Today I want to talk to about the other Business Basic that I believe every business should have: Thinking like a CEO/Business Owner. I believe this is just as important as finding your Ideal Client. (If you want to re-read the article about the Ideal Client, click here)
The biggest challenge as I see it is this: Many people are used to being the Technician and not the Owner. As the Technician, you are very good at what you do (your craft), and typically this skill is what leads you to opening your own business. Where the challenge comes in is when the Technician has to operate her business as a CEO/Owner.
First and foremost, being a CEO/Business Owner involves a mindset shift. For many of us, especially “corporate refugees,” the shift from employee to owner can be very difficult. As an employee, you are discouraged from thinking outside the box. In fact, this type of thinking usually begets trouble! As a CEO/Business Owner, thinking outside the box is essential! So how does one get from inside the box to outside the box?
Here are 6 steps to help you get outside the box:
1) You need to be aware that you are it! This may sound simple, but it’s not. You report to you. There is no Manager. There is no CEO. There is no Board. You are it. Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of all titles. You are now the CEO/Board of Director/Manager/Customer Service Department/Chief Cook and Bottle Washer all rolled into one. 
2) The good news? All decisions are yours. The bad news? ALL decisions are yours. This means everything from setting your fees to taking care of unhappy customers to answering the phone to marketing to motivating yourself. All are up to you!
3) You need to surround yourself with those who think like CEOs/Business Owner’s. Get involved. Ask questions. Seek advice. Ask to be mentored. Join a MasterMind group. Hire a business coach. Don’t go it alone! Remember, the most successful businesses don’t get there by going it alone.
4) Act like a CEO/Business Owner rather than the Technician. Easier said than done sometimes, but if you put yourself in the frame of mind of a CEO/Business Owner and ask yourself, “What would a CEO/Business Owner do about this decision?” you might find the task a bit more manageable. Make decisions. Don’t procrastinate! Think about what you want for your business, and then make decisions accordingly.
5) Do you want to work with just anyone? (The answer to this question should be NO!) Do you have an Ideal Client in mind? (The answer should be YES!) Be clear on who you are doing what to. If you are not clear, your time and energy will be spent dealing with less than ideal clients on a daily basis, and who wants that? Don’t say “yes” to everything that comes your way. Remember, saying “no” allows you to say “yes” to your business vision. Be consistent, and be sure it matches the vision you’ve set out for your business.
6) Be sure you have standards and boundaries around your business. This is just another way of saying, “What will you tolerate in your business?” Good and bad. Then make sure to respect those standards and boundaries. If you don’t respect them, trust me, your clients won’t either! Your clients want to work with a business owner that knows who they are and what they stand for. Make sure that person is you!
Remember, the object of going into business is to create a profit. In order to do this successfully, you’ll need to shift your thinking from that of Technician to that of CEO/Business Owner when it comes to making decisions about your business. Are you ready to think like the CEO/Business Owner you are? I’m tipping my CEO/Business Owner hat off to you as you either begin or continue on this adventure! 
©2010 Cindy Hillsey
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solid article…all too true (especially in my case!! have trouble being the CEO
). mjh
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