Over the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of meeting and hearing some very successful and wealthy people talk about how they did it and how they have changed their lives and destiny by recognizing some very simple facts. I would like to wrap these up in a neat little package of tips and hints - you then have to decide which kind of person you are, what you would like to be and what you would like to implement, investigate or challenge.
Basic generalized top level descriptions:
Business Owners - hardworking , frantic, disorganized, scattered approaches, working early, working late, little time for holiday, family or friends, wake up motivated then wonder why they are doing it. Find it hard to let go of anything.
Entrepreneurs - in the early days as above then the light comes on and they use their creative drive and motivation to learn constantly and move it on - often multiple business owners , difficulty with others not getting their different or unusual business styles and eccentricities.Can find it hard to let go of their 'babies'
CEO's (good ones) have experience of both the above and take the best traits of both and set short, medium and long term goals, look forward to the next opportunity, build great teams and let their experts do their job, constantly connect and learn and are not afraid to let go of tasks they either cannot do well or dislike, They make the overall decisions and motivate and drive the businesses forward without losing their overall presence within the business. They value themselves, their time and their people.
How do you move forward - set you goals, decide on your strategy and set an action plan with clear tactics
Many business leaders don't admit it but they confuse Tactics with Strategy or they have a strategy that has unactionable tactics.
A tactic is a do, an action , like making the marketing call or visiting the client. A strategy is a long term plan made in advance and is about how to reach your goal in the fastest and most efficient and effective way and may well consist of a variety of tactics across many functions of the business.
A set of tactics without a clear strategy can cost you business and many business owners with many tactics and no real strategy often find themselves the key bottleneck and success blocker without even realising it - they believe that because they 'know' everything that everyone else does too and can't understand why they seem to be working themselves ragged while everyone else is just watching them fly around like a maniac. Passion is great but keep it focused and relevant and communicate it in a manner that everyone can understand - not just yourself. If you honestly assess yourself and realise that you are not really a strategist then find one and use their skills; if you can't translate your strategy in to actionable tactics use your mentor, team leaders or coach to scope it out for you BUT make a clear decision on your best skills and realise that NO-ONE is good at everything so why should you be any different.
Are you frenetic or formulaic?
To really move forward you need a good formula - study and think about the following
1. Motivation - what makes you get up and do it? the WHY. more money, holidays, big cars?
2. Drive and momentum - what is moving you forward? what really works? The END GOAL.
3. Your Model. What is you business model? is it built on q solid foundation? sell what to who and how and when - identify your market - use the 4 P's and challenge it. what are your revenue streams
4. People - your most valuable ones. Find and make a team of people who love to do the things you either can't or hate to do but need doing. Find a way to afford them as they will earn it back for you many times if you choose well. Let them help you. Appreciate them and tell them.
5. Money - to do anything we all need it, so scope out how, when , where from and ensure solid foundations and contingency
6. Mentor/Coach - no-on who is anyone did it with out one. Find the most appropriate one for you and your business and do it - everyone needs someone.
Key to everything regardless of which category you choose to see yourself i
n - NEVER STOP LEARNING, change your mindset to one of learn more and faster, participate and be involved. ASK QUESTIONS.</p><p></p><p></p>