Using Your Strengths to Build a Tea Business

Similarly, by applying your strengths, you may also identify those areas where you may need extra help. This self-awareness will help eliminate unnecessary actions and allow you to put your best efforts into those activities that will enhance your tea business. 

First, you need to identify your strengths 

For some people, this is an easy task. For others, it may be more difficult; however, this self-assessment is necessary if you are going to succeed in your business. 

Strengths come in a variety of forms: for example, they can be skills, such as analytical or creative thinking skills, physical abilities, and attitudes, such as positive thinking or strong values. As you create your list of strengths, remember to remain open to all types. 

How can you identify your strengths if you are having difficulty? 

Many assessments exist on the web, in bookstores, and through career counselors and coaches. If you are interested in one of these options, a simple online search can lead you to a variety of self-assessment options. Some are available free of charge and others charge a fee. 

A visit to a local career counselor or coach can also help guide you through the process if you feel you need additional help. Bookstore shelves are also lined with books that are written to help you determine your best selling points. 

Apply them to your business

Once you have identified your strengths, give careful thought to how they can be applied to your business. Some are easy:

1. A person who is very detail oriented will likely be successful in keeping careful financial records. 

2. Someone with a creative flair can apply this to marketing, promotions, and in-store displays. 

3. And what about the person who discovers he or she is very shy but has strong family values? Developing a business that caters to children and parents by offering unique tea parties may be a better choice than a full-service retail outlet. 

4. Someone who has very strong people skills may want to hire someone to run the books so he or she can spend more time "on the floor" than behind a desk.

5. The person who loves tea but does not want to own a business may want to look into "behind the scenes" options such as wholesaling. 

What's your angle?

Every successful business has researched the market and determined a niche that needs to be filled. When developing your business, your personal strengths can help you determine how you can meet a need, fill a void, or offer a completely new service or angle:

• What is it about you that sets you apart from everyone else? 

• How can you apply that to your tea business to make your venture something unique to you while still serving your audience? 

Taking the time to think these things through beforehand will greatly help you as you determine your specialty in the exciting world of tea. 

Copyright © 2005-2006 by Dawnya Sasse. All rights reserved.

Lady Dawnya Sasse is author of the world's first online tea business program entitled Start a Tea Business. To learn more about Lady Dawnya's seminars and CDs visit her website.