FOCUS
I’ve set up a few businesses in my life and the one thing in common with them all, is my plans always took longer than expected! I am not sure what it is about entrepreneurs or people in general, but we live in hope that our dreams will come true sooner rather than later.
The classic Entrepreneur mistake when it comes to setting up a business is a lack of focus. True entrepreneurs tend to be full of ideas. They read about a new marketing strategy or dream up a new product or service, before they’ve finished or properly executed the ones in front of them. They can be working hard and even be good at what they’re doing but because of a lack of focus they don’t get done what needs to be done.
Observations of Entrepreneurs
• Perfectionism – some people just can’t bare the thought of releasing a product or service that is not perfect. But here is the problem it will never be perfect! No product is, and could always be better. Improve it in the second round and then the third round.
• Don’t delay launching. Yes, there are some basics that need to be right, but if you delay you will go broke like so many others before you. No, it can’t be shoddy, it needs to be good, just not perfect.
• Start with something (ideally one main thing) and keep adding later. Start with one product or service and then add additional products and services down the track. Don’t try and start a business with all the products ready that you could want.
The 90-Day Plan
Managing your time is one of the greatest challenges that you will face as a business owner. Thankfully there are some smart ways that you can manage it in order to get the best results.
Whilst all businesses should create and follow an annual business plan, you should break this plan down into realistic 90 day plans to make it simpler, keep you motivated and to make sure things are getting done.
Here are some tips:
• Set key goals for the next 90 days. Ideally these are derived from your annual business plan and are just reduced into smaller amounts or underlying tasks to ensure they can be achieved.
• It should be just one page. Anymore than that and you won’t refer to it.
• Put it somewhere obvious, in viewing range, where you will see it each and every workday.
• Use the 90-day plan as your activity checklist. Every morning when you start work refer to it so that it serves as a reminder of what you need to focus on.
Some Bible Passages to Encourage You
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 16:3
God is on your side. Depend on him, focus on serving him and you will do well and accomplish great things.