Messages focus on features, not benefits.  Take a peek at your advertising materials, website, elevator speech and other marketing tools.  Do they scream "me, me, me" or "you, you, you"?  Make sure you answer the "what's in it for me" question.

Lack of a consistent, clear brand image.  First question, do you know what your brand image is?  Do you know what your image represents?  Would a kindergartener be able to easily decipher what you do and why you're different?  Everyone HAS an image...some folks create their own, while others let their customers create it.  Which category do you fall into?

Lots of “wasted” time with social media/networking efforts.  Before you jump into Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter...you'll need a plan.  Set some goals and know what you want to achieve.  Otherwise, you'll fall into the bermuda triangle and have trouble coming up for air.

S-L-O-W implementation with an “I can do it all myself” attitude.  Most small business owners wear multiple hats.  It's true.  But if you want your business to grow, you'll need to let some of it go.  Don't be afraid to delegate tasks, so you're time can be spent on activities which require your particular SKILLS AND EXPERTISE. 

Belief that “good customer service” is what differentiates your business from competitors’.  Newsflash:  Good customer service IS NOT ENOUGH of a differentiating factor these days.  You need to figure out why you're different, so you can connect with the audience that really values this difference.

Shotgun advertising—same message, countless publications.  Each publication has its own readership profile.  Translation: each advertisement should be customized to deliver the most appropriate message for that publication's viewer.  If you want to increase the ROI on your advertising dollars, this is key.

Absolutely NO web presence, at all.  If you're reading this, chances are you have an Internet connection and perhaps a Facebook profile. Some customers go to the Internet FIRST to get information about you and your business.  No web presence = lost business.  Period.

Overlooking FREE media exposure and publicity opportunities.  I wrote a whole post about this concept.  You can read it HERE.

Lack of a plan (or at minimum, even an outline!).  A plan serves as your roadmap between today and tomorrow.  It gives you accountability for progress towards the goals you set, helps you anticipate bumps in the road, and most importantly, helps you evaluate opportunities that come your way.  Without it, you're sure to veer off course or get de-railed.

What other mistakes have you seen, made and/or overcome?