It’s my first week home after summer in the Northeast, where I avoided the triple-digit temperatures of the South. Although Martha’s Vineyard got a teeny earthquake and the edge of a tropical storm, it was relaxing and a nice change.
I’ve always wanted a “location-independent business.” When I worked at The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, I had a manager who understood that the chaos of headquarters was not conducive to my creative process. After working from home a few times, I knew I had the discipline to be productive without supervision. Even on an island!
What Does YOUR Dream Business Look Like?
Not everyone’s priorities are the same. See if yours are listed below, or what comes up for you as you read this list.
Attracting clients more easily. Others do; why not you?
Working fewer hours. This was big for me, so I’ve always chosen mentors who have small children. I know they need to plan their time even better than I do!
Working virtually. It may seem hard to wean your clients off of working with you in person. Just know that it can be done, and it will free up hours of time.
Working with groups versus only one-on-one. If you haven’t made the leap, I’ll say two things to encourage you: you can help more people, including those who couldn’t afford to work with you individually. And, you’ll be amazed at the transformation that happens to your clients through community.
Delivering information passively. I love to teach, but I’m more fired up by application of ideas to my clients’ businesses. So, I created online learning programs where they can study my materials. Our coaching sessions are more in-depth, specific and productive. Can you create a workbook or video training for your process?
Marketing your business passively. Attract clients online with a 24-hour salesperson: a client magnet website. Follow up automatically with an automated email system.
Earning even when you’re not working. If the information you deliver passively can stand alone, without coaching, then you can sell those products or courses online.
I called this article 3 “positive” steps because I’m struck lately by all the negativity I hear. The media, the economy, cranky emails, disaster planning…. My gosh! Let’s do some small things that feel good:
Three Positive Steps
1. Dream! Grab a drink and go sit in a beautiful place. Let your mind go towards your most perfect version of your business. Where are you working? With whom? What are you doing? How does it feel? Capture a snapshot of that in a one-paragraph description. Post it on your desk or mirror and read it every day – out loud.
2. Plan. What are the steps that get you from here to there? List them and start implementing next week. If it feels heavy, break your list into pieces. If you have no idea how to get there, then step 1 is “Research how to build my dream business.”
3. Share. Find a friend or colleague who will embrace your vision, even if it’s still far off or fuzzy. Loneliness and isolation wear down so many solopreneurs, but building a support team will fuel you for the journey.
Start with me. Please share your dream business – or your questions – in the comments below. I’d love to nurture your vision with you.
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My business vision looks like helping people and helping myself. I want to become a spiritual consultant and have a website that will attract many people. I also want to work in person to gain valuable experience and see the results. I see much more time fredom. I want to use a model by Drs. Phillip and Jane and have my own time to meditate and market in the morning and use the afternoon to work and create. I want more family time and be able to work anywhere. I want a 6 figure income and I wnat to learn from proven leaders so I dod not have the time and money lag testing what works. I want positive and uflifting people around me.
Hi Sherri, That sounds like MY business! Love having the meditation built into my mornings so I begin with intentionality. Looks like writing it down was a big step 1. Now it’s time to keep stepping towards the dream so you can say all that in the present tense. Good luck!