Every small business owner will tell you that managing to get the business off the ground was no easy feat, and many struggle to even move past this stage. Hustling to take your business to the next level is a skill in itself that needs to be learned over time, because sometimes throwing in the towel and giving up can look appealing when you’re not sure where to start, writes Jono Castano, founder of ACERO and H&R Block Small Business Ambassador.

A celebrity personal trainer who counts the likes of Richard Branson, Rita Ora and Rebel Wilson amongst his clients,  Jono Castano first took up personal training when he moved to Sydney. Now years later, his business, ACERO, is one of Sydney’s most cult-loved gyms, with its own apparel line and expansion to the US on the horizon.

Jono shares his top five tips for business owners on how to hustle, and what worked for him when taking ACERO to an international audience.

1. Set clear goals

The first and most important tip for any business is to map out clear goals for where you want to see it going and try to move towards it. It might sound straightforward, but knowing where you want to be is a crucial step in getting there.

Define your business objectives and create SMART goals – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. This will give you a clear direction and help you stay focused.

Then act on your goals; don’t just wait for things to happen. Actively seek opportunities, make decisions and take calculated risks. Hustlers are proactive and always on the lookout for ways to move forward.

If I had spare time, I’d be reaching out to influencers/celebrities to get them in for a session, rather than sitting around with free time. 

2. Surround yourself with passionate people

One of the best things you can do for yourself as a business owner is build a strong team. You may initially want to handle many aspects of your business solo. However, as your business grows, assembling a passionate team is crucial. Surround yourself with talented individuals who share your vision and watch as your business grows.

Having the right support network, specifically for your finances, is key. This can be the last thing you want to think about when starting a business. That’s where working with a tax expert comes in – they essentially act as an extension of your business. With their guidance, you can rest easy knowing that your finances are being managed correctly – leaving you with the headspace to manage the multiple other elements of the business.

Remember always to continue to network outside of your business! Building strong contacts who can support and collaborate with you will take your business further and wider than you could imagine. Start by attending industry events or joining professional organisations to meet new people.

3. Adaptability is key

Building a business requires constant flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. It will test your resilience like never before, with unexpected challenges, market shifts or technological advancements that will require you to adjust. Being open to change is crucial to ensure you’re never left behind.

Make sure to learn continuously and stay up-to-date with your industry’s latest trends, technologies and best practices. Invest in your personal and professional development through courses, workshops, books, podcasts, and even learning from others in your industry. The more knowledge and skills you acquire, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle challenges.

Adaptability ultimately enables you to stay relevant and seize emerging opportunities. During COVID with the lockdowns, we pivoted our business to virtual personal training, which reached a further reach than just Sydney. To this day, virtual training is a huge part of our business; we even have international clients.

4. Prioritise time management

Time is a valuable resource, so be sure to manage it effectively. Identify your most important tasks and focus on them first. Eliminate distractions, delegate when possible, and create a schedule that allows you to maximise productivity.

Personally, I realised early on that as a trainer, I have a specific training style, so I reached out to others with different training styles to be able to give my clients the best, not only through myself, but also through my staff. This way not only am I saving time, I’m creating the ultimate experience for clients; it’s just about thinking from this perspective.

5. Maintain a strong work ethic

Hustling requires hard work, dedication and discipline. Be willing to put in the effort, go the extra mile, and consistently deliver quality results. A strong work ethic demonstrates your commitment to success. Even though you might be convinced you want to give up some days, continue showing up for yourself and your team, and the business will reward you.

Focus on delivering exceptional value to your clients. Understand their needs, solve their problems and exceed their expectations. You’ll build a loyal customer base and gain a competitive edge by providing outstanding products or services.

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