“Going the extra mile” is a phrase I hear all the time in business. “Do the work,” “work the hustle,” the list goes on and on – there are a ton of business ‘buzz phrases’ designed to motivate and inspire, and of course, designed to become fodder for a thousand memes and pic-quotes. But one thing I rarely see is information on HOW one goes the extra mile. HOW exactly do we “work the hustle?” What exactly does it look like when someone is willing to do today what others won’t so they can live tomorrow like others can’t?
The truth is, there are lots of different ways to “work the hustle,” but I decided it might be helpful to have some practical steps that you can take to really and truly go the extra mile – so, today’s focus is exactly that. Sometimes “going the extra mile” is easier said than done, especially if you have no idea what it looks like to go the extra mile.
Let’s talk about three practical ways you can go the extra mile, and while we’re at it – let’s get the creative juices flowing and come up with a whole list of ways! If you have ideas on what it really means to go the extra mile, please comment. We want to know – Share your wisdom!
PS – I should reiterate that Step Two should NOT take the place of your other important studies (for example, your Bible study or your academic studies).
Customers like businesses that are there to help them. When, where and how consumers spend their money matters. They won’t spend their money on a product that doesn’t matter. If a company is only in the business of making profits, consumers are much more likely to turn to an alternate company with a purpose-driven attitude that is reflected in its products.
Purpose-driven entrepreneurs are more determined to keep going. Admittedly, money is a decent motivator for most people, but it lacks the essential driving force behind a purpose. Money can only buy so much, whereas purpose-filled entrepreneurs find fulfillment and joy in tending to and growing their businesses. The profits are nice, of course, but the real meaning is in the work and the products. Sagging profit margins and a rough and tumble economy are not enough to bring these types of business owners to their knees.
Entrepreneurship is not a ticket to overnight success. Instead, it is a journey of hard work and passion to see a dream eventually come to life. For those brave enough to keep going, take heart–your moment could be just around the corner.
Now, imagine what would happen to those profit margins if a percentage of monthly profits was immediately reinvested back into the business. Product development, employee benefits, marketing and customer satisfaction can all see improvement from something as simple as taking 20 percent of your profit and putting it to work in your company.
Videos do not have to be long, fancy or in-depth, but they should still be informative and on point. Address your readers directly before launching in to your review and make sure you also close out the video with a farewell. Helpful tip: don’t be shy about making eye contact with the camera!
To-do lists get a bad rap from TV shows and movies where they are often seen in the context of an overbearing spouse, boss or friend. But, do you remember when you forgot to take your grocery list to the store with you the other week and then had to go back twice for things that you forgot? Not only was it a waste of your time, but it was also a waste of gas and, subsequently, money. The same concept applies to business. Your time is money, so make sure it gets directed in the right places. Start the day off by making a to-do list of the most important objectives for the day.
A lot of people seem to find taking breaks counterintuitive to being productive. Instead, people like to charge straight through task after task on productive campaigns until their to-do list is entirely completed, but this type of behavior can only hold up for so long. Eventually, exhaustion (either physical or mental) will set in and those same forward-charging people will be back at square one. Productivity is not about racing through one item after another but is instead more of a focus on pacing. Plan and allot time for the items that need doing, but remember that you are a human being and schedule in those breaks for yourself.
Considering that reading and replying to emails tends to be the one of the most-hated tasks of the day, don’t make it the first task of the day. Beginning the day with a more pleasant or well-liked activity is an easy way to get yourself pumped and going for the day. Of course, if you like email, then by all means hunker down with it first thing, but if not, pick another task on your list to be the first of the day. Maintaining steam and focus can be difficult even for those who have been in the game for years. Creating daily lists, taking a few minutes a day for yourself and knocking the easy tasks out first are just a few simple ways to get yourself right back on track.
Even the biggest and most successful companies utilize credit as a strategy for continuing to build and grow business. With a favorable business credit rating, a world of opportunity with products and vendors can open up, making your business a thriving entity.