Every entrepreneur will tell you that growing a successful business takes hard work and determination. But it’s so much more than that! While there’s no exact science to guaranteeing a lucrative business venture, there are a few things that can make all the difference. Here are a few tips I have for anyone looking for success in their passion-based business:
 

1. Look to solve a problem you have.

 
Not only are you more likely to come up with an original idea, you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Addressing an issue that will directly impact your life will make you that much more passionate about finding a solution. Plus, you’ll be able to identify with your customers more directly if you can truly relate to the problem they’re having. Being able to speak not only to the problem but also to why your business is the best solution can be extremely effective marketing.
 

5 Tips for Growing a Successful Passion-Based Business

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2. Don’t just be the owner; be an employee.

 
There can be a lot of missed opportunity for strategizing when you’re caught up running day-to-day operations. Directly working with customers and employees gives a much clearer look at what’s working and what’s not, plus you’ll have more face time with your workers to hear their ideas. Letting others take some of the operational reins also means you don’t have to worry things will come to a screeching halt in your absence — if a personal emergency arises and you have to step away, the last thing you want to worry about is business.
 

3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

 
Treat everyone you meet as someone you can learn from; whether they’re in your field or not, they’ll likely have invaluable insight. And if you run into trouble, accept help as you need it.
 
[bctt tweet=”Learning from others’ mistakes is a gift and an advantage, so don’t turn down the opportunity because of pride.” via=”no”]
 

4. Surround yourself with the right staff.

 
Your employees should be just as passionate about the business as you are. If they believe in what they’re selling and would buy the product themselves, they’ll be infinitely more successful. Customers aren’t stupid — they know if someone is simply reading them a sales pitch out of necessity. Your workers should be able to hold a real conversation about the business and their excitement should be both visible and infectious.
 

5. Welcome and accept criticism.

 
Get as much feedback as you can about all of your big ideas. Actively seek criticism — ask people what they don’t like, what’s wrong, and what they’d do differently. You don’t have to agree or change your entire business plan, but the more feedback you get, the more information you’ll have to grow and adapt your business. You might even get an idea for an additional feature, product, or service based on what you hear.
 
All of these ideas lead to one bigger thought: create the business you want to work for. As a leader, you should keep the lines of communication open, understand the business from the ground up, and demonstrate to your employees that they don’t just work for you, but with you. With enough hard work and enthusiasm, yours can be the next big success story.