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Stop Chasing The Money

 

5 Rules to Growing Your Business 

In my previous post, I talked about Rule # 1 which is getting out of your own way and I really meant it. Do get your own way with limiting beliefs, procrastination or not listening to some really good people that have done it right.  OK, we have that one down right?  So it's time to move on to the next rule.   

Rule #2.  Play From The End Game:

 Rule number 2 deals with 2 key areas: The first part of this this to have a clear picture of where you are going or better yet; play from the End Game. This is typically called Vision and a lot of people get hung up on the word and start thinking woo woo or vision boards (not a bad idea). At best many small businesses talk about vision only in terms of being the best and making a lot of money.  That's fine and we all want these things in some fashion  and while that is all well and good it says nothing. Without a clear and compelling vision you are traveling along a bunch of roads hoping you’ll end up in -say- London.  No one else understands your journey so they can’t map it out for you thus no one else can really help you at least with any degree of commitment. 

Second is your brand; not just your company brand but also your personal brand as well. If you are an entrepreneur then the two are linked so pay attention to this.  Your brand is not your visual identity. I know you say you know this but it amazes me how many don't pay attention.   Yes it is your platform, your unique selling proposition and your promise.  But more importantly it is your dream and trust me when I say it is truly  supported by your core beliefs and values that connect with everyone who comes in contact with it and you. It MUST engage them on an emotional level.  That’s right I said the E word.  Mark Benioff owner of Salesforce.com is adamant about this in his book Behind the Cloud that offers a great playbook for any business – not just technology based companies. 

So here's the deal.  Getting your brand right starts with a very clear picture of what you want your business to be in every sense of the word from your location to your furniture to your communication and then some. Ultimately this baby of yours supports the life you want to have and aren't you worth it? I mean really who else is going to care as much as you.  

So that's Rule # 2 and hopefully I've conveyed the importance of knowing exactly how important it is to have your vision and mission as clear as a bell. Live it. Breath it. Be it. 

Until next time when I bring you Rule # 3. 

Ellen Smith
Are you En Course with your business?