How many times have you heard the word “basics” in business? What does that word mean to you? Most of the time, it means that you have already completed the steps to being in business. For example, you know who your clientele is, what your rate structure is, what you’re offering, and what you want your business to look like. Ironically, very few people actually teach the “basics.” It is always assumed that you know, and have applied them, to your business. It is also falsely assumed that once you’ve done them you never have to revisit them.
Let’s set the record straight once and for all and get rid of the term “basics” and replace it with “essentials.” Essentials are not a once and done type of thing. You must come back from time to time to review them to be certain what you created still applies to where you are today and where you want to go tomorrow.
I firmly believe there are four categories that cover the Essentials in business. They are: Ideal Client (Who are you doing what to?), CEO/Business Owner (Who is running your business?), Marketing (Getting the word out), and Vision (Seeing your success/Seeing your future). In order for your business to be running optimally, all four of these elements need to be addressed. Granted, you may spend more time on one area than another, but you will still spend some time in all areas. In order to gain the benefits from many of the programs out there, you need to be solid in these Essentials; otherwise you are going to struggle with what you are learning and trying to do. This usually results in frustration with the program, the person teaching the program, and/or yourself and your business.
Let’s do a little exercise around the Essentials, shall we? I’ve developed a checklist that will let you know where you stand on these four Essentials. As you go through this checklist and answer the questions, be honest with yourself about where your business really is right now. The nice thing about this form is that you can use it at any time to check where you are relative to the core elements and any changes you wish to make in your business.
Click here to download a PDF version of my Business Essentials Checklist.
©2010 Cindy Hillsey, CPC
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liked this post I will come back for another visit.