Blessed are the Flexible for they Shall See Money: 5 Tips on Remaining Flexible in Business

by Tiffany Fulcher | Featured Contributor

When you build a business there are visions of euphoria that dance in your head! I know because I too had those dreams!  You know the ones that your friends talk about; owning your schedule, having long lunches, and waking up when you choose.  Those of us who are  entrepreneurs know that it rarely works out this way. We work tirelessly day and night, there are days without lunch, my clients own my schedule, and I get up earlier and go to bed later than most people. I however, wouldn’t trade it for the world, but when asked what is the one thing needed to make it as an entrepreneur my reply is always the same flexibility, flexibility, and flexibility.

If you want to be a company who gets in the game and remains, you have to be flexible enough to work with the needs of your clients. Here are few things I have learned along they way about being flexible in business.

1. The F word is not bad– Many times when people think about flexibility they assume they are going to be made to do things they don’t like or don’t choose. There may be times when this is the case, but always remain true to your purpose and your company’s foundation.  Instead of saying no to a client, find ways to say yes instead. Be flexible, bend, and stretch your creativity you never know where you might open up another stream of income.  Many companies have gone out of business simply because they weren’t willing to transition or shift their perspective.
2. Give your clients what they need–   When you’re building a business there is a slight emotional attachment that can begin to infiltrate your emotions. You can find yourself becoming dependent on your own ideas only, or even become offended at the suggestions of clients for more, less, or differences in services. This happens when we become more consumed with our need to give what we think others should have instead of what they really need.  Remove your ego, get your emotions out of the way, and simply ask the question, how can I help you? You will be amazed at the outcome and investment people will make in getting the right kind of help. Tailor your company to the needs of your clients. Remember the user experience is the only experience.
3.  Flexibility is your business plan– Long-standing companies understand flexibility. As a matter of fact, while in the store just the other day, I counted 21 different types of Orville Redenbacher’s microwaveable popcorn. I bet that wasn’t in the cards when they wrote their first business plan. The fact of the matter is you will have to change the way you do things over time. Companies who miss out on change are companies who miss out on money it’s that simple. Your business plan is a guide not the master of how you operate. Focus on supply/demand. You are the supply for a need that is not being met.
4. Be flexible and strategic– Don’t you just hate it when you go to use a service and they have changed everything seemingly overnight! This can be a big turn off to customers so be sure to shift things around over time. Take time and give your customers a prompt but friendly reminder that changes are coming.  Make the transition about them by announcing that you have heard their concerns and as a result decided create a more efficient product. Flexibility requires sensibility, and strategy.
5. Flexibility is a heart matter–  Being flexible in business is the same as being compromising in marriage. It’s your way of saying that there is another objective view that may need to be considered. That can be a difficult pill to swallow when you are nurturing or building something all your own. Much like any partnership having multiple perspectives is very necessary. Check your heart for true motives in your business. Many of entrepreneurs us start businesses because they want to serve others. At the moment that is no longer a viable option for you, you may want to reconsider going forward.  There is very little room for ego, pride, or negativity when serving. This doesn’t mean you don’t have high standards, it simply means you understand that your overall goal is a much bigger than being right and you are flexible enough to make changes for the big win.

Those are just a few tips on how to remain flexible in business. Whatever your services have to offer they must be flexible enough to withstand the test of time. Don’t get stuck on what you want to give, keep giving your clients what they need until you become an unstoppable force in the marketplace.

Blessings and nothing less,

Tiffany

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Tiffany Fulcher – Life Purpose Architect

Tiffany Fulcher is an entrepreneur, speaker, and life purpose architect tm boldly encouraging women to live their lives by God’s design. She provides inspiration and motivation through Tiffany Fulcher llc a personal and professional development company. Her practical yet strategic approach helps women to overcome obstacles and pursue limitless possibilities.

She compels others to walk in their authority, embrace their extraordinary, and to own their influence. Through her development and leadership training Tiffany equips her clients with the tools to help them define their purpose, set goals, and confront challenges that keep them from pursuing the enriching life God has planned for them.

Tiffany also owns Education Outsource, which serves to teach and train educators, schools, and organizations on the rising trends in education technology and how to implement these trends in effectively in the school and organizational environment.

Always considering matters of the heart, Education Outsource also provides teachers and administrators with leadership and personal development training encompassed around the educator influence.

As a writer and media personality Tiffany has been featured on ABC’s affiliate Good Morning Texas as an expert and blogger, Essence Magazine online, The Fort Worth Star Telegram and countless other news and media outlets.

Tiffany’s heartbeat and passion is her family. She simply adores her husband of 11 years, Fred and 3 kiddos, Symone 3, Trey 6, and Sydnei 9.

www.tiffanyfulcher.co

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www.educationoutsource.com

Tiffany Fulcher