Time to reassess and refocus?
I’m sure I’m not the only one who is struggling with this current lockdown and feeling that it’s going on forever.
Moving to a new home in January has helped me to see things differently personally. But as a business owner, I have found myself using the opportunity to refocus and reassess how I do things in my professional life too.
Improve how you work
Included in this has been a much-needed objective review of activities that I have always done, which has resulted in a better understanding of their value, together with a need to prioritise tasks going forwards. In addition, I have also become more confident in learning how to say no.
The economic environment of the past year has certainly presented enough change and challenges to last us a lifetime. As a coach, I understand the power of positive thinking. But as well as trying to get a handle on our rapidly changing emotions, what else can we do to change our perspective and improve how we work and the way our business operates?
As we move forwards, here are some key questions you might want to ask yourself:
Personal satisfaction and goals
Ask yourself if you have the right balance between a successful business and a great life? If not, the answer could be cutting back your working hours or saying no to work that you don’t enjoy doing. I have revisited my network and networking activities and made some decisions about where I need to spend more and indeed less time.
Business purpose
Ask yourself why you are in business and whether the reasons you set up the business are still relevant? If not, the answer could be to change your business design, direction, product/service offering or type of clients. I am currently tweaking my messaging and methodology to ensure continued relevance to clients.
Processes and systems
Ask yourself if there are ways in which you could do things better in your business. If yes, the answer could be to ask others what they do or investigate alternatives for introducing new technology to save time and money. I have finally got round to putting my database in one place, which has proved essential when it comes to organising marketing communications.
Growth and expansion
Ask yourself if you are happy with the direction of your business? If not, the answer could be increasing your skills through learning and development, hiring new staff or launching a new product or service. I am always looking for new opportunities online to learn or develop new skills that will be of value to my clients.
Strategic alliances
Ask yourself if you could expand the scope of what you do without losing flexibility and control. If yes, the answer could be outsourcing or partnering with other organisations to share the financial burden and help with strategic decision making. I have outsourced some of my marketing, which has enabled me to focus on the right activities that will support the growth of my business.
When you honestly answer questions like these, you may uncover new opportunities, challenges and directions for both your business and personal life. This is why I believe it’s so important to take time to refocus, reassesses and recharge.
Contact me to find out how I can support you through bespoke one-to-one coaching, or support and development programmes which can help you and your business to develop and grow.