The beginning of each year we look at what we've been doing - what's working and not working and focusing on what we're going to continue doing and what we're going to do differently to make this year better.

Do you only wait for a new year to make things happen? Is now the time to take action?

As an entrepreneur, like many of you, this is not the case for me.  Why?  Because I change things anytime I'm presented with a new opportunity, challenge, setback or idea that I think I can make work.  I don't wait for the new year and I don't wait for things to fall apart completely before I realize I need to make changes - I make changes daily, weekly and monthly to keep my business moving in the right direction.

"Personal action is your pathway to success,
even if it is a little bit at a time!"
Catherine Pulsifer, from Do A Little

RIGHT NOW is the time to create and seize opportunities, try new things, change things up, get out of our comfort zone, and solve problems.  

Here are 3 simple areas to focus on for an entrepreneur to put the right focus on their business and achieve great success:

1.      Surround yourself with positive people.

You attract positive people to you by thinking positively - seeing opportunity in every situation and being happy not only for your own success but the success of those you are around.  You've heard it before I'm sure "Smiles are contagious."  Smiles are a clear pathway for showing people you are approachable.  Think about when you're walking down the street and you smile at somehow, it prompts that person to smile back (generally) and who knows you might have just have had a positive impact on that person.

Speaking positively attracts positive people towards you.  Be a person that has something positive to say even if you're having a tough day - who wants to be around someone that steals our energy away?  This doesn't mean that you can't confide in a special friend when things aren't going right but it does mean that you should focus on not wearing these emotions on your face and spreading negativity through your words.  Stay focused and upbeat!

Some great words to make part of your every day interactions that are powerful ways to show you're a positive person:

I'm sorry • I believe in you • I'm proud of you •  Thank you •  Perhaps

"Use the word PERHAPS to change
your negative beliefs to possibilities that invite ACTION and,
ultimately, to positive beliefs and probabilities."
Anita Foley, from The Power of "PERHAPS"

Ever hear the saying - "Birds of a feather flock together."  This phrase is a reminder to associate with like minded people.  Set boundaries - distance yourself from negative people and end those toxic relationships that can only take away from your success.

2. Seek out mentors.

Most of us have spent over 20 years or more going to school and having mentors (teachers and advisors) to guide us in our school career and path.  Why then do we think we no longer need someone to guide us and keep us on the right path?  My advice: Don't go it alone, find a trusted colleague, someone you admire or seek out assistance from an experienced free mentor through SCORE, an amazing resource for entrepreneurs.

3. Search for niche opportunities.

The key is determining what you know and what you love.  In my example, I provide virtual marketing assistance and sure I could offer a wider variety of services, but for me I decided my niche would be real estate - I know the business and I love it!

Always be thinking about what services and products you offer your clients.  Can you build on them? Customize them?  Research what services your clients are looking for and incorporate them into your business if it makes sense and it's an area that you can share your expertise.

Think about all your interactions here on ActiveRain - with colleagues who are positive, like minded and supportive, teachers/mentors who can share their experiences, challenges and offer you great advice and people you can associate with to build niche opportunties that will benefit you both.

  Make the most of this amazing networking opportunity that you have right in front of you.

What are you thinking?

I want to be smart this year with my time since I not only focus on helping real estate professional grow their business but also need to focus on growing mine at the same time.  I want to provide all of you that enjoy reading my posts with information, advice and encouragement that is helpful to you.  So tell me, what questions do you have? Is there a particular topic you would like to see addressed on my blog?  What do you need to know to succeed in 2009? 

Share a comment, question or email/call me to talk one on one.