ARTICLE: Some things never change in business
Remember when started to relax and get over 2020? You probably started casting your mind forward to 2021 with determination saying this year will be a better year!
Or will it? You are probably reflecting on the year that was and some of the business goals you are contemplating for this year may include;
- Spending more time with family and friends?
- Growing your business and its value, to help give your personal wealth a boost along?
- Increasing your profits to give you a little more in the back pocket for more of 1 and 2 above?
- Getting on top of cash flow, to have more in the bank and fell more secure?
Most in business will be thinking the same way and will be steadfast in their determination to make it happen this year. Sadly they won't and it's not for the will to do so whilst relaxing on the beach.
Recently I cleaned up some old files in my home office. Amongst those files was an article written 18 years ago by Peter Swtizer titled "to grow your business". The article and the 11 rules within are as relevant today as they were back then. One rule which just can't be ignored in the growth equation is Plan Plan Plan. Planning is the cornerstone to the success of any journey. Just ask the Qantas Dream Liner Captain who may have flown you to London for your white Christmas. You didn't arrive their by chance, the whole flight was meticulously planned and the plan was adjusted as the flight unfolded. Corrections to the path your journey was taking being made as the captain received data necessary to make the course adjustments required. He most likely conferred with his first officer for advice on what may have been unfolding and its potential impacts on the plan.
Achieving your business goals is no different to that flight example. You need to meticulously plan and make adjustments as the journey unfolds to ensure you reach your desired destination, successfully.
My experience consulting to Australian business owners and managers and helping them to achieve their business growth aims is that growing a business is really hard. To quote from Peter's article, "As Jerry Seinfeld once observed, science has shown that men are genetically inclined to want to build big things - bridges, roads, airport terminals. But why don't they do it? Because it is really, really hard!
Don't let 2021 end the same way 2020 may have. Take all of the goals you have been contemplating for the past week and turn them into a documented and actionable plan. Kick 2021 off by taking steps to being accountable to a growth mindset. That change alone will provide you with the foundation for your growth rewards.
