Do you spend every waking minute in your business? Do you find it difficult to take time out for you? Are you constantly working in a mess?

Unfortunately there are far too many business owners working too long and too hard. They tend to be involved in every aspect of their business from being the bookkeeper, marketer, human resources manager, mediator, customer liaison officer and cleaner.

The smaller the business the harder it is for the owner to delegate these functions because they dislike spending any money. They fail to realize that if they invest their dollars wisely in accessing the right type of goods and services to grow their business and be more effective, they will see positive changes occur over time. It takes time to build a good "business mindset".

I've noticed that those people who grow their businesses successfully do the following:

1. Highly successful small business owners are great role models

They practice what they preach. They lead from the front.

2. Highly successful small business owners invest time and money in their team and themselves

They develop their people and themselves through personal and professional development. They utilise outside expertise , as the successful small business owner recognises they do not have all the answers.

3. Highly successful small business owners are organised

They know how to manage their time and have systems in place which enables them and their team to work effectively.

4. Highly successful small business owners are fit and healthy

They understand that a healthy mind and body improves their productivity and general well-being. They realise that by keeping themselves fit and healthy it enables them to cope with the pressures of running a business.

5. Highly successful small business owners have a life

They make time for their personal life a priority because they know it makes them a happier and more successful

6. Highly successful small business owners look after their clients

They know that clients are the life-blood of their business. Without clients there would be no business. They ensure they continually look after them.

7. Highly successful small business owners are decisive

They are not afraid to make decisions and take action. They have to if they want to their business to thrive.

The Final Word

Highly successful small business owners get their priorities about people, work and home right! They live longer and enjoy life more. They enjoy the challenge of being an entrepreneur. They go home at the end of each day knowing that they have achieved. They are fulfilled and realise that the success of their business is a direct reflection on themselves.

So what are you waiting for? If you're dissatisfied with where you are now, then what are you going to do differently? It's June already. Take stock of where you're at. Do you need to make changes to improve your business so that you are able to enjoy the benefits of being the master of your own destiny? Or are you happy with the way you are currently travelling?

Only six more months to Christmas. Will you be sitting on the beach in January satisfied with your efforts or will you be making the same new year's resolutions you made at the beginning of t his year? Remember, nothing changes if nothing changes.

Implement the 7 Habits of Highly Successful Business Owners on an on-going basis and you too will have a highly successful business.

Lorraine Pirihi is Australia's Personal Productivity Specialist, Leading Life Coach and a dynamic presenter. She runs her own business The Office Organiser specialising in working with Small Business Owners and Managers helping them to dramatically improve their productivity, reduce the stress and the mess and have more time for living life!

lorraine@asecretary.com.au