I’m going to dedicate this blog to my fellow entrepreneurs, the kind of folks I spent a few days with recently in Franklin, Tennessee at a Mastermind Group hosted by my business mentor, Dan Miller. These are folks who decided they were going to follow their passion and use their strengths to build a business…and they have done it successfully. I noticed there’s one common trait amongst us all – we realize that entrepreneurs must be in a constant state of growth. For those on the outside peering in, let me tell you, there’s a lot going on inside any healthy business to keep it growing that you may not see from the outside.

Here’s what it takes to grow a business:

Tenacity – Most of the time, growth doesn’t just happen. Just because you have a gorgeous website or storefront doesn’t mean the whole world will land on your doorstep the next day, begging to buy what you offer. Growth comes from hard work and persistence. You need tenacity. Yes, you’ll need a lot of that.

Time – It takes about a year of steadily dripping on your audience to begin to see results. You may see my podcast stats and say, “Wow, how did she get to 17,345 plays on iTunes?” And I would answer simply this: “Time”. Week after week, steadily since March of 2012, I have simply posted what I hope to be valuable content for folks. And I am thankful for those who have listened in each week.

Treasures – Yes, you’re going to have to give up some of your treasures to run a successful business. You may have to give up some treasured time you normally spend vegging out in front of the TV. You may have to give up some treasured savings you’ve been putting away for a rainy day, especially when you first start. You may have to pour funds in before the interest starts to pay off. You will want to be prepared for this before you start.

Thought – You will be extremely busy. But you will have to make time regularly to simply THINK. Think about long-range goals. Think about strategies. Think about marketing. Think about better ways to do more. If you don’t make time for thinking and planning, your business could burn out.

Training – This one is a huge factor. Think about it. I, Deb Ingino, a dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker spent a good deal of time and money last week to attend a mastermind in…Tennessee! What would compel me to cross the great divide? One thing: I recognize the importance of being with like-minded individuals and learning better ways to run my business. Now my hope is that I also helped them, which is how a mastermind is supposed to work. In February, I spent a week at the John C. Maxwell training event. I read and research all the time, looking for better ways to do things. As a business owner, you must constantly be learning in order to grow, not only your business, but also yourself. Here’s the thing, if your business grows but you still have the same skills you started with, you’re going to have issues. The thing about business is that it forces you to grow right along with it, and that’s actually a good thing.

So if you find yourself feeling a few growing pains, relax…and welcome to the club. Personally, I love to help businesses grow, whether it was the growth we experienced in my corporate career or helping a startup business take off. A growing business is alive and well. As for the pains…well, they’re just a side effect.

Speaking of growing, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to check out our new, complimentary monthly webinar series called Ignite Your Leadership Strengths. My friend Mike Harbour and I are excited to share our experience with you, beginning March 20. Besides the valuable information you will receive to help you in your business, you will also be able to ask questions and get some help and support through some of those growing pains. Join us – we would love to have you!