When I first started building businesses, I had no guidebook. I had been laid off. I was figuring things out as I went, often learning through trial and error. Frankly, I wished someone would have given me a good overview first, so that I knew what the steps would be in order.
Hard lessons followed and I discovered that success is not just a great idea or working hard. There is more. A plan, steps in the right order, a strategy, clarity, and consistency. Knowing that as the boss you must understand your strengths, align with your purpose, and build something that your clients want or need.
In my work I see this a lot of time. Many people stay stuck because they’re caught in what I call the “infinity loop.” They’re busy, but without a strategy and no real connection to their clients and subsequently they’re not making progress. They’re putting in the effort, but they’re not seeing results.
Today I share my essential 10 tips to help you build a business with intention, focus, and heart. Let’s lay a solid foundation for growth while staying true to who you are.
1. Identify the Problem You Solve
Every business exists to solve a problem. Your success depends on understanding what that problem is and how you can uniquely solve it. I call this creating an Airtight Avatar—a crystal-clear profile of your ideal client. Crawl into their minds, understand their challenges, and offer a solution they can’t resist. Remember, it’s not about you; it’s about them. They must either need or want that.
2. Validate Your Idea
Not every idea is a great business. I’ve learned this the hard way. Once, I created an e-book business for coffee table books—only to realize people don’t grab other peoples iPads to browse coffee table books. Before diving in headfirst, test your idea with a real audience. Platforms like AppSumo are great for seeing if your minimum viable offer resonates with the market. Don’t invest or build out something you haven’t tested.
3. Build a Clear Business Model
This one is huge. Without a business model, you’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. Your model could be product-based, service-driven, or knowledge-focused—but whatever it is, define it. Don’t let shiny tools and expensive subscriptions to funnels, CRM’s, building online courses, or speaking from stage dictate how you build your business. Build your business model first intentionally, not based on what a random software can do or works for an internet marketer.
4. Develop a Strong Offer
Your offer is the bridge between your business and your customer’s problem. The clearer your offer, the more compelling it will be. Talk to your clients, listen to their challenges, and create something that directly solves their problems. Have multiple levels of an offer. It’s that simple.
5. Establish Systems and Processes
If you want to grow, you need systems. But let me make something clear: build your systems based on your business model and your overall strategy, not on a software’s capabilities. Too often, people let tools like Hubspot, Thinkific or Kajabi dictate their business structure. Instead, define what you want to do first and then find tools that support your goals.
6. Master Your Mindset
Your mindset is your superpower. I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs sabotage themselves because their inner dialogue doesn’t match their goals. Focus on thoughts that genuinely feel good to you. For inspiration, check out Abraham Hicks’ teachings on abundance or my podcast episodes with Franco Lo Franco and David Neagle. Staying in a high-energy vibration is critical to your success.
7. Map the Client Transformation Journey
Your business doesn’t just solve one problem; it guides your clients through a transformation. Decide where on their journey you’ll meet them and where they’ll be when they’re done working with you. I’ll call this the bookends of the transformation journey. This clarity helps you design offers and create a structure that serves your clients at every step.
8. Define What You Want
This is a big one. Ask yourself: What do you want? Why are you doing this? Are you building a business for freedom, financial security, or something else? Your priorities will shift over time—mine certainly have. At 60, I’m a grandmother, and I value freedom and family more than ever. My legacy and making my materials available to the next cadre of consultants and coaches is on my mind now. Be clear about what you want, and make sure your business aligns with your life.
9. Don’t Do It Alone
There’s no glory in doing everything yourself. Success is collaboration and finding support. That’s why I created the Growth Architect tribe and Forum, our accountability groups—because having people to share your challenges with makes all the difference. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s a strength that allows others to support and uplift you.
10. Attract, Don’t Persuade
Gone are the days of loud, aggressive marketing. Yes, internet marketing has seen its day. Today, people crave authenticity and connection. Be real about who you are and what you stand for. When you’re aligned with your purpose, the right people will naturally be drawn to you. Focus on passion and service first—the money will follow.
Final Thoughts
Building a business can be about just making money or hitting milestones—but this is not who we work with. Our clients create something that reflects who they are and the impact they want to make. You chose.
This journey challenges you to grow and often pushes you out of your comfort zone. That’s how you find rewards in ways you never imagined. But let’s be real: it’s not always easy. There will be days when you doubt yourself, when things don’t go as planned, and when the challenges feel insurmountable. That’s why I invite you to join Forum.
That is the importance of community. Don’t try to do this alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, who challenge you to grow, and who are willing to share their experiences and insights. Whether it’s through a formal accountability group or a trusted circle of friends and mentors, having support can make all the difference. Very rarely I do advise asking family members. You want an outside perspective.
And finally, give yourself grace. Success is not a straight line. It’s a winding path filled with highs and lows, lessons learned, and unexpected breakthroughs. Celebrate the small wins, learn from the setbacks, and keep your eyes on the bigger picture. You’re not just building a business—you’re creating a life that aligns with your values and aspirations. And that is how you make an impact.
Let’s grow!
Beate
