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N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 57 wife and kids. Now, Orozco pays it forward by investing himself in mentoring barbers as well as fostering a sense of ownership within his team. An important key to Orozco's success was recognizing the value in collaboration. By empowering others to become partners in his barbershops, Orozco has created a collaborative network that benefits everyone. SHIFT YOUR MINDSET TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES Orozco's journey demonstrates that success is attainable despite facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. A shift in mindset helped Orozco transform his life from a troubled past into a thriving career as a barber and small business owner. And you can follow his steps to success. • Set clear, achievable goals. Outline your objectives and create a road map by breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes the growing process much more achievable—and a lot less overwhelming. Having a concrete vision can motivate you to overcome obstacles and stay on track. • Adopt a growth mindset. A flexible mindset allows you to adapt to new challenges and seize opportunities as they arise. Be open to change and innovation. It's important to recognize when a particular strategy or approach isn't yielding the desired results. Be open to exploring more effective alternatives. • Listen to your gut, but doubt your doubts. Trusting your intuition can be valuable, but it's also important to critically evaluate your doubts and uncertainties to ensure they are well-founded before making decisions. • Sharpen your skills. Continue to learn and develop your skills, which are important for personal and professional growth. Stay current with industry trends and best practices, and seek out continuing education classes when they're offered in your area. • Pace yourself. Experiment before committing to a particular idea. Business growth doesn't require an "all or nothing" approach. It's important to test new ideas and strategies before fully committing to them to ensure they align with your goals. • Gain insights from your competitors' mistakes. Observe the challenges your competitors face—this practice will provide you with valuable insight into potential pitfalls to avoid in your business. Then, be innovative and creative in your brand identity, while also maintaining a sense of practicality. • Grow your customer base. Attract new customers while retaining existing ones through effective marketing and customer service. Analyze and adjust your marketing approaches continuously—based on data and feedback— to effectively reach your target audience. • Ask for help. Recognize when you need assistance. Seeking advice or help from mentors, peers, or experts can provide valuable guidance and help you overcome challenges. • Be on the lookout for red flags. Stay vigilant for warning signs or indicators of potential problems, whether in your business operations, partnerships, or other areas. If problems occur, persistence pays. Continue working toward the goals that lead to success. • Celebrate your wins. Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. This practice boosts morale and motivation. SUCCESS ISN'T LINEAR Like Orozco, your challenges can help build your career and your character. Don't let adversity limit you. Instead, adapt your approach as you gain more insight. Then, cultivate a positive outlook. Focus on your strengths and abilities and replace your self-doubt with self-belief. Top Tips from a Business Coach According to Crystal Ochemba-Powell, beauty business coach and licensed esthetician, there are two keys to your success in the face of setbacks or obstacles: Be flexible. Sometimes your business will seem as if it has a mind of its own. And sometimes it's OK to let your business lead you in a different direction. Give yourself grace. Don't be so hard on yourself. It's OK to take a step back and assess the state of your business. It's OK to take a step back and relax. Having a clear mind and focused energy is key to overcoming obstacles. Discover more tips from Ochemba-Powell through her business-building courses at crystalngozibeauty.com/coaching.