Ever felt like you’re just spinning your wheels at a job that doesn’t appreciate you, pays just enough to keep you from quitting, and has you asking, “Is this all there is?” Well, friend, it doesn’t have to be. Whether or not you’ve ever considered being your own boss, it’s time to think about what you really want from life. More money? More freedom? The ability to work from anywhere and still make bank? This is the article for you.
We all dream of running a successful business and living that lifestyle. You know the one: working less, earning more, lounging in your dream home, traveling the globe, and Instagramming your perfect life. It’s the dream, right? And guess what? It’s not just a dream; it’s possible. We see people doing it every day. But what sets these people apart from everyone else? What magic formula are they using to make life look so easy, while the rest of us are caught in the grind?
In a previous session, we talked about how successful people like Oprah Winfrey turned failures into massive success stories. But there’s more to Oprah’s story than just overcoming obstacles. Her grandfather once told her, “Oprah, there are three kinds of people in this world. Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who ask, ‘What happened?’” And guess what? Oprah chose to be the kind of person who makes things happen. She made a choice—a choice that most people are afraid to make. Today, I hope you make a similar choice. All winners do.
The Hidden Ingredient of Success: Seeing Business Differently
Today, we’re diving into something that might blow your mind. We’re going to talk about how successful people view and define business in a way that’s totally different from everyone else. And here’s the kicker: most of what I’m about to share isn’t taught in business schools. In fact, it’s often the opposite of what’s taught. So, if you’re a marketing student or a business major, brace yourself. This might challenge some of your beliefs. But stick with me, and you’ll benefit immensely.
Rule No. 1: Never Fall in Love With Your Business
Okay, this might sound like heresy, but hear me out. The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make is falling in love with their business. Why? Because it blinds them. They become so attached to their baby that they can’t see its flaws. And trust me, every business has flaws. Instead, fall in love with your customers. Yes, you heard me right—fall in love with the people who buy from you, join your downline, or support your service.
Your mission as an entrepreneur is to make your customers’ lives better. Listen to them, understand them, and empathize with them. The more you focus on your customers, the more you’ll be rewarded. It’s not about you, your company, or your product. It’s about them. Always remember that.
“Think of your business like a Tinder date. Sure, you want to impress them with your amazingness, but if you don’t ask them about their day, you’re going home alone.”
Rule No. 2: No One Cares About You, Your Company, or Your Products
This might sting, but it’s true. No one cares about how great you think your company, product, or service is. What people care about is how you can help them. The biggest mistake businesses make is talking too much about themselves. It’s a disease called selfishness. You see it everywhere—in ads, on TV, in radio spots. Companies brag about how great they are, but here’s the thing: customers don’t care. They only care about how you can solve their problems.
So, stop focusing on you. Start focusing on your customers. What do they want? What are their pain points? How can you make their lives better? When you shift your focus, you’ll sell more and build a loyal customer base. Trust me on this.
“Imagine a first date where all you do is talk about yourself. ‘I’m awesome at this, I’m great at that.’ Your date’s eyes glaze over, and they’re texting their friend under the table to call them with an emergency. Don’t be that guy.”
Rule No. 3: You’re Not in the Business You Think You’re In
Here’s a big one: whatever business you think you’re in, you’re wrong. You’re not in the network marketing business, the tour business, the insurance business, or the printing business. You’re in the business of acquiring customers. That’s your real job. Your primary focus should be on getting new customers, period.
If you don’t have the skills to acquire new customers, you’re screwed. No customers, no business. It’s that simple. So, invest your time, money, and energy into mastering marketing skills. Become a customer acquisition machine. When you do that, you’ll dominate your market.
“Think of customer acquisition like dating. You wouldn’t go on a date and say, ‘Hey, I’m just here to talk about my ex.’ Nope, you’re there to win them over, to make them feel special. Same with customers—make them feel like they’re the only one in the room.”
Rule No. 4: Don’t Follow the Rules
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you should break the law or ignore good business practices. What I’m saying is, don’t follow the rules everyone else is following in the marketplace. If you do what everyone else is doing, you’ll get what everyone else is getting. And if you want to be a leader, you need to set your own rules.
Create your own path. Be a trendsetter. Don’t follow the crowd; lead it. When you create your own rules, you stand out. You become a leader. And that’s how you win in the marketplace.
“Think of it like this: If you’re following the rules, you’re playing checkers while everyone else is playing chess. Be the one who flips the board and starts a new game. Make your own rules, and let everyone else play catch-up.”
The Five Components of a Successful Business
Now, let’s talk about what really makes a business successful. According to Josh Kaufmann, the author of “Personal MBA,” a business is:
- Anything of Value: This can be a product or service, tangible or intangible. It should either add a benefit or remove a pain.
- That People Want or Need: The market has to actually want or need what you’re offering.
- At a Price They’re Willing to Pay: Your pricing should reflect the value you’re providing.
- That Satisfies Their Needs or Desires: Your product or service should solve a problem or fulfill a desire.
- That Brings in Enough Money to Repeat the Process: You need to make enough to keep the business going and growing.
Let’s break these down:
1. Create Value in the Marketplace
Your product or service should add real value. It’s not about what you love; it’s about what the market needs. Don’t expect the market to fall in love with your product just because you do. Focus on creating something that solves a problem or fulfills a need. The more value you provide, the more successful you’ll be.
“Don’t be the guy who invents a self-combing toothbrush because you think it’s cool. Focus on solving real problems—like inventing a toothbrush that reminds you to floss.”
2. Market Your Value
Marketing isn’t just about putting your product out there. It’s about understanding the market and tailoring your message to fit their needs. In fact, you should market your product or service before you even have it. Gauge interest, get feedback, and understand what people want. Then, create a product that fits that demand.
“Think of marketing like fishing. You don’t just throw any bait into the water and hope for the best. You use the right bait for the right fish. Know your audience, and market accordingly.”
3. Selling
Selling is where the rubber meets the road. It’s the actual transaction where money changes hands. Your marketing should make the selling process easy. If it doesn’t, you need to work on your marketing techniques. The smoother the sales process, the more likely you are to close the deal.
“Selling isn’t about being a used car salesman. It’s about being a matchmaker—connecting the right product with the right person and making it a win-win.”
4. Value Delivery
After the sale, your job isn’t over. You need to deliver on your promises. Follow up with your customers, ensure they’re satisfied, and fix any issues that arise. If your product or service doesn’t meet their expectations, offer a refund. Customer satisfaction should be your top priority.
“Making money isn’t the goal. It’s a byproduct of delivering value. Focus on making your customers happy, and the money will follow.”
5. Finance
Finally, manage your finances wisely. Your greatest reward isn’t just the money—it’s the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life. But you also need to be paid for your services to keep the business going. Balance profitability with customer satisfaction, and you’ll create a sustainable business.
Humor Twist: “Think of it like planting a tree. You don’t just water it once and walk away. You nurture it, watch it grow, and eventually, it bears fruit. Your business is the same—care for it, and it will provide for you.”
What’s Next? Turning Knowledge into Action
Now that you’ve got a solid understanding of what makes a business successful, it’s time to turn that knowledge into action. And here’s the thing—most people never take action. They read, they learn, but they don’t do. But you’re different. You’re here because you want more from life. You’re ready to make things happen.
So, what’s the next step?
I want to offer you something special—an opportunity to take everything you’ve learned here and turn it into a game plan for dominating your market. I’m going to give you an offer that I NEVER give to my offline clients, but I’m doing this because you’ve stuck with me, you’ve invested your time, and you’re ready to take the next step.
A Special Offer Just for You
I’ve teamed up with some of the most successful entrepreneurs in Tanzania, like Prof. Ally Mtanda, to bring you the best business and marketing ideas out there. These are ideas that have been refined over 30 years and can easily double or triple your income within months. These strategies are simple, powerful, and most importantly, they’re not taught in business school.
Normally, these consultations cost $200/hour, but because this is your first time and I want to build a lasting relationship with you, I’m offering you this at a fraction of the cost—just TZS 80,000/- for a DELICIOUS DINNER and DRINKS. Yep, you read that right. And if you’re not happy with the value you get, I’ll give you 100% of your money back, no questions asked.
“I’ve got only 100 seats, so this offer could disappear at any time. If you’re serious about becoming a successful entrepreneur and attracting more clients, book your spot now. Comment below with your phone number, or inbox me directly. Let’s get started on your journey to success.”
Conclusion: Your Time to Shine
It’s been a pleasure chatting with you, and I’m excited about what the future holds for you. You’ve already done something most people never do—completed reading an entire article like this. Now, take that momentum and use it to make your dreams a reality. I’m here to help you every step of the way.
Your friend in success,
Lusabara Essau
