Is your Personal Business Mission on Track?
I have two questions for you. Do you know what you’re working for? And have you structured your business, so that it delivers?
If you can’t emphatically say Yes! To both these questions, then chances are you are already stuck inside your business, or well and truly on your way to it. And once you’re there, it can be mighty difficult to turn the big ship around. We all start our businesses dreaming of creating real freedom for ourselves and our family, and sometimes it doesn’t pan out that way.
If you can answer Yes! to both those questions, then you probably know your Business Mission, and this article will just serve to reinforce a juicy sense of relief and self-congratulations.
Here’s what Stuck looks and feels like.
‘Different day, but familiar concerns about cash flow, that feeling of tiredness, frustrations with lack of time to get on top of everything, similar conversations with the same people, and things that have been issues for a while, but are still unresolved.’
‘Not sure when I will be able to get away for that much needed break. It’s probably later rather than sooner. There is a lot going on right now. My team needs me, my customers need me, and I know what happens when I go away. Things just don’t work quite as well as I would like them to.’
‘That new product idea is going to have to stay on the backburner for now. There are a few other important things that need my attention right now. I started working on it, and put out a few feelers for the things I need, but now they are all waiting for me to get back to them for the next step. I will have to wait until I have clear space to focus and follow through.’
‘I’m not sure what I will be able to do with my business once I’m ready to retire. I guess I could try to sell it, or maybe I’ll just close it down if I can’t sell.’
Here’s what Not Stuck looks and feels like.
‘Sometimes it feels like Christmas, waking up in the morning, and knowing what the day might bring. I am so inspired by my work. I am getting regular, real-time business reporting that helps me direct the team proactively and make the tweaks, before things can go off the rails.‘
‘I am regularly working 2-3 days a week. I have a 6 week trip planned with my family for the winter months, and we’re doing a road trip around Europe. Last year we took the kids to the US and drove Route 66. Over Summer, I am working with my ghost writer on my next business book, and then I’ll get my production team to help me convert it into a bunch of videos.’
‘That new product idea is in the works, and it’s going to be a ripper. I have briefed my team and introduced a few new experts to help me get it built. The sales and marketing team are presenting the first draft of the marketing plan to me next week. I have put in a few calls to people in my network, who can help me get it into new markets that we don’t currently serve. I love this part of my life.’
‘My business advisory firm has helped me set up a succession plan for the business. I love working with my business so much, that I have no plans to sell or even to retire. After I’m gone, it will continue to be managed by my Advisory Board, and continue to provide for my family.’
Not Stuck is easier than you think, and it all starts with two little questions.
Leanne Knowles is the Founder of Headswitch. Leanne is a former professional skydiver, turned Business Strategist who has been helping business owners for more than 20 years to navigate the risks, opportunities and rewards of ambitious growth and transformation projects.
