As UK business owners, we understand the dedication required to fulfil promises, meet customer deadlines, and showcase our expertise. However, in the pursuit of delivering results, we often find ourselves engulfed in day-to-day operations, leaving little room for proactive actions that drive growth.
Content Directory
- 5 Signs You’re Working Too Hard ON Your Business
- What Happens When You Start Working ON Your Business?
5 Signs You’re Working Too Hard ON Your Business
- You handle every decision and task yourself, from sales and finance to operations and technical matters, resulting in a repetitive cycle.
- Even if you delegate tasks, you frequently check on the processes used by others, often late at night, fearing they won’t align with your methods.
- Long-term planning takes a backseat as you jump from one task to another, prioritizing urgent matters over strategic vision.
- You find yourself working long hours, sacrificing personal time, and becoming stressed, yet the expected financial outcomes remain elusive.
- You lack clarity about the direction of your business due to being constantly immersed in its day-to-day affairs.
Recognizing that this isn’t sustainable, you might already know what needs to change, but breaking free from this pattern can be challenging. It often requires a “light bulb” moment or an unfortunate period of strain and pain, possibly leading to burnout, before realizing that being constantly IN the business isn’t constructive.
But there is another way…
Instead of waiting for that moment of realisation, be proactive. Take time to step out of your business and establish a clear vision of what you want to create and the strategy to achieve it. Allocate dedicated time each week or month to make progress toward these goals. Sticking to this plan requires discipline, and finding someone to hold you accountable or bounce ideas off can be invaluable.
What Happens When You Start Working ON Your Business?
- You focus on your unique strengths and the original USP (Unique Selling Proposition) that set your business apart.
- Your renewed vision and strategy motivate you and align your stakeholders with the business’s direction.
- You set meaningful goals and develop exciting plans, using specific and meaningful measures (KPIs) to track progress and celebrate small wins leading to the big one.
- You no longer spend every moment running the business but start enjoying what you do.
- You gain a clear understanding of why each decision and action is essential for building your vision and making it a reality.
- Your leadership becomes recognised, and you become the driving force behind your business.
- Depending on various factors, you might still work IN the business, but you allocate time effectively to work ON the business, focusing on growth and strategy.
Remember, when you set up your business, you had a vision for what it could be, and it’s time to reclaim that vision. By being in charge of the big picture, you can navigate your business towards success. Surround yourself with individuals who share your vision and can be led to deliver it.
Though it might take practice, discipline, and some vulnerability—especially if you’re used to being the “doer”—your employees will appreciate the autonomy, trust, and vision you provide. Seeking support and advice is not a sign of failure but a demonstration of true leadership. Embrace feedback as an opportunity to grow and develop, and watch your business flourish like never before.
Let’s all strive to strike the right balance between working IN and ON our businesses, and together, we can achieve remarkable success and sustained growth.
