Successful small businesses move through four distinct phases of development: from initial idea to actual start-up, from start-up to ultimate maturity. In keeping with the metaphor of our company, Summit Small Business, we identify these phases as living in the village, getting to base camp, climbing the mountain, and reaching the summit.
Read more about these phases here: Four Phases of Small Business Development.
It is The Third Phase, climbing the mountain, that is the most challenging of the four. If you know how to walk, you know how to hike. It might be harder, but the basic activity is the same. Climbing, however, is not hiking. It involves some hiking, but much, much more.
Sustained business growth is the same. It involves some of the things you needed when you started your business, but much, much more. We have discovered from years of working with small business owners that there are six specialized skills essential for getting to the summit.
These six skills are:
- LEADERSHIP: Multiplying yourself in others
- STRATEGY: Doing what matters most
- PEOPLE: Hiring and keeping the best
- MONEY: Becoming financially intelligent
- MARKETING: Connecting with your core customer
- SALES: Executing your process flawlessly
Have you mastered the skills essential for reaching the summit? Take the Small Business Skills Assessment now and see.