Building a business is a difficult task

Building a business is a difficult task. The ups and downs are inevitable, as they are influenced by the economy, clients, and the decisions we make along the way. We cannot control the economy, and although it can be influenced, this is not always possible. What is within your power of control are your own decisions. Decisions like:

1. Accepting imperfect opportunities.

2. Keep learning and developing skills.

3. Creating your personal brand - identity.

4. Creating a network of people. (For the money has always been with the people, it's a game of numbers)

5. Being realistic, patient, and persistent.

Through deliberate and thoughtful choices, you can (and should) take charge of your business in the most meaningful and impactful ways. When you do, you are more likely to be in control of your future. For that, you must focus on these five main aspects:

Developing your knowledge is one of the biggest keys to success. It is not only smart but also necessary. For better or for worse, the skills we learn in school or early in our careers often lose their importance within a few years. The good news is, that it's easier than ever to keep up with the skills you need to succeed, no matter your career goals. More and more employers are offering employees online learning opportunities. Outside of work, the same types of learning content abound on the internet, and many are free. Identify the skills you have and the ones you need and then dive into them!

Remember, it's one thing to explore new skills, but it's another to learn them, and incorporate them into your everyday activities. To become truly competent, you must apply new skills in the real world. You can do this by taking on new projects, participating as a volunteer in your community and advising or teaching other people interested in obtaining the same skills. And if your employer offers you these or other development opportunities, don't hesitate to come forward and take advantage of them.

Every step you take to learn and develop prepares you for your next big career move. Always keep an open mind and be willing to take risks.

The way you choose to show yourself professionally is very personal. It can also depend heavily on your line of work. Regardless of the image you present, realize that you are creating a personal brand that indicates your value to potential employers. I think it's always best to keep control of your image, and you can do it in two key ways.

First, refine your presence on social media. It can be tempting to think of certain types of social media, like Facebook, as a place to hang out with your friends and family. So is thinking that no one will ever realize that, on Twitter, that secret, random name is your username.

You are what you project on social networks. The reality is this: chances are a potential employer will try to see what you posted. Choose images and words that are consistent with your professional goals. And if you insist on publishing content that could be harmful, verify that your settings are secure and that your accounts have the maximum possible privacy. Remember that there is no guarantee that this will save you.

LinkedIn is another story. Its main purpose is to act as a professional network, so there is no excuse to go the extra mile and post content outside of what is acceptable within your chosen industry. LinkedIn is also possibly the best place to establish your professional brand online and you can do it in several ways. To get started, post a profile picture and keep your profile updated. Users who have a profile photo on LinkedIn can get up to 21 times more views than those who don't. And profile pages with a compelling title and summary can boost your brand and help you make a great first impression. Your brand identity also exists offline in the way you conduct yourself with your peers and leaders. Stand out for being reliable, friendly, and with a good attitude to work. Deliver what you promise. Go ahead and make key plays.

The word "networking" can have a negative connotation if it conjures up images of sycophantic opportunists lurking at professional events, trying to get in touch with all the "right" people. Of course, it is important to meet people who can help you get ahead. But networking involves much more than greeting half the world at social events.

It's important to remember that networking is not just about helping yourself but also about helping others. With more than 700 million members from around the world in almost every industry, LinkedIn is a great place to start connecting with others. Join groups on topics of interest, find tutors, ask experts questions, and offer help to others.

Networking in your current workplace can also be beneficial. By doing so, you can establish key contacts that can help you take the next steps in your career.

It's crucial not to underestimate yourself, as you won't know what's possible until you try. If you fail, don't feel like it will always be this way in the future. Stay positive, keep learning, and never give up.