It’s a new year. You’re to rock your business into high-gear for 2017.
But, wait.
You’re in trouble.
Much like my strong-willed little four year old, I submit to you that what you
REALLY need is a TIME OUT.
Perhaps you’re thinking, “Excuse me, Kayla. I’m an adult, your little toddler games are not going to work on me.”
Don’t worry, you don’t have to go sit in the corner and think about not hitting your baby brother. BUT, I’m telling you that in order to propel your business forward, what you really need is a few moments in TIME OUT!
So, STOP DOING WHATEVER YOU’RE DOING RIGHT NOW
No multi-tasking. Freeze. STOP. Do not pass GO.
It doesn’t matter where you are in your journey, this is for you.
You take a time out to get to the core of your business.
When you have built your business on the RIGHT foundation, you will you be able to grow it, even when you hit moments of frustration.
Your TIME OUT is only for as long as it takes for you to truthfully answer these three questions:
What is your WHY?
Why do you want to own your own business? It it to make money money to provide for your children? Is it so you and your spouse can go out on more date nights or visit family that’s far away? Or ,do you want to start your own business because you went to school for years and you really want to find a way to use that degree you worked so hard for? Or, do you simply want to quit working the 9 to 5, stop interviewing every time you get orders to move, stay at home with your kids and not have to rush out the door to work every day? THE WHY is different for everyone. Take some time and really think about WHY you want to go into business. Or, if you already own your own business, then take some time to remember WHY you went into business in the first place.
Who do you want to help?
The second question I want you to be able to answer before you leave time out is: who do you want to serve? Who do you want to help? What kind of impact do you want to make on the world? Here we’re talking about your customers. Who is it you are making your products and services for? What problems are you solving? What needs are you fulfilling? Who is it ideally, that you want to help?
What is your MISSION?
What is the point of your business? So-lets take a t-shirt business. Your mission could be as simple has I want to share my awesome creations with the world because they are comfortable and they make people happier. OR, maybe your mission is even bigger. Maybe a portion of your proceeds go to providing clothing for families in need. My mission is two told. For one, I want to help as many military spouses as possible experience the freedom of a PCS Proof lifestyle, create their own businesses, generate more income and feel the personal fulfillment that comes with running their own business. But, my mission is also to earn MORE so that I can GIVE MORE. Part of my mission is teaching what I know and the other part is generating income so that I can give more to organizations that need help. As of part of my business, I’ve built in a minimum of 10% of our revenue goes to The Snowball Express which is an organization that serves our Gold Star families, specifically, the children of fallen military.
So what is your mission?
Once you’re done thinking about your why, who you want to help, and your mission, PRINT it out and put it where you can see it. Or, write it out on a post-it note. Whenever you start to feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or unsure why you’re putting all of this effort into a business, go back to TIME OUT and be reminded.
If you’re already a business owner, but doing this exercise was tough one for you, it may be time to take a hard look at your current business. Are you burnt out, or is your current business model just not working for you? You might decide that you need to take your business in a different direction, or add something to it, or take away something that isn’t working for you right now. Maybe its just making a few changes to what you sell and who you’re selling to. It’s okay to stay in time-out for as long as you need.
TIME IN!
You might also want to check out:
How to Create a PCS Proof Business in 6 Simple Steps
These are great points to focus on! Definitely in the middle of some business soul searching, at the moment…
Thanks Kate! It’s always good to do a little business soul searching to make sure you’re doing what you love.