Leave It With Max

As much as I love the "ups", there's a lot to be said for the lessons we can learn from the "downs" in "ups and downs." Did I say “downs”? I meant catastrophes/failures/hit the bottom kind of stuff.

I've noticed that many people start a new venture (like a business) with great expectations but often discover that getting into business is a lot easier than getting what we want out of being in business.

In this issue we'll look at what this means and what we can do about it. I also invite you to peek in on what's coming and a couple personal thoughts.

Enjoy

Ann Griffiths
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IN THIS ISSUE
Part 1 – Leave it with Max
Part 2 – Heads-up - what’s coming
Part 3 – Personal Reflections
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Part 1 – Leave it with Max

Getting into business is a lot easier than getting what we want out of being in business.

Think about it. How many people go into business or start a new venture with the idea of using it to create more money, more freedom, more fun, or more (you fill in the blank)? But before they know it they find themselves trapped – like the story of Max the business owner who was approached by a government official – “We received a report that you have some poor guy working here 18 hours a day and seven days a week for nothing but room, board, and meals. Is that true?” “Yes, I’m afraid it is,” admits Max. “And I’m sad to say, you’re looking at him.”

I don’t know of any entrepreneur who hasn’t been in that situation somewhere along the line – and that includes me. You might even be in that spot right now. So, to help you avoid the trap that Max was caught in, here are just two smart tips.

1. Give your business your best – You bring special gifts and abilities into your business so don’t abandon them. Offload anything that can better be done by others so you are free to do what you do best. For example, if you’re doing the bookkeeping, what profits are being lost because you don’t have time to get out and meet with clients or market your services? Hint – Nobody can sell what you offer better than you – the passionate entrepreneur/business owner.

2. Don’t let your business run you – Entrepreneurs have a lone-ranger reputation that can help drive their achievements – but it can also act as a debilitating ball and chain. As soon as possible, download what’s in your head into a system that can easily run itself and be followed by others. Necessities like database management, marketing campaigns, or the flow of client deliverables can be systematized so that you can do what you do best.

The result? You get what you went into business for in the first place. And, by the way – these tips can also apply to other areas of our lives.

Part 2 – Heads up – what’s coming

If you can identify (even the slightest) with Max (see above) then you will want to check out the e-course I’ll be offering. As soon as I can iron out a couple of technical issues, you will receive a special e-mail invitation to register online for my five-week e-course “What’s so dog-gone hard about success.”

Part 3 – Personal Reflections

My feet are up. The sun is splashing through the window and across my hands. My computer is on my lap. And all is well as I look out the window at the boats bobbing around on the waters of False Creek.

So much has happened in my world since my business partner and I chose to close our advertising agency two years ago. Wow – has it been that long, my friend.

I’m excited about the growth I’m experiencing in my "new" business and grateful for the people (including my clients) who help make it possible. There’s still work to do but it is happening. And it feels good and right.

Part of that growth includes the individuals I get to coach, the e-course that you'll soon receive information about, and the program that I plan to launch later in the spring. The goal in all of these initiatives is to help people who are in business for themselves.

Well – that’s it for this time. I think I’ll now focus my attention on the beautiful Vancouver sunset – before it disappears.

Take care.

Ann

Drop by for a visit at www.smartstrategiesinc.com

SMART Strategies works with entrepreneurs & executives to help them gain clarity, grow beyond obstacles and self-imposed limitations, and succeed in achieving the results they want. To explore how we can help you get the results you want in your personal and business life, email Ann at coach@smartstrategiesinc.com