As an entrepreneur, do you ever feel distracted at times? It can be those bright, shiny objects that get in the way of staying focused on activities that bring results that create wealth. Can you relate?
One of the reasons we get distracted is simply a creative avoidance tactic – when we are facing a task that takes us out of our comfort zone, or requires us to take risks – or simply because we have no idea what our revenue targets and goals are for the year. Having targets and goals are essential for growing a business, making money and a profit in order to ‘get somewhere’. It’s no different than taking a trip to a new place – which is when we often use a map to get there in a timely and safe and joyous way.
In this article, I want to help you focus so that you can prosper, in more ways than one &nda sh; but I’m actually talking about making more money today. Here’s some food for thought when it comes to prosperity:
P – stands for PASSION. So many entrepreneurs work really hard on a daily basis. My question is ‘what are you working hard on’? When I attend networking events, it shows all over your face that you are working hard and you are exhausted. Many of you have lost the passion for what you are doing – and haven’t a clue when it comes to the big WHY of what you are doing. Sit down and figure it out – what is the legacy you want to leave? Why are you doing what you are doing? What difference will it make? Get your passion back – and then tell your face – especially before you head out to do any marketing and networking. Knowing what makes you passionate will help you to stay focused.
R – stands for REVENUE. You’ve got to have some to keep your business running. I know that many of you, in a start-up position, are living off your savings account, your retirement funds, your partner’s income etc. You need to have some revenue – not only to keep the business going, but also for your own sense of self-worth, self-esteem and personal satisfaction about the work you are doing. Get going – get clients – make a difference. So, stop giving away so much – and charge what you’re worth. Focus on the value you bring!
O – stands for OPTIMISM. There are many days, as an entrepreneur, where we can easily feel defeated, alone, confused about what to do next, and ready to call it quits. Don’t do it! We all have those days – seriously – ALL of us. No one is immune to this. However – one of the ways you can get around it is to seriously assess who you spend time with – I shared a post on Facebook recently that said this: ‘Surround yourself with only people who are going to life you HIGHER – life is already filled with people who want to bring you down?” Heed those words. Take control of your environment and the people around you. Focus on the positive – the prosperity will certainly follow.
S – stands for SALES. It’s not even a 4-letter word and yet it scares the pants off many women entrepreneurs, in particular. You’ve got to make a sale to have a business. Period. Not complicated. Has to happen. Focus on speaking to people every day about working with you – prosperity will follow.
P – stands for PROFIT. It’s great to make money – to bring in the revenue – but what is your profit? Do you know your numbers – do you know the cost of doing business? What are your expenses? Get those tracking sheets out, ladies – and get cracking. When you know your numbers – and your profit margins – it gives you power. That’s the way to go out in the world and do the work you do. Focus on growing your numbers – and it will most certainly lead to prosperity.
E – stands for EVENTS. Go to them. Host them. Get engaged in the world – it really is not about ‘who do you know’ but, rather, ‘who knows YOU’! Hosting your own event is a great way to grow your list and to grow your business. Start planning one now – (it takes months to properly market an event – so do it right). Go to events – get out of your comfort zone and your geographical location, too – I make a commitment to attend 2 large industry events a year for continuous learning, serious networking, and making sure people know who I am and what I do. What is on your calendar for the year? Focus on getting, and being, out there.
R – stands for ROUTINE. Many of you lose focus because you do not have a routine. Many of you have home offices – and that’s ok – I do, too. But you must also have a routine – what days are spent on business development, what days are spent on client fulfillment activities – what part of the month is kept for professional/product development and/or vacation and personal medical appointments, for instance? Get a routine – and stick with it. You’ll get focused and create revenue much more readily in this way. Focus on revenue-generating tasks each and every day.
I – stands for INSPIRATION. Inspiration is so important to each and every one of us. I get inspired by the books I read (mostly biographies), movies I see (‘The Pursuit of Happyiness’ is still one of my most favorites!), people I spend time with (my pastor, my business coach, my grandson, ……) – who or what inspires you? Focus on learning from those who have succeeded.
T – stands for TEAM. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – you cannot grow a business, make more money, and live your best life when you continue to do everything yourself. Impossible! I’m talking to YOU! Stop it! Get help – and get help today. It makes much more sense to hire some help at a lesser rate than you charge for your services so you can get out and get more business coming in the door. Do the math! Focus on what you do best – and go do it.
Y – stands for YOU. Yes, YOU! ‘If it’s to be, it’s up to me!” is my favorite motto. No one else is responsible for my happiness – for my success – for my business development – for my sales – for my financial freedom. It’s up to me. I’m the one who gets up every day to make things happen. And so must you!
“Money isn’t for getting things – it’s for changing things!” – Suzanne Evans
Where is your focus now? Tell me about it……
Please share your thoughts!