It can come naturally to have a vision for your business and simply set out for some big goals. Where most entrepreneurs tend to struggle is being able to realistically see the big picture beyond where they currently are and how to actually create a path to get there. For most entrepreneurs, having a creative and innovative mind can sometimes get in the way of progressing whether it be due to being overwhelmed with all your ideas and not knowing where to start, not having the organization or administrative skills to plan and execute correctly, or just procrastinating getting tasks accomplished because there’s no accountability. We know being an entrepreneur and small business owner is no small feat and we want to be available to contribute to your success. Let’s walk through some basic evaluating, goal planning, and strategy and see if you can gain some clarity to move forward independently or with our support! (We’re ready!)

Being able to assess where you are right now may or may not be easy for you. There’s a common sense awareness most have when starting and growing their businesses, but not everyone takes the time to do their homework (sometimes they don’t care or just don’t take the time). Of course knowing who your competitors are and what they’re doing is important, but I feel strongly about not settling into that too much. Think about it: there are endless amounts of candle companies, fitness trainers, apparel brands, authors, and photographers and the majority of them are successful. There may be a lot of similarities, but no two businesses or brands are completely identical and that’s what makes them valuable. Take a look at what you’re actively doing and/or selling, how you’re doing/selling it, for how much, the time and money it takes you to do/make it…all the details that encompass your business. (Many keep that information in their brain, but to have it written down or all in one place to reflect on is going to be very beneficial.) And then remember your WHY! The details certainly matter if you want to create success, but the success doesn’t mean anything without your why. This will help create clarity, not only in where you are, but how you got to where you are. (Cue pat on the back.) What has worked is equally as important as what hasn’t worked and possessing that insight will propel you into your next steps.

Evaluation complete. Next up – Goals! (As mentioned above, you’ll find the greatest reward in writing these down or having them saved someplace you can consistently go back to.) Let’s start long-term. I usually go with a 5-10 year goal and work my way backwards. And if you don’t see that far into the future, 3-5 or even 1-3 years works. (If you’re not familiar with setting SMART goals, be sure they are Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound). If you’re just getting off the ground with your new business, coming up with goals that are “attainable” or “realistic” can be a challenge when you’re not quite sure what’s really possible. You have permission to dream big! It is totally okay (and encouraged) to reflect on your goals throughout your journey and make revisions along the way. Once you’ve completed your list of super exciting intentions for your business, be sure you take some time to think about why that goal or milestone is important to you and envision what it looks like or how it feels when you achieve it. Let’s be real: as an entrepreneur, sometimes we have to encourage ourselves! Really paint the picture so you are fired up to go for it!

We’re almost there. Planning and executing. (My favorite part!) We take the list above and break it down to smaller goals. I like to shoot for 30, 60, and 90 day goals. And then, once more, break them into daily/weekly/monthly tasks. Once you get down to your to-do list, you get to start checking things off. Breaking down these big projects into bite site tasks makes it way easier (and faster) to get to your end goal. If you have a team (or the resources to hire support), delegate what you can. (Insert plug here for Harvest Pursuit who has a long list of skills that can help eliminate stress and time from your plate. Email me to find out how.) Find what works for you – some of our clients are still very much pen and paper, old fashion note takers while others need programs like ASANA to keep everything in order. No wrong answer, but once you decide, stay committed and you WILL see results roll in.
I am not here to tell you that you NEED me to succeed. I know (especially if you’re reading this), you’re a go-getter, passionate about what you do, and eager to learn and grow. BUT none of us are perfect. We all possess our strengths and our weaknesses. My motto is “Do what you do best and delegate the rest.” Beyond the logistics of getting to your next big goal, we were made to be in community – to work together, to learn from each other, to support one another. That’s what we believe at Harvest Pursuit and we would truly be honored to be a part of your team as you reach undiscovered heights. At any time, in whatever stage you’re in, we’ve got you covered!