If you're a small business owner wondering if you will ever get to the next level, listen up. Here are three things you can do immediately to jump start your company's growth.

1. Imagine it: To quote Jesse Jackson, "You have to believe it to achieve it." Seems simple, but you'd be surprised by how many of us stay stuck in small potatoes mode.

Imagine this, you grow up in a family where no one ever travels. Then, a new friend suggests a trip to Europe. You hesitate, make excuses as to why you shouldn't go and wind up talking yourself out of it.

After all, there's the fear of terrorists, people don't speak your language, the food will be different, yadda, yadda, yadda. You just can't wrap your brain around this concept.

Many small business owners run their businesses the same way. Being big is such a foreign concept. Sure, we want to "make it" and are working like crazy, but how far out of our comfort zones are we willing to go to make it happen?

Wrap your brain around the idea of success beyond your wildest dreams. Formulate a plan and don't let anyone stand in the way of your "trip to success." It will be filled with unfamiliar things, but if you want it, all you have to do is be willing to board the plane.

2. Sacrifice: I was watching Cutthroat, an MTV reality show. It showcases rappers looking for a record deal. One participant said something that stuck with me. She said, "My grandmother told me that if you want to make it, you've got to do two things at one time." She worked a full-time job during the day and was in the clubs at night competing in contests.

To get your business to the next level, sometimes you may have to work a part-time job, a full-time job, two jobs to get the extra cash flow you need. Need an extra $300, $500 per month for advertising, materials, supplies? Stop eating out, stop shopping, take the bus, etc.

What sacrifices are you willing to make to get where you want to be?

3. Copy the big boys: If you want to be big, copy the big boys. Tony Robbins, the best-selling motivational author, has written volumes on the subject of imitating. His books are basically about finding someone who is doing what you want to do and repeating their methods.

What could be more simple?

I was listening to a CNN financial analyst talk about Starbucks' new coffee card. This card is used like a credit card. For example, if you put $20 on it, you use it until the balance runs out. Then, you can refill it. This analyst proposed one more thing. He said, "I think Starbucks should give a volume discount. For example, if you purchase a $20 card, they should give you $22."

You could implement something like this with your business.

Although you may not have the deep pockets of the big boys, you can play on the edges of their sandbox. Before you know it, they'll be making room for you smack dead in the center.

Here's to seeing you in the financial pages!
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The Small Biz Owner's Complete Marketing Kit is a complete "how-to, shoe string" marketing guide for entrepreneurs - specifically geared for those who are serious about growing their small business and want to get a handle on marketing - now! It will show you how to increase sales, generate leads, and save time & money. A must-have if you are truly serious about growing your business.