What's Your Business GPS?
There are times when you have to stand back from the distractions and the noise and ask yourself where your business is going and is it on the right path.
Do you have a business plan? Do you know what you want from your business? Do you know who you are in your business? Do you know who the people and processes are that make your business tick, and what vision do you have?
To get this aspect of business right, you need a compass, a direction, or in today’s terms, a GPS.
GPS stands for
Goals + Plans = Strategy
Identifying your business GPS means making time for implementing and planning. These aspects of business are often pushed to one side as the work comes in, or you get busy working in your business rather than on your business. Time to plan and set goals is vital to the success of your business. However, the most important aspect of any goal or plan is the implementation of it, you can’t run a business on planning alone, the plans need to be acted upon and crafted into reality.
G is for GOALS
You need to look at goals for the future of your business and ask the following questions:
What is the vision for your business?
Why does your business exist?
What is the unique aspect of your business?
What passion drives your business?
What are your guiding values and defining traits?
If you can’t answer these questions, you need to address them before starting the planning phase.
Other questions to ask at this stage are
How does your business want to be seen or positioned in the market?
Who is your ideal client?
What are the key milestones for your business over the next 2-3 years?
What resources are needed in terms of people, funds, time etc.?
P is for PLANS
The planning process relates to where you are in your current position and what goals, gaps, options and results you’re aiming for in your business. Roles need to be defined – for example – how would you define your role in the business, and what are your responsibilities?
How can your strengths move the business forward?
Where do you need support in your business?
What gaps are evident your business from the point of view of resources, people, skills etc?
Staying focused can be a challenge in the ebb and flow of business, so there are some ways to ensure that it becomes a reality.
What would you like to achieve in the next 12 months?
How will you achieve it?
What do you need to do to get there?
With planning comes focus. You need to stay focused to ensure your day is structured to ensure maximum potential to get more clients and make more profit in your business. This means making time for the things that matter like following up on interested clients in your services, networking, and marketing new workshops/classes/therapies to current clients.
Staying focused on your plans
In business, you have to keep asking yourself ‘Why?’ – this simple word will lead you on the right path always!
What do I need to do in my business – and Why should I do it?
How will this impact or benefit my business – and Why does it matter?
What are the consequences of not doing it – and Why is this important?
It’s hard to stay focused all the time, so here’s a few tips to keep that GPS tracking properly!
Schedule time for planning and then IMPLEMENT!
Hire in or outsource to the right people
Learn how to delegate (you can’t do it all yourself!)
Set realistic expectations (especially if you are a sole trader like many wellness professionals)
Keep a focus on the bigger plan – revise regularly (every quarter)
Get a mentor or business coach to help you develop your strategy through goal setting and planning.
Now you’re ready, the goals and plans are set in place and all you need to do is IMPLEMENT YOUR STRATEGY– this can be the most difficult part, so always go back to your ‘Why?’ and revise and refine as you go. It sounds simple to say, but it’s not always easy to do. Trust in the process, and trust in your internal GPS, the journey in business is what makes you who you are.
If there’s anything I can help you with to build your business, attract and retain clients, and remove that overwhelm and exhaustion, book a Profit Road Map Session with me ASAP!
