I often hear and read the phrase “work ON not IN your business”.
I use it when I am mentoring business owners. As the sole owner of my business, I often say the phrase to myself when I have those monthly reviews, with myself, plus my company secretary (my 6 year old Golden Retriever). But what does it mean?
We all get heavily involved in the day to day tasks where we strive to deliver our promises, satisfy customer deadlines, some have to pick up the slack from poor service from suppliers/staff.
Warning signs you are working too much IN your business:
Before you know it, the week has gone, next the month disappears then the year finishes. You are happy that you survived another year! But have you progressed?
You have reached either “unconscious competence” OR “unconscious incompetence” This state is called the “owners trap”
Although most business owners understand this, it can take a “light bulb” moment or a period of sustained pain before they realise that working constantly IN their business is actually not constructive.
So there is another way………………...
Before the “light bulb” or “sustained pain” be proactive, take time to step out of your business to establish your vision of what you want to create and the strategy to build it, then spend time each month/week on progressing actions towards its achievement.
And when you do start working on your business:
You don’t stop working IN your business, it’s about allocating time, spending regular good quality time each week/month working ON your business.
Then you are in charge of the big picture. When you see areas that need improvement, delegate the work out, so you can be the leader and visionary that you need to be. It may take some practice if you're used to getting really hands on in your business, but your employees will appreciate the trust and responsibility you give them, and you will quickly learn that you can do the job of leading your business that no one else can do!
Accepting or seeking help is not a sign of failure or weakness, it’s a sign of strength and leadership.
“A 10,000 mile walk starts with the first step”
Thank you for reading.
Tim Cornes.
Note 1:
Read my blog - Why are vision, mission and values (VMV) so important in your business?
Experienced Business Coach and Mentor, owner of Business Doctors covering East Cheshire and High Peaks.
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