Take a moment to reflect on thecurrent reality of your business.Is it everything you dreamed it would beor is it more like a nightmare?

Regardless of the current reality,your business can always improve.But how do you grow your business fromits current reality to the business of your dreams?

In order to take your business to new heights,you can't just take steps towards improvement... You have to take a leap!

Here are some tips to help you createthe business of your dreams:

1. Increase Your (Ideal) Client Base:

Take some time to create yourideal client profile.Yes, your profile will includesuch attributes as:pays on time and easy to work with.But dig much deeper than that.Do you want a client who isrespectful of your time?

What about a client who valuesyour services and what you have tooffer -- and is willing to pay for that value? And speaking of value, don't limit yourideal client attributes to someone whocan afford to pay for your services. Include such qualities as:passionate about their business,has integrity, and believes intreating people with respect.

Once you have created your ideal client profile,seek out prospects that fit that profile. Increase your ideal client base by giving theseprospects a special introductory offer.

If you already have some clientsthat fit your ideal client profile,send them a thank you gift.Letting your ideal prospectsand clients know that you appreciatethem will not only create goodwill,it will also create new referrals for you.Referrals that consist of your future ideal clients.

2. Increase Your Business Presence:

Now this may really involve taking a leapif the only marketing you are currently doing isplacing an ad in the local paper andwaiting patiently for a call from that ad.

The first step to increasing yourbusiness presence is to create awareness.Once this is done it is important tokeep your prospects' attention andeventually gain their trust.This means that instead of placing an adand simply sitting back and hoping for a call,you create an ad that offers aninformational pamphlet in the headline.

If the headline speaks directly to yourtarget audience, they WILL call.

Once you receive the call, you need toput the prospect into your database andconsistently follow up with them.Call or send a follow up letter a week laterto see if they have any questions about thepamphlet they received, and send a postcardto them at regular intervals featuring yournewest special offer.

Offer something of value instead of a sales pitch,and you will steadily increase your business presence.

3. Increase Your Revenue:

Do you think it is impossible to achieve yourdream of increasing your revenue by 25%or even 10% this year?

Think again.And now think about how youare currently selling your services.

Are you relying on networking and hoping thateventually someone will remember you from abusiness event and give you a call -- and a sale?Take a leap and become a guest speaker at thenetworking events you usually attend.Don't stop there...

Send a proposal to speak at othernetworking events and business associations.

Create your own seminar or workshop and promote it.Whenever you are a guest speaker,always distribute handouts to go with your presentation.Include a coupon with a limited time special offerin your handout for the attendees.

Being a guest speaker demonstratesyour expertise and thus establishes yourcredibility with your prospects. A good presentation that includes agreat special offer tailored specificallyfor the attendees will result in prospectscalling you wanting to do business with you.

4. Work Backwards:

No, this doesn't mean work carelessly.It actually means quite the opposite.

Begin with the end in mind.

Think about where you want your businessto be 3, 5, or even 10 years from now.What will it take to build thebusiness of your dreams?

Write down this vision and create goalsbased on what it will take to make yourdream a reality.

Does your vision include a business that willallow you to take more time to pursue yourpersonal passions while your businesscontinues to grow despite your absence? Then start laying the foundationfor that dream now.

Start working on your business insteadof in your business. Utilize technology that willstreamline your processes.Market more effectively so that you no longerhave to struggle to get new clients.

5. Change Your mind...Change Your reality:

The key to creating the business ofyour dreams is within you.

Once you start believing that it is possible,you will unlock doors that you never knew existed.

You took a risk when you started your business.

Now it is time to take a leap towardscreating the business of your dreams.

Copyright 2004 Black Unicorn Communications, Inc.
All Rights Reserved

Tresaca Hamilton is the CEO of Black Unicorn Communications. Black Unicorn Communications helps Service Businesses attract more clients in less time. Visit http://www.blackunicorninc.com for a FREE Business Success Toolkit, including the7 day e-course: 7 Steps To More Clients