“Just what does your day look like?” “How do you stay out of overwhelm?” These are questions I get all the time and, at my workshop last week, it was obvious that many entrepreneurs are lost when it comes to some of the fundamentals of growing a business.
It is essential to manage your time and energy as you grow your business. That only happens, however, when you have clarity (translate: a plan!) on what to do and when to do it. Many entrepreneurs are too busy being …….well…….busy! My question is “what are you busy doing?” With lack of clarity comes procrastination.
“Procrastination is the foundation of all disasters.”
― Pandora Poikilos, Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out
In order to grow your business, attract ideal clients and make money each and every day, there are a few fundamentals that you must learn and implement. Let me answer the top 3 questions I get all the time – and you promise me that you will take the answers and apply them to your own situation so that you can make progress.
HERE’S WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUNDAMENTALS:
- MANAGE YOUR TIME AND ENERGY
It takes a lot of time and energy to reach your goals. You can be very skilled at goal-setting but if your time management skills stink, you’re not going to accomplish much of anything. I work from a very disciplined approach to my time – and it all ties back to my wall calendar. It’s a big, white, yearly calendar that I can write on with dry erasable markers. Pretty simple, right?
I start out by writing my annual revenue target at the top of the page – next to that, I write, in BIG, bold, colorful print my WHY! Why am I in business? Why am I working so hard, LOL? Then I start to plot dates on the calendar beginning with my birthday – I never work on my birthday (neither should you!). Then I mark off all the statutory and Federal holidays, quickly followed by the holidays/vacations that I am planning for myself. In the beginning, that often meant a Friday afternoon linked to a weekend or a long weekend. Now, a few years into the game, I mark off a week every quarter – sometimes more (but never less!). Then I start to map out my Client Fulfillment responsibilities (typically the first 3 weeks of the month and from T-Th each week). Mondays and Fridays are kept for Business Development. The last week of the month is kept for product development, professional development, doctor’s appointments, hair appointments, vacation, etc. etc. etc. – no client work in the last week of the month.
Then I map out my day. I always start my day with the alarm at 5:30 a.m. – time to get up and exercise, read my devotional, and get on FB (while I ‘cool down’ from exercising) to wish my friends a happy birthday! I always have a nutritional breakfast, shower, get dressed and get to my desk by 8 a.m. – and typically work through to 6 p.m. The exercise and proper nutrition and a good night’s sleep are how I manage my energy – along with mini-breaks throughout the day.
- NETWORKING
Alright, this is not rocket science – you’re not going to get any business by remaining the ‘best kept secret’ in your industry. You’ve got to get your message out to the world – and YOU must get out and about. How I manage this – I commit to getting out to network in person at least 2-3x a week. I google relevant networking events in my area – ensure they are a fit with the ideal clients I want to work with – schedule those events into my calendar and get out there. I always plan ahead. I goal-set to: meet 3 new prospects, or meet 3 potential JV partners, or find 3 possible speaking opportunities, or 3 possible sponsors for my events. I always think and work in 3’s. That’s do-able for me and for any of you, too. It’s take away the feeling of overwhelm. It keeps things simple. The key to my success has been in the follow-up! THAT’s where the money is! Be sure to follow up by way of email, or phone call, or personal note. And keep the relationship going where there is alignment and a win-win scenario.
- OUTSOURCE AND DELEGATE
My first marketing coach told me, 5 years ago, when I re-launched my business and started working with her that I MUST hire a VA and delegate the majority of my infamous To Do list! I was paying her big bucks and committed to doing what she told me to do. So, I hired a VA – right out of the gate. Did I have the money to pay a VA then? NO! But I will tell you this – once you hire someone, you will absolutely get your butt out of bed every day to go and make money so you can pay that person. So, get yourself some support and do it today. There is no way you can grow your business all by yourself. Get help. It will make a huge difference right away.
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” – Oprah Winfrey
The way to succeed in business is to focus on the fundamentals. Each and every day is a new opportunity to work in your passion – serve people who need what you have to offer – make money and create the life you want. The only thing getting in the way of all of this happening is …..well, YOU! Take these 3 tips, implement them and see the difference it will make in your business and in your life immediately.
WHAT WILL YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
Please share your thoughts!
