Leading a small business, doesn't mean you can't have a BIG vision.  In fact - you want to extend yourself and have a huge vision.  Don't fall into the mistake of thinking that vision statements are for big businesses only, it's not.

It’s  for YOU – the small business.

The reason you want to take time to develop your vision is because it provides you with your end picture. It describes what you’re wanting to build at that higher level.   Let’s not make this hard, because it doesn’t have to be.  In fact once you’ve developed your vision, you want it to be no longer than a one to three sentence statement.

A simple way to begin is to ask yourself:

At the highest level, what do I want to achieve…

Be honest, what do you really want to achieve?  Is it market dominance, or is it to be the best at what you do.  There is no right or wrong here.  It’s about you, your business values and where you want to end up. 

To help you think about this, let’s have a look at some brands that you may already know:

Virgin Atlantic: “Our vision is to contribute to creating happy and fulfilling lives which are also sustainable.”

Amazon: "Our vision is to be earth's most customer centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online."

Zappos:  “One day, 30% of all retail transactions in the US will be online.  People will buy from the company with the best service and the best selection - Zappos.com will be that online store.”

DebPilgrim J: “To help you start, grow and lead your business, so that you have the freedom to live the life you desire.”

Make it BIG.  Make it something that others want to ask questions about it, want you to explain it further.  And don’t feel you have to put ‘corporate’ words in YOUR statement – be proud of your vision.

Once you are clear on your vision, the other parts of your business will fall into place.  From here you can develop your mission – that is why your company exists, what you do well every day?  Your mission will describe the ‘how to’, ie., your level of service, how you will deliver your products, all those things that bring your vision alive.

You vision is important because:

1.  It can become your decision making tool.  You want to ask yourself when developing new products or services, or when asked to collaborate on a project, speaking engagement etc :  “If I do X, will it bring me closer to achieving my vision?”  If the answer is yes – perfect!  If the answer is no, then you know what to do!
2. It helps you clarify your goals and objectives.  If you have trouble developing goals, once you’ve got your vision it becomes so much easier.  Your goals will lead to the achievement of your vision.
3. It keeps you focused.  By looking at your vision each day – you will know exactly what you need to focus on.  When the ebbs and flow of business occur, you will be a stronger position to keep moving forward and not be distracted by those bright shining objects, because you are very clear on what you are achieving.

Your Success Assignment:

Block out some time over the next week, take out some post it notes, and ask yourself:

• At the highest level, what do I want to create…

Go bold!

For more accountability and support, why not join the conversation our blog or our facebook page, and share with us your Vision.

You've probably have heard the saying:  "the money is in the list",

well - it's true.  It is in your list.  And it's a frustration that a client brought to her mentoring call this week. She was all flustered because she keeps hearing that to do any good, you've just got to have a BIG list.

What's the point of having a list of ten or thousands if no-one is opening your emails, let alone buying from you.  Wouldn't it be better to have a smaller list, filled with clients who can't wait to open your emails and read what you have to say.  Who look forward to your latest product or service launch, and are happy to purchase from you.

No I'm not saying that you stay with a small list, you do want to continue to build it, but build it strategically. The way you can do this is by being very clear on your strategy around building your list.  If you have a clear strategy, you build quality rather than a quantity. 

Your first strategy is to be very clear on who your ideal clients are. The clearer you can be about this, the better understanding you will have around what you can share with them.  If you've worked through our e-book on 'Identifying Your Ideal Clients', you will be clear on who these people are. Take time to really understand what their concerns, challenges and dreams are.  Develop your avatar about these clients and have it somewhere you can see it regularly to remind you about them.

Your second strategy is developing a relationship with your clients through the content you provide.  When writing, make sure you are conversational. This isn't the time to become a bureaucratic writer!

A tip to remember is when writing articles or emails imagine that you are sitting across the table having a coffee with your ideal client. Have a conversation with them, use conversation tones and make it easy for them to get to know you.

For those of us who aren't natural writers, it does take time to get use to writing in this style.  I know for me it took a while to write more conversational, as having a Defence Force background my style was very militant and rigid.  Even now after many, many years I still find I'm learning from each article I write.

The final strategy is to be aware of how you position yourself.  You want your clients to see you as a leader within the marketplace.  To see you as someone who is willing to take a stand on what you believe in and inspire others. Someone who is willing to tell your story to connect with your clients.

Think about the e-newsletters you currently open and read, what makes you want to open those particular emails? My guess is that it has less to do with the instructional information, but more to do with the individual person and how you see them...

Now you've got a strategy to follow, what are some of the tactics you've used to build your list?  Please share them with us on our blog or Facebook page.

It's that time of year again, when it's important to start planning and making a decision about your business success for 2012... 

 

Our 2012 'Build Your Business & Get Results'

Coaching Program Is NOW Open!

Are you ready?  

 

In 2012, we are working with a limited number of clients to transform their businesses.  Over 6 months, we will be working together closely in our one on one and group coaching program - this is for those of you who are serious about making a difference to your business in 2012.

 

We are accepting ONLY the following clients:

• 15 clients into our "The Essentials" Program
• 10 clients into our "Essential Mastery" Program
• 7 clients into our "The Maven" Program

 

For more details on each level  - click here.

 

Don't wait to make your decision!  Registration is OPENED, and with numbers limited - our programs will sell out...

 

These programs are going to be stronger than anything we've ever done before.  And I'm looking forward to seeing your business grow like you could never imagine.

 

If you're ready to put yourself forward, and take the required action, then I'm ready to bring to the table all I know and have learnt about building successful businesses.

I'm looking forward to working with you in 2012.

 

Yours in success

 

Deb

 

Ps.  Go ahead - let's work together in 2012

PPS.  Feel free to forward this email on to others you think might be interested in attending...