As I was looking for a message that would serve everyone, in particular entrepreneurs, I found a quote written by James Allen in his book
As a Man Thinketh, that certainly fits this time of chaos.
Tempest-tossed souls, wherever you may be, under whatsoever conditions ye may live, know this—in the ocean of life the isles of Blessedness are smiling, and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits your coming. Keep your hands firmly upon the helm of thought. In the bark of your soul reclines the commanding Master; He does but sleep; wake Him. Self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power. Say unto your heart, “Peace be still!”
Are you falling prey to the relentless focus on what is going “wrong” in the economy/life? We are bombarded daily with information, in the newspaper, on TV, over the internet, and from the people around you; some times it is positive – and sometimes they are not.
As you begin to look forward you will have to choose what position you will take to plan your business. You might start by asking some tough questions. Do you recognize the need for change? One client is researching a new direction for his business, a whole new model, as his market is disappearing for the foreseeable future.
Are you prepared to look reality in the face?
Are you willing to change the way you do business – and change yourself?
Will you turn the plan into action?
Do you have the guts to take your business in new directions?
I would like to lay out a road map that will get you to view your business through a lens that eliminates the distortions of everyday business. Let me warn you, you may not like what you see. But if you are going to meet the days ahead, it is a necessary process. Let’s look at what a strategic plan could do for you.
1. Develop a statement of purpose. Why does your business exist?
Sometimes why we started the business is not the same as why we continue to work it. Several of my associates had to close their studios, but are now offering classes and retreats online. What can you do differently?
2. Conduct a SWOT analysis. This will help you evaluate your business’ internal strengths and weaknesses, along with the opportunities and threats you face in the market place. It will give you a basis for developing a plan. Personally one of my weaknesses has forced me to catch up on new technology for holding Mind Masters meetings online with ZOOM.
3. Crystallize your thinking – Determine what specific long range goals you want for your business. It is never enough to just want more money. You need to cover all aspects of the business.
4. Create benchmarks, with specific results for meeting those goals. It is easier to make adjustments along the way without losing sight of the long range goals. Then take time to write down what you have achieved, this will reinforce the progress you’ve made and will help keep you in a positive frame of mind.
5. Brainstorm strategies for reaching each of the results. There is more than one way to achieve a result, ask others for ideas.
6. Develop a Plan of Action. Plan the progressive steps, along with who will do what when. Nothing ever happens without action, but there is a world of difference between mere action and constructive action. And even now there are actions you can take to prepare for the coming months.
7. Be confident in yourself and your own abilities. Be determined to follow through on your plan, because without determination the plan will deteriorate.
The Challenge: You have the ability to choose your experience. Take the first step. If you need help, Mind Masters has a 2nd Quarter ZOOM Strategy Session April 6th, check it out at www.mindmasters.com.