Rick Cottrell, CEO and owner of BizResults.com, and Charlene Walters, a Charlotte, NC-based business and branding mentor, offer their top business management tips.

Rick Cottrell, left, and Charlene Walters

Join Forces
Rick Cottrell: Everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses. Consider combining your operations with those of another business owner who’s strong in selling but needs some back-end assistance. Elevate yourself with your unique qualities, and your ROI will be 10 times better.

Find a Balance
Charlene Walters: Those who operate their business on their own should ensure they’re top of clients’ minds by being creative with their messaging and focusing on providing enlightening information, while at the same time continuing to network. Also, a work-life balance is key to avoid getting overwhelmed. They can do so by setting proper time boundaries with clients and taking care of their physical and mental health.

Shatter the Ceiling
RC: Most owners don’t know what to do to grow, so they live under an artificial ceiling. Talk to peer advisory boards that aren’t industry-specific. They can help companies solve problems and challenges because they’ve been through them. It helps owners get to the next level and realize it’s not scary when it’s done right.

Take Small Steps
CW: Map out the micro-steps that it would take to scale. In order to achieve the big wins, you need to consistently plug away toward your ideal future state. Analyze what has and hasn’t gone so well, then decide what changes to make as well as what wins can be replicated. Also look at the future of your clients’ industries to uncover opportunities you can take advantage of.

Look to the Future
RC: Long-term planning is critical. Your business and personal visions have to come together. It takes seven to 10 years to lay it all out. You need to consider your future in the long-term plan. Where are you in the equation? Don’t become an entrepreneurial martyr, where you sacrifice your needs for the company and employees, if you have them. Feather your nest for retirement. Start planning early and scale as necessary.