As a small business owner or entrepreneur, your business may have been born out of your passion for what you do but sometimes we jump into business, ready to change the world but without a plan.
We get so busy doing and working that we lose sight of where we need to be. We work hard and not smart!
Benjamin Franklin said “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!”. The plan does not need to be rigid but you need to have a plan and a clear vision. Sometimes, when you begin, the way ahead will be a little cloudy. Don’t worry! That is normal but you need to be clear about what your ultimate goal is – you also need to have long-term goals and be clear about your target market.
Why do we need to get clear about our business?
Because these factors determine your way forward. These factors determine what work you do and where your focus is. Successful entrepreneurs and business owners hold a clear picture of what direction they want their company to take and they possess a plan to guide it from conception to realisation.
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A clear picture and plan will make decisions for us as long as we continually look back at our original plan/goal. You can ask yourself: “Is this helping me achieve my ultimate goal?”, “Will this direction take me where I want to be?”
For those of you who simply don’t have time to read this article (and for those who do), here are 3 tips to help you get CLEAR about your business:
- Take time to create your Brand. Who are you and what is your business all about? Get your story straight! Most entrepreneurs usually focus their minds on getting the job done and forget about giving their businesses a clear identity. Work on building a brand image for your business or company so that potential customers will know exactly what to expect from you. A good brand not only increases your credibility, but will also send your company’s message clearly and allows you to connect well with your customers and online community (i.e. potential customers). It will motivate them to keep on coming back for your services and/or goods.
- When you start to share your message, start with the “Why”. When you don’t know your “why” you lack inspiration and your message falls on deaf ears. Don’t lead with the “What” or “How”. Tell your story – there is something beautiful and powerful in it.
- Get some Niche-Clarity. Get clear about the work you love to do, the way you love to do it and WHO you love to do it with. It takes courage to define a tight niche. We may fear leaving someone out or we may fear excluding potential clients or opportunities but if you are clear on your ultimate goal, you will draw the type of clients that you will make your business blossom.
What have you done to get CLEAR about your business? Tell me in the comments below. I would love to hear from you!
