8 Tips to Have a Business That Will Be for Keeps

I have to fully admit that I didn't know what I was doing when I started my first business as a Health Coach. It was clearly a hobby on the side that drew in a few clients and then took on a life of it's own. But I quickly learned that a sign that I was truly meant to be a business owner was that I was 100% obsessed with my "hobby".

I threw myself into learning everything I could about running an online business-after all, as a working mom with a full time job how could I network and build a business like everyone else?

As I began having success with clients and learning how to run my business my fun little hobby turned into a business I couldn't wait to expand.

I could have kept on playing it safe. I could have just left it as a fun hobby that I enjoyed and that helped people but every night as I went to bed I kept thinking, I want more. I want to be a success.

As my business grew it took on wings. People started to notice my little business and I was drawing attention. Little by little I learned what I needed to do to gain clients, make money and become a successful business owner and in only a few short years of doing it part time around my insanely business life I've learned that when you start to discover what you're meant to do you'll figure out how to make it work. Some people recognize it easily others need to overcome their doubts and fears before they do.

If you're looking to create a successful business you'll need to create one that allows you to play for keeps and not give up when the going gets tough.

Here are 8 ways to play for keeps:

1. Work at it and stay committed to your goals

2. Learn all you need to in the areas you're not proficient

3. Envision your success

4. Read every business and marketing book you can get your hands on

5. Master social media, it's not going away.

6. Become a master networker.

7. Learn how to speak and present yourself

8. Develop a success mindset

It's easy to dabble and not commit to being fully invested in your own success but if you're anything like me you'll not be satisfied for long with only mediocre results. If you want to have a hobby for a business or one that stays on the "side" and you don't ever leave your job for then that's okay but if you do then you need to first and foremost work on your mindset. Do you have the mindset that will allow you to handle the ups and downs and highs and lows of business building? If you don't but you think you want a business then now is the time to start working on it.

How do you see yourself and your business? Are you happy with it as a "hobby" or do you see yourself as a leader in your industry? If so, what have you done to change your mindset?