth fighting for – fight back.  If it isn’t then perhaps you need to change direction or owning your own business is not actually for you.  Make a decision one way or another.

3. If you have the staff or are part of a team, work together.  Pull in the same direction and not against one another!  Be clear on what everyone has to do and choose people who have the same goals and aspirations as you do.  It’s a lot easier than you think and a lot more productive than you are on your own.

4. Be ready for the unexpected!  Things often happen that were not factored into the equation – don’t let those things trip you up.  Stop – look at the situation calmly (and without any drama and emotion), do the research, and make an informed decision.

5. Understand that there is nothing to be afraid of.  A previous mentor of mine always used to say that the only thing you have to be afraid of is your own fear.  Face it, head on and squarely and I promise you it (the fear) will back down!

Remember that you are a special person and the mere fact that you have gone into business on your own, should tell you that you are stronger than you have ever given yourself credit for.

So be proud of yourself, proud of your achievements, and go forward knowing that you can do this!  Oh, and of course – don’t forget to have fun!  Always, always, always – have fun.

Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za