I had a discussion yesterday with a business owner. After listening to his pain points and some of the future issues he is going to have, I worked on a simple cheat sheet that I apply in my own business. Look... we often make business way too hard. Business can be as hard or as simple as we want to make it. I choose to make it really simple (partly because I am not that smart!)
For me and our business, there are 3 critical elements that I must always have my finger on the pulse. I can never lose track of these three things.
- Priorities: What are the priorities of your business? Do you have them defined? Are they the right ones? Do you track them? Are they working? Do all the employees know the company priorities? These are just some questions you need to have answers to when defining the priorities of the company (or your life for that matter!) But it amazes me on how many businesses do not have clearly defined priorities outlined and then communicated throughout the organization. It is very critical to define the priorities. This requires some space and quiet time away from the business to really work on this effectively. We do "strategic retreats" that are the best r.o.i on our calendar.
- Focus: After the priorities are clearly defined and targeted, the next step is to focus on achieving them. The top producers and "get-it-done" people have a laser like focus about their business. Unlike most of the world, who chase rabbits here and chase rabbits there, the top producers are singular in focus. The priority is clearly defined and turned into a target. Then the top producer sets her sights on hitting this target with a passion, energy and concentration that the competition can't match. My goal is to have a focus like Tiger Woods; that is my mental picture of where I want to be.
- Execution: Once the priorities are defined, and then the focus is set, the final critical element is to execute. Just Do It! as Nike says...Don't be like rest of the pack out there in the marketplace that fail to perform. Do Stuff! Just execute every single day with enthusiasm! Or in other words as we say in our business....and again we make it simple because we are not that bright...Just sell something to somebody!