Walking the walk . . .
Ever had one of those moments when you’re sitting with a client offering advice that you know you don’t even follow? So either its bad advice – no never – or you don’t take your own medicine. Sound familiar?
I was cautioning a client about taking on too much at once, concerns over focus, priorities, etc. And then it hit me. I was describing myself. Lots of great ideas, weak on the follow through. Most of the ideas get nurtured to a point and then they sit. They either require additional resources that are not available – time, capital, talent, etc. - or the next brainstorm comes along pushing them aside.
This was truly an AHA!! moment. Remember, it important to take the time to work “on” your business, as well work “in” it.
About all those ideas rattling around in your gray matter, consider one of the following:
- Deal - Deal with it and move on. Decide whether it’s viable, what is needed, where it fits in on the priority scale, what are the options, and who’s going to do it.
- Do - If it's a priority, make it a priority. Give it the focus and resources necessary to accomplish the objective.
- Delegate – Why spin your wheels on something you don't do well? Consider delegating -sometimes to an employee (if that's an option) or consider a service provider. For example, if you’re great at marketing, but your accounting – not so great- consider hiring a bookkeeping service.
- Delete – Some ideas need to be put to rest. Either the timing is not right; you do have the resources, etc. Let it go. Focus on your priorities.
Ultimately, you need to model the behavior you expect in others. Your staff and your clients look to your for guidance, so make sure you have the time to give it.
work smarter, not harder . . .
