There is ONE thing that 80% of business owners don’t do that keeps them in overwhelm, frustration, and chaos.
And I’m going to share with you what that is below … and I’ll even tell you how you can correct it too!
One of the many issues business owners face is bright shiny object syndrome — you know what I mean. The next big idea comes across their desk which they think is the answer they’ve been looking for … so they ditch whatever they’re working on to follow this new path, never finishing what they started…
This leads to overwhelm …
… and then frustration sets in because their business isn’t growing in the way that they hoped it would.
And they’re not seeing results … any results!
An example (and I know this is typical because I’ve had many conversations with clients) is that they are juggling getting their newsletter up and running; posting to their blog; creating products to sell via their website; and launching a membership program – all in addition to getting more clients. Does this sound familiar?
The solution to these problems is to create a plan … so that you don’t get sidetracked and go off course!
And one of the easiest ways to create your plan is to know exactly where you are in your business, and where you want to go. Once you know which business growth stage you’re at it will be so much easier for you to create your plan; you’ll know exactly where you need to focus your time.
You’ll know exactly what to do first, what to do second, what to do third etc.
No more following that bright shiny object!
I have spent the last ten years running my own online solo service business, and during that time have worked with many clients (from start-up businesses to multiple six and seven-figure businesses).
I have discovered that there is a very specific 3-step process to running a successful, long-term business. I refer to these three steps as the:
3 “Ms” to Online Business Management Success: Manage, Market, and Multiple Streams.
And once you understand the “3 Ms” and how they all fit together, it will be so easy for you to create your plan. And this is where 80% of business owners are going wrong – they don’t create a plan for their business.
Once you have a plan in place, you’ll find that your business runs smoothly, becomes more automated and streamlined, and, more importantly, grows!
Want to know more about the 3 Ms? I’ll tell you…
Step 1: Manage
This is the foundational piece of your business growth and covers your core business management systems such as:
- eCommerce and payment processing system
- Get More Clients System
- Filing Management System
- Creating your automated sales funnel
- Identifying your ideal client
Once you have all these key systems in place you’re then ready for the next step in your business growth.
Step 2: Market
This is where you create visibility so that clients are drawn to you. You need to let your target market know about your business through creating a customized and automated online marketing system – and you’ll also want to include some offline marketing activities in this stage too. During this stage you’ll:
- Plan your stay-in-touch system
- Decide which online marketing strategies are going to work for you, such as hosting your own teleclasses or writing articles
- Create your “free taste” that you’ll offer in exchange for a name and email address
Once your business has got to the stage where you are drawing potential clients into your business daily, and you’ve reached the bursting point in working one-on-one with your clients, then you’re ready to move into increasing profits and leveraging your time.
Step 3: Multiple Streams
The third, and final stage, in your business growth is where you repackage your expertise into various products and programs to leverage your time and increase profits. You’re not ready for this stage until you have the first two steps all in place. It’s no good creating information products if you don’t have anyone to market those products to. So before you rush out and create products ensure that you have a database of potential clients and customer who are ready and willing to buy your products.
To create a successful (read: profitable) long-term business you need to follow a plan. Follow the three steps I’ve shared with you here and you will not be tempted to go after the next ‘big idea’; instead you’ll know exactly what to focus on, when to focus on it, and what to do next.
