Received this email the other day from Vicky White of LifeDesignStrategies.com and wanted to share:
I do really well participating in programs – get way more done than most people – and there’s a program I’m considering doing for the rest of this year which will support me in that. But what I really need is help with strategy in my business. I’m very action orientated, and very detail oriented, but can’t see the big picture so easily.
I’m looking at options for coaching or a program – may end up doing the one I’m considering but want to be open to other possibilities too.
I know I need to do things differently if I want different results – and I’d like to create a strategy that will support my vision of incorporating traveling and just maintaining my business from where I am – rather that working the hours I work at home.
Anything come to mind?
My answer to her, which you may find helpful as well…
One thing that comes to mind Vicky while reading your email is the thought of ‘training yourself out of your business’… making your business as automated as possible (via online tools, shopping carts, fulfillment services, etc) and building a great team to take care of the rest.
I’m not sure what your business looks like right now, but the toughest part of this process is usually getting ourselves in the headspace for this. As small business owners we tend to do so much of everything ourselves, by necessity in the beginning and then by habit as our business grows. Which of course creates a business tied to us, even when we want to escape at times!
One thing I like to do is start asking myself a question during my day to day biz activities – Am I the only person who can do this?
Ask yourself this question throughout the day, whether you are coaching or marketing a class or picking up your mail… the key is to get in the habit of asking, and then of course to keep track of your answers.
There are some obvious answers, such as say bookkeeping… for most of us this is a big NO and we look to hire someone to manage our books.
There may also be some ‘not so obvious’ answers… say with coaching. For a lot of coaches they think that they are the only ones who can do the actual coaching in their businesses. At face value this is true, but really…
hiring associate coaches could be an option for a business. Maybe not tomorrow, but it can be something to work towards in the future and to just keep in mind for now.
Pay special attention as well to those spots where ego may be getting in the way… we all have certain things that we know we are ‘the best at!’ in our businesses. And really, it may be true that we are the best at those things… but is ‘the best’ necessary for all things? Maybe if you passed something off to someone who does it ‘almost as well’ it is still a job well done AND then off your plate.
When you get in the habit of asking that question, you start to build a list of things that you can remove yourself from. It may take a few months or even years to really remove yourself from the equation, but having a list gives you something to work towards.
Interested in expanding your business team?
Join me for July’s Advanced Coaching Group on the topic of:
Increasing Your Biz Capacity | Hiring, Managing and Retaining Your Core Team
Whether you are making your first hire, or looking to expand your existing team… we will be taking a good look at:
– how to decide what elements of your business to hire for, and what to keep doing yourself
– where to find the best people to hire for your business
– how to get new team members trained quickly and efficiently
– the key to managing your core team, including the Who’s the Boss of You material
– ensuring that your team members stick around, and keeping them motivated
A pretty meaty topic, but oh so essential for your business growth. If you are interested in joining us for this topic click here to register.