Work/Life Balance. What is it? How do we attain it? What gets in the way of achieving it? Why does it seem to elude the smartest of entrepreneurs? And, is it work/life balance we’re after or the outcome of what we assume balance will provide that we desire?

Traditionally, entrepreneurs have attempted to accelerate their business growth through time-honored methods like marketing, planning, strategizing, budgeting, etc. While these external means are integral to the success of your business, they don’t ensure its growth or sustainability.

Studies show that 50% of all small businesses fail in the first year with 75% failing within their first five years. Those are staggering statistics for even the most optimistic entrepreneur.

There’s an “invisible gorilla” in your business. Yes, you read that right: You have an “invisible gorilla” in the midst of your business. Unless you’re at the zoo, this may be a confusing statement. Do we have your attention?

There’s a cost each entrepreneur pays for doing business in today's marketplace. There is an emotional, physical, financial, and spiritually price paid for the success you achieve. To maximize the return on your valuable resource investment of time, money, and energy, shift from building to growing your business with these ten strategies.

Business growth is not an option—it’s a necessity. To grow your business in any economy requires the right strategy in the right market at the right time. When a “match” is accomplished, high growth happens.

Operational system development is vital for the small business entrepreneur yet it seemsto be the least discussed aspect of a successful enterprise. With limited resources, suchas time, money, and staff, to assist with day-to-day operations, running your businessas efficiently and effectively as possible is important.

What goes down must come up. Do you remember that familiar saying? Even thoughthe economy had a meltdown, it’s certain to be followed by an upswing. Periods ofgrowth always follow recessions. That’s good news for solopreneurs.

Then how much time do you have to do things over?

It was the fall of 1995. A United States aircraft carrier was cruising off the coast of Newfoundland when the radio operator notified the bridge of a rapidly approaching vessel.

We’ve embarked upon an age of increasing depersonalization. In a rush to succeed in this spirited marketplace, it appears that consumers, vendors, employees, business colleagues, etc. have been reduced to mere account numbers, projects to be completed, and/or email addresses.

If the thought of “selling” produces instant nausea, it can only mean one thing: loud, fast- talking sales people clad in plaid slacks, striped shirts, and wide ties sporting a food stain was likely your sales experience.

Are you satisfied with the number of clients you have? How often do they return for repeat business? Do you make it easy and enjoyable for them to do business wt h you?

Like peanut butter and jelly, the future success of a small business lies in developingmeaningful partnerships. And, with the right type of planning, “teaming up” canprove to be a match made in heaven.

Growing your business in any economy has its challenges but during times ofeconomic uncertainty, it requires the best from everyone on the team.

If the recent volatility in the economy has taught us anything, it’s the need to buildfinancial reserves…as if I didn’t need to remind you.

Only 8 percent of people trust what companies say about themselves. That’s right. You readit correctly. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, when companies talk aboutthemselves, they are believed by only 8 percent of those listening. That means 92 percent of those listening to you, don’t believe a word you say!

Despite the enormous devastation occurring in New Zealand and Japan, the NationalResearch Council released a new report this morning stating that Americans are notready.