7 ideas to get your growth strategy DONE
Look behind you.
Don’t panic, I haven’t arranged for a stranger in a clown mask to creep up on you (well, not yet), I want you to quickly review how the half year has gone so far in your business?
Has the reality of your business year so far kept pace with the strategy you set at the start of the year?
And have you been consistent with working on growing your business?
Or have you been in ‘peak and trough’ mode, where you are BUSY (and therefore too busy to work on your strategy), then not busy enough and you focus all your energy on getting the next piece of work in, leaving the growth plan languishing in your desk drawer along with that miniature tape measure that is only really useful for measuring rulers?
If that’s you, still don’t panic. I’m here to help.
There isn’t really a magic wand to help you grow your small business. Oh wait, there kind of is.
Consistency.
The businesses that move forward are those that have a consistent approach to their growth actions, whether that is marketing, processes or comms.
But it can be a challenge to work consistently on your business growth actions, because there are a million (I’m exaggerating, but some days, only slightly) things you need to do and about 15 minutes before your next meeting. So here are 7 ideas to help you get consistent with the actions that really matter in your business.
1. Let’s start with one that might not set your trousers alight with excitement, but may need to be said: get focused and be realistic (it’s a buy one, get one free for your first idea). Get clear on what you need to focus on - you have a strategy for the year – how are you measuring up against it? Recalibrate your plan for the rest of the year and be super-clear on the growth actions that will actually move your business forward (look at what has worked so far, and what is not working for you). Then make sure your revised plan is achievable – know what sort of time you have each week or month to work on your growth actions. A huge list and a tiny time slot is a recipe for something very indigestible.
2. Whilst we are talking time, get your bread knife out, we need to slice some up. The most common reason that business owners don’t consistently work on their growth actions is not carving out purposeful time in their schedule. Look through your calendar and create slices of time dedicated to working on your growth actions. This could be weekly slots, or an hour or so twice a month – whatever you think you can achieve. If that doesn’t feel possible, how about a 20 minute slice at the start or end of the day? This will soon add up, even if it might feel like too little time to bother. Trial it for a month and see how much you get done.
3. Know your time drains and don’t fall down them. What takes a stupid amount of time in your business? We all have those tasks that suck our time – from financial admin, content creation to sending out onboarding information to clients. Make a list of your time drains, where you are spending lots of time and not adding your maximum value. Then decide what you can automate (like the onboarding process), or outsource (content creation). If you can do neither, can you speed it up – such as scheduling your blogs and social content, or giving yourself defined slots to go and chat with your mates on LinkedIn so you don’t accidentally spend an hour feeling busy but not really getting growth actions done?
4. I’m sure your desk is lovely, but create some Not-A-Desk time. If you are working on business growth actions that can be done away from your desk, make it happen. It will give you a fresh perspective on your business, help you focus and be more creative. A coffee shop or the local library. Or your garden - just don’t get distracted by seeing if you can still do a handstand, last attempted in year 5 of primary school. It won’t end well.
5. And make sure you prime your brain for better business thinking. Whenever you sit down to work on your business – whether you are working on marketing ideas, whipping up a delicious Instagram post or building an engagement tool, PLEASE do a creative workout before you start. It will really boost your creative thinking capability. There are loads in the Tool Shed, help yourself.
6. You might be moving forward but don’t forget to look back. Get in the habit of a quick review of progress by taking a quick glance over your shoulder (also handy for spotting approaching clowns). What is working? You may have sweated blood and pixels to get that email nurture campaign live, but is it actually working? If things are not going to plan, ask: what can I do differently? Which bit shall I tweak? If things are going well, ask: why is this working? Can I apply this approach elsewhere?
7. Oh look, there’s an elephant in the room… accountability. Let’s be honest, holding yourself accountable for your own growth actions is nigh on impossible. There is always a fantastic, water-tight excuse as to why you didn’t do what you should have done. So get yourself an accountability partner – someone who will be honest (but not a dick) with you, and who also would benefit from someone else supporting them. Meet weekly in a 30 minute, focussed session where you review growth actions and commit to new ones. Accept challenge, applaud success and ask for help from each other, and it will be hugely beneficial.
SOUND THE BONUS IDEA KLAXON.
Well, whadda you know, a cheeky bonus idea to help you actually work on your business strategy. I say cheeky, as it is a not-even-thinly veiled shout out for the Allotment’s creative business growth club, the Business Shed. It’s a monthly membership where business owners come for ideas, strategy, support and that all important accountability.
I like to think it is a great place for consistent business growth focus with a creative approach, but for goodness sake don’t take my word for it:
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
““I love how you push me to do better and the way you not only inspire me but give me actionable ideas/activities to work on.” Mel Barfield, Shed member.”
Fancy a visit? Check out the date and details for the next Visitor Shed here and come along for an online hour of creative business strategy.
And maybe take one more glance over your shoulder, just to be completely sure the clown is not there…