As we said in the introduction to this blog series, the way we conduct business activities can either move our business forward or slow us down. It is like driving on the road versus the ditch. The ditches are the ‘too much’ or ‘too little’ on either side of ‘just right’.
Today we will apply this idea to executing.
More than any other factor, execution has the greatest impact on success for a solopreneur. It is not your pitch, your product, the way you dress, or your networking group (although ALL of these are important). If you do not execute, none of these other pieces matter.
TOO MUCH
Regarding execution, Too Much often comes from thinking we need to do it all, all the time. Too Much comes from implementing the business courses, books, and podcasts without vetting or prioritizing the activities for our specific business. We do not spend time trying to find better systems, we just DO. The thought is, “if I am busy, I am moving my business forward”. Or, “if it worked for this person, it will work for me”.
This comes from a lack of understanding of what is truly needed to grow our business. We lack the ability to see how the tasks we are doing impact the progress toward our business goals; therefore, we believe that simply doing anything brings forward movement.
TOO LITTLE
Often, I see Too Little execution as a result of a lack of confidence or another mindset block. We are overwhelmed with what we need to do and so we do not do anything. This overwhelm can come from fearing failure or, more often, fearing success.
So, we find something easy to do that takes up our time and we do not make a plan for the important activities. We always find something else to work on, something else to prioritize, something else to distract us.
JUST RIGHT
So how do we execute well?
First, we need a clear understanding of where we are trying to go. Without a clear plan or specific direction, we will not be able to identify what it will take to get there. Once we know where we are going, it is easier to get there.
Second, breakdown the plan into specific steps. Breakdown the big goals into little ones. Define pieces you can work on each day, week, or month that will move you closer to your goal.
Third, test and evaluate your business activities. Are they getting you the return you expected? Is there a way to make an activity more effective? Set aside time each quarter to evaluate your progress and make changes as needed.
Lastly, create accountability. This can be with a networking group, business associate or a business coach. Many of the business activities that move you forward (networking, marketing, sales, etc.) can become mundane, but they are the ones that will keep your business growing. Keep yourself motivated with some great accountability!
Congratulations, you are out of the ditch!
If you are struggling in the early stages of your business, here are some tips to remember.
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Amy Lynne Coaching is located in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul in the great State of Minnesota. She works with solopreneurs and small business owners to help them reach their goals.
If you are interested in exploring coaching with Amy Lynne Coaching, you can schedule a phone call here!
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