We’ve all heard the startling statistics on how many new businesses fail. So as a business owner once you’ve made it through the first year or two, and you’re actually making a profit, you may want to just let out a huge sigh of relief. However, what’s even more interesting to me are the following statistics…

According to the Kauffman Foundation, only 6% of all entrepreneurs achieve 6 figures, only 2% get to 7-figures and the sad truth is that more than 50% of all business owners never exceed $25,000 a year. So there’s a big difference between the businesses that simply survive and the businesses that thrive. Should you try to get extraordinary results? Is it worth it to you to achieve the financial freedom and independence of a 6-figure income?

I can’t answer those questions for you but what I do know is this…  Oftentimes the people getting the status quo, lack-luster results are working just as hard as the ones with extraordinary results. What’s the difference?

They’re making ordinary mistakes that are holding them back! Usually these mistakes have to do with your mindset, your market or your message. Take a look at a few examples I see business owners making all the time that really get in the way of their growth:

1). Mindset Mistake – “They don’t think they can afford to grow.”

In order to grow it usually requires some kind of investment on our part. Whether it’s hiring a high-end coach that will help you up your game, redesigning your website to appeal to more clients, hiring a new assistant so you can do more networking – there’s usually some expense involved in growing your business.  The ordinary mistake many business owners make is saying they can’t afford it.

But isn’t it true that this is really an excuse for not taking action? No one has a bunch of extra money laying around – right? However, you can begin to manifest money in your business so you can afford what you need in order to build your entrepreneur empire. So think carefully about what kind of investment you need to make and then brainstorm ways to find the money you need to make it happen. Many times opportunities are right in front of you but you haven’t seen them because you’re too caught up in a negative mindset of what you can’t afford.

2). Market Mistake: “They only think they know their ideal client.”

Many small business owners make the common mistake of thinking they already know everything there is to know about their target market. Great, but here’s my question to you. Do you know your ideal client as well as you know your best friend or sibling? Too many entrepreneurs believe they totally understand their target demographic while they actually only have a generalized idea or intuitive hunch.

This misleading concept presents a false (and costly) interpretation of what they ideal market really is. Even the most successful companies must continually update their client profiles because as your business evolves and the world around us changes, so do the characteristics and behavior of your ideal clients. It’s essential that you are clear on who your ideal client is –especially regarding their challenges and aspirations in life. It is only when you really know who they are that you can customize your marketing and get extraordinary results.

3). Message Mistake: “They don’t stand out as different.”

Is your marketing bland? This is another ordinary mistake many entrepreneurs make. They go with a vanilla approach to marketing themselves and their company, maybe because they don’t want to scare clients away by rocking the boat. But this blasé approach doesn’t make for a memorable connection with your target market.

If you want to stand out from your competitors you need to ensure that every single one of your products and/or programs has your own unique personality woven throughout it. You see how Apple has created a consistent corporate personality – some people don’t like it but their ideal clients love it and can’t get enough of it! So take time to think about ways to relate your personality to what your prospects needs. This has the power to unlock the emotional triggers within them so they will opt-in to work with you.

Are you ready to step up your game and do what it takes to get extraordinary results? I know these are common mistakes we’ve all struggled with but I’m really curious to know which of the three mistakes resonated the most with you? Do you need to work on your mindset, market or message? Share your thoughts with me on Facebook (visit my page or you can simply use the form below!)

Predictable Results™ Assignment

Which of these three mistakes is getting in the way of your growth and success? It might be all three but I encourage you to choose one and then identify 2-3 things you can do to stop making the same mistake. Need help? Call 1-800-267-3245 for a free 30-minute consultation to see how we can help you!

As a pioneering and visionary innovator, Sarah is a certified professional image consultant and brand strategist, speaker, trainer and author. Her company, Illustra Business Coaching, provides leading-edge business building strategies for small business owners & entrepreneurs who wish to take their company to the next level.

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Copyright © 2014, Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS
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