When I first entered into the world of business ownership, I still held onto my “full time job” as the Director of a Social Service Agency. As a result of wearing numerous hats in the same day, I had the tendency to bring my “non-profit” mindset into running my own business, and vice versa.

What I learned from the “for-profit” world, was critical to my success for large non-profit organizations and working with the government. The results in my career were transformational, helping me to climb “the corporate ladder” very quickly. The results in my own business revolutionized what was a “traditional” business mindset.

Often, when I’m coaching business owners, they are looking for “real-world” tools that will generate measurable results for their business. The following are three powerful tools that have proven themselves to be crucial in accelerating growth, often by nine-to-twelve months. I have shared these with clients in a variety of different businesses who will tell you how they have increased their profits as a result of thinking innovatively.

Now you can benefit from the same innovative ideas used by small businesses and Fortune 500 Companies alike. Whether you are a business owner, manager, sales professional or team-player you will benefit from these tools.

Just use your “figurative mind” so you can spawn an original idea of your own that will be the catalyst for your next promotion, or business venture.

1. Turn ONE into FOUR

Many business owners and sales professionals are guilty of leaving money on the table. If you’re going to spend the time / energy / effort into selling ONE item, you might as well sell 3 or 4. You may want to offer increased incentives and show people how they can SAVE $ MONEY $ by taking 4 items as a package the same day - while you increase profits and reduce overhead / marketing in the process.

2. UP-Sell

This requires no additional work on your part, yet you can often double your profits just by offering the suggestion to customers to buy something additional to complement their purchase. A perfect example is seen anytime you visit McDonalds. The next time you hear, “Do you want Fries with that?” Think about the concept of “Up-Selling”.

3. Create a System

If you do anything more than once, you should have a system behind it. This will allow you to streamline your efforts. When you do this properly you are guaranteed an increase in PROFITS and most importantly have more TIME for yourself and your team to focus on what’s most important.

As you are building your business or creating your business plan, keep the following principle in mind: Create systems along the way, so you can one day sell your business once it grows beyond the infancy stage. Public Companies are required to have systems throughout every aspect of the business. Run your small business just like you were running a public company. This is the best way to put your business on the path of increased profitability.

Take this concept one step further and run your life as though you were a public figure. Think of how you should act / perform as a positive role model that young people look up to and want to emulate. This will literally affect everything you do.

The most important thing about the above tools, is to have FUN thinking about them. Tweak them to apply to your specific business needs. Remember, this list is only the CATALYST toward innovative thinking.

You are the genius. Allow your mind to be as creative as it wants to be. And Enjoy your journey toward Huge Success!!!

A Certified Professional Behavior Analyst and Business Strategist, Deborah Cole Micek is the Co-Founder and partner in RPM Success Group. RPM Success Group works with business owners and entrepreneurs around the world to achieve superior results in business and in life. Deborah’s one-on-one coaching provides her clients with increased profits and energy.

Her goal: To provide innovative ideas and insights to her Clients and Students, helping them reach and maintain the top of their game in business and in life.