When you launched your business, you knew the start-up phase would be challenging. But here it is, several years later, and it doesn’t feel like you are any further ahead. You’re pretty organized, have great ideas, and certainly work hard.
What happened? Why has it become so difficult to manage your business?
We call this being on the Fragmented Focus Treadmill. ™
If it’s any comfort, you are not alone. Every entrepreneur experiences being pulled in too many directions at one time or another.
Regaining control of your business is not about better time management, working longer hours or coming up with new ideas. It’s about getting back to basics. You are so busy reacting to day-to-day demands that you do not have the time or energy to consider and focus on the future.
Consider these four common pitfalls and take action to refocus and have control of your business::
All the best laid plans:
Many entrepreneurs start off with a good business plan, but it ends up collecting dust on a shelf. A good strategic action plan is the map that keeps you on the right path, providing both short and long-term goals. It helps identify the strategies and actions allowing you to decide when to say yes to an opportunity and, more importantly, when to say no. A dusty plan will do you no good.
Are you suffering from “Shiny Object Syndrome”?:
It is much more fun to start something new than it is to finish the same-old things. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing new ideas will improve your business. You must seriously weigh the pros and cons of implementing a new idea, they will fragment and divert your focus. You must determine whether your great idea is actually good for your long-term business growth or is it simply a shiny object?
You can’t continue to do it all:
When you started out, you did everything. You wore all the hats. Now your business is busier and you continue to try to juggle it all. This doesn’t work for the long term. Delegating even one of these tasks can give you the time and energy you need to make smart business decisions. You need people around you who can do some things better and more efficiently than you do it.
Not everyone is your Ideal Client:
Your business cannot be all things to all people. Not everyone is your Ideal Client. Growth in too many directions will only weaken your core business. Really understanding your clients will save you time and energy and will enable all your marketing to effectively target the right market. Know who you serve best and stick to it.
Do any of these pitfalls sound familiar?
Watch this two-minute interview with Judi Hughes to Get Off the Fragmented Focus Treadmill™