Ask any business owner and they will have a slightly different take on how to run a successful business. Even for myself, I have a list of tips to share.
But, it all boils down to one word for me, consistency.
I can give all the advice in the world to a business owner, but none of it matters if they aren’t consistent. Sporadic emails, periodic social media posts, and random engagement with customers eventually catches up to a business. In fact, yesterday I talked to a business owner who hadn’t paid their taxes in years… YEARS! They had a LONG LIST of issues in their business including a fraudulent employee stealing from them, but it all came down to consistency. If they had been consistent from the start, that wouldn’t have happened (so badly). (Note: I give this person a lot of grace… life has not been easy for many years. But, at some point, it’s got to stop or the business will end.)
Consistency is pretty simple but has a powerful grip. Consistency holds accountability, defines ones commitment, has discipline, takes ownership for past and present, and learns from its mistakes.
Consistency is like a machine. It just keeps chugging along. Producing. It generates revenue.
If you feel like your business isn’t generating the return it should, perhaps it’s time to look at your business’s consistency. And often, that’s looking inward at our own inconsistencies.
Lack of consistency can kill even the best business concept.
Want to get on top of your business consistency in 2026? Here are five sure fire ways to take control:
1. Define What “Consistency” Actually Means for Your Business
Consistency isn’t doing everything all the time. Decide what truly matters—posting weekly, emailing monthly, updating inventory regularly, or showing up for clients in a specific way. When expectations are clear, consistency becomes manageable.
I recommend thinking this through as part of your business strategy. Take baby steps and build from there. Trying to be consistent all at once is a recipe for failure. You'll burnout quickly and then feel very discouraged. Take one action item, create a plan, commit to it and begin. You might even find that the plan you created in the beginning needs to evolve. Allow time to fine tune your action item. Then, hit repeat! Repeat! REPEAT!
2. Build Simple Systems You Can Repeat
If something requires too many steps, it won’t last. Create repeatable systems—content calendars, daily and weekly checklists, or workflows—so you’re not starting from scratch every time. Consistency thrives on simplicity.
Often, this means making time to think about these simple systems, as well as trying them. If you spend so much time thinking through a perfect system, you might not finish. Take time to think about it and try it. Refine your process as needed and stay committed to creating a simple process.
3. Put It On Your Calendar
Business owners have lots to think about. Don't try to rely on memory. It will eventually trip you up! Calendars and reminders don’t. Block time for the activities that move your business forward and treat them like non-negotiable appointments.
Even in the middle of the night when I'm lying awake thinking about my to-do's, I'll grab my phone and put a reminder on my calendar or send myself an email. Just like going to a trainer at the gym, when you add it to your calendar you are more likely to be committed to following through and not letting yourself down.
4. Aim for Progress, Not Perfection
Waiting until things are “just right” breaks momentum. Showing up imperfectly—but regularly—builds more trust than disappearing until everything feels polished.
We are our own worst critics! Don't let that hold you back. If a mistake happens or something didn't happen quite the way you planned, learn from it and move on. I've done this many times over the years. I've often said customers are very forgiving. If they are loyal, they will understand and wait for your improvements.
BONUS! Customer feedback is a great way to weed out weak systems. In fact, when you are receptive to hearing what your customers think about your business, you'll learn so much more about how you can produce a higher quality product and service. This also makes the customer feel like they were a part of your success and progression.
5. What To Do When You Get Off Track
Life happens. We often get derailed for a variety of reasons. The important thing is getting back on the consistency track. Don't beat yourself up. It happens to all of us.
For all of November and December, I completely abandoned my content calendar. I knew I wasn't as structured as I needed to be and that's just how it went. But, on day one of being back in the office, I sat down and created my content calendar for January. My content calendar is a guide as to what I'll be covering all month, including my email marketing and the messages I'll be pressing with client meetings. As soon as my content calendar clicked into place, so did all the other action items my business strategy operates off of.
On a final note, give yourself permission to change what isn't working. Getting consistent can also help highlight inefficiencies you maybe hadn't thought of or noticed. I might even call a friend or third party to ask what they think or see. When you are receptive to change and improvement, consistency becomes easy.
Want help firing up your consistency? I can help! Send me an email to discuss further: tammy@lorabloom.com
