Are you constantly wishing your business would grow but you just can't find the magic fertilizer?
You know that as the chief everything officer you must juggle multiple roles. These roles typically break down into three categories: the entrepreneur (vision, brainstorming, new ideas, etc.); the technician (this is the "thing" you do - the service your provide); and the manager (the taskmaster). It's that third and often times elusive role that stumps new business owners the most. Let's face it, it's the least fun role of all.
But if you really stop and think about it you know deep down you can't do it all alone. You do know that, right? If you think you can (and that's totally cool), are you prepared to accept the consequences? Last I checked we each get the same 24 hours in a day, and at some point even the hardiest of us needs sleep every now and then! Being able to plan for and work with your resources is a great way to begin flexing that managerial muscle.
The next few articles will give you four specific steps to G-R-O-W your "crew" - this is your team of go-to people. Whether you are hiring employees, bringing on independent contractors, working with specific specialists, etc. being ready to bring them on is really important. Starting off on the right foot will help to ensure a great transition as well as a great outcome.
In this first article we're going to explore how to Get Clear (this is the G in G-R-O-W).
Getting clear is the valuable first step. If you aren't clear in your own mind what you need and why you need it, how can anyone help you grow? Here are three steps and action items you can take right now to help gain clarity on what you need right now:
Step 1: Identify What You Need
Action! Hurry - pick ONE thing you want to change in your business to help it grow. You got it? Write it down. Be very concrete here (X% more revenue, X# of new clients, X# of new visitors to your website, X% customer satisfaction rating, reduce your expenses by X%, keep working hours to X# per week, etc.).
Step 2: Outline Why It's Important
Action! Next - write down why it's important. Don't think too much about it. Just write it down.
Step 3: Determine Requirements
Action! Now - write down what your requirements are. Here's where you are combining what you both need and want. For example if you identified the need to establish a monthly newsletter to go out to your clients. In your requirements you might consider things like: how your customers will receive the newsletter, when it will go out, what content areas you want to include, what the look and feel should be, who is actually doing the work, etc.
Following these three simple steps will assist you in gaining clarity so that you can begin communicating with others what you need and why it's important. In the next segment we're going to look at what it takes to Realize Your Strengths and Limitations (the "R" in G-R-O-W).
Until then, enjoy a bit of clarity!
Are you a chief "everything" officer struggling to keep all the plates spinning and worried that details are falling through the cracks? How would you like to take the first steps towards planning and acting more strategically, so you can truly enjoy a smooth and profitable business? Visit http://yescarrie.com for a FREE audio class and guidebook "Success Essentials for Chief Everything Officers". Discover the #1 strategy to fuel your motivation, learn the key to having your family and friends take you seriously, develop a healthy success mindset, and more!
Contact us: yeszimbo@gmail.com
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