“It’s summertime and the living is easy!” You hear that a lot at this time of year. As a business owner, I get excited at this time of year because it is a time of review and renew.
When you go through the 3 stages of getting a business up and running:
1) Figuring it out*
2) Working it out*
3) Kicking it out of the park!*
(*compliments of Suzanne Evans, my coach!)
There comes a time when you need to stop, catch your breath and take a good look at things. We get so busy setting things up – and then carry on with growing the business – and forget to go back and take a really good look at things.
The summer months are an ideal time for a review. Here’s what I do and highly recommend that you do too.
PROCESSES/SYSTEMS:
Do you have systems in place to ensure it is easy for people to pay you? (We use Direct Pay and have been very happy with their support and service.)
- Do you have a system that makes it easy for people to schedule calls with you through an on-line service? (We use Time Trade – works well for me!)
- Do you have a system in place for hosting individual or group calls, hosting teleseminars etc.? (We use Instant Teleseminar.)
- Do you have a platform for hosting live stream training? (We use Zoom.)
- Do you have a phone system in place so that you are not using your home phone number and attempting to appear ‘like a real business’? (We use Ring Central)
- Do you have a process in place for growing your list? (We have it set up through my website, hosted by Blue Host. You can access your free gift by leaving your contact information – thus, list-building!)
PEOPLE:
Whether or not you are just starting out in business, take a constant look at who is in your circle!
- Do you have a Financial Board of Directors? (book-keeper, accountant, bank executive, financial planner)
- Do you have a virtual assistant (or a few!)? Have you had conversations lately about the work they are doing for you? Have you discussed any other competencies/areas of expertise they may have? Have you considered adding to your team?
- Do you have vendors who provide services on a regular basis? (A/V for events, graphics, web design, event planners, etc.) Have you reviewed their services/performance and determined whether or not it’s time for a change? (I highly recommend Brian Kraker for web services!)
If all of this sounds/feels overwhelming to you, that just means you are on your way to growing. That’s fabulous. It also sounds like you need some guidance from someone who has been there. I can help! Reach out. Let’s talk.
I’m pointing this out because, again, I know that once you get your business set up and running – typically, we just keep on going!
KEEP IN MIND THESE 2 THINGS:
WHO GOT YOU HERE WON’T GET YOU THERE!
WHAT GOT YOU HERE WON’T GET YOU THERE!
So, make the time this summer to be reviewing all of these things. Go back to your website with fresh eyes, as a new customer, for example – and go through the process of looking for information, click through for the IFO you have available, buy something and see how your systems are working!
It’s time to set yourself up for success for the fall. The time is now! Because you know as well as I do, that the common way of thinking once September hits is this………”I’m so busy”! Those are killer words when you are running a business.
