When you consider the meaning of the term "stepping up" in the figurative sense, it means to increase, improve and intensify 

It means saying "yes" to propelling yourself and your business forward in a BIG WAY! If you want this to happen for you and your business, you need to understand the steps behind stepping up. You need to know the valuable key to staying motivated and excited. While it's not always a smooth process, each step you take will move you closer and closer to your ultimate goals...

1. Master your inner game

There are always going to be challenges. That's part of growth. Know that you have the strength to handle whatever comes your way.

2. Dare to dream the things that you right now think you don't deserve

You can't move forward or step up if you don't think you have the right to.

3. Make the decision to raise your game

Feel the burning desire that caused you to begin your business in the first place.

4. Focus on your vision of what your business is supposed to look like

If you didn't start out truly visualizing, do it now. Commit it to paper so you can remind yourself: How much money do you want to make? How many hours do you want to be working? What kind of lifestyle do you want to lead? What difference do you want your business to make?

5. Develop your plan

Seeing your vision of your business is one thing, making it a reality requires purpose and preparation.

6. Evaluate your assets

Your resources are likely right in front of you. Look to your existing clients for feedback, referrals, sales and product upgrades. Build your prospect lists to increase exposure. A good team that gets your business going, products developed, and website running goes a long way in stepping up your business, as do joint venture partnerships which help to increase exposure. Products are probably your best asset as an independent source of additional revenue that can really step up your business.

7. Design your products, programs and solutions for the top 20% of clients

because that's where 4/5 of your income will come from.

8. Think in terms of project income, not monthly income

Plan for the year, instead of planning month by month. Plan around big projects.

9. Remember: just because you can doesn't mean you should

If you try to do everything you think of, everything that you know you can do, you will do them all half-way. Choose only the best of what you can do and you will step up your business.

10. Take the first step without knowing what the next one will be

Take the leap of faith without a safety net. You can only see the next step after you take the first one.

11. Grow bigger than your obstacles or problems

Move forward in spite of the challenges. They are inevitable. Everyone who has experienced success has experienced obstacles. They just chose to move past and overcome them.

12.  Recognize that the changes you experience when you are stepping up, in your life and in your business, won't always feel good

They can be uncomfortable at first because they will be unfamiliar. But, they will be worth it.

About the Author

Bernadette Doyle is a marketing specialist who helps entrepreneurs become client magnets and attract a steady stream of their ideal clients. She publishes a free, weekly newsletter for trainers, speakers, coaches, consultants, complementary therapists and solo professionals. If you'd like to receive invaluable tips and advice on how to attract clients with ease, register at http://www.clientmagnets.com