You started out in business with a dream of building the perfect business that would create for you the perfect lifestyle. You opened the doors to the public and then put your head down and bum up and worked hard.
Several years have passed since you first opened your business. Stop for a moment. Reverse the order and put your bum down and your head up. What do you see? Do you have a business that is successful and that you are proud of? Or is it a lot of hard work and not achieving what you had hoped for?
If you are in the first category, then congratulations on your achievements. If you are in the second category, then it is time to pause and take stock.
Think back to when you first started the business! Why did you start the business? What were you hoping to achieve? What has the reality turned out like?
To change the fortunes of your business, you need to change what you are doing. Many business owners fall into the trap of getting caught up in the day to day happenings of their business. This leaves them no time to think about the performance of the business. There is no time to work ON the business. There is a simple solution to the problem. FIND THE TIME!!
Start slowly. Have a look in your diary and find ONE hour per week that you can set aside to focus ON your business. For that hour find a location where you will not be disturbed. No email, no telephone, no outside distractions. Start reviewing your business. Start with one small aspect of the business that you would like to change. In your hour work out how to make the change and then implement the change. Once you have done this then go back to work. Make sure though, that that hour becomes part of your weekly ritual. And don’t focus on too many things at once. One thing at a time. When each change has been made and monitored, focus on the next item. Each week look at one area of your business that could be improved and improve it. In a very short period of time you will discover what a great impact that hour each week has on your business.
And don’t think that you have do this all on your own. It can be extremely beneficial to have an independent third party who understands business to bounce ideas off. Sit with someone once a month, or once a quarter to bounce ideas that could improve your business. Once they know your vision, they will be extremely helpful in providing feedback and helping you stay on track with your business.
It is your business. Lets work on your business to make sure it is as successful and rewarding as it can be.