As a small business owner or solo professional, you’ve got many processes and procedures in place, not to mention lots of marketing things, like your LinkedIn profile and your website.
Over time, it’s easy to look at them, without really seeing them. That can be a problem, particularly as your business evolves. With that in mind, here are three ways I keep a fresh eye on my work:
- Question past decisions. Decisions we made about how to do something 3 or 5 years ago may no longer apply today. Better software solutions are invented all the time. Maybe your business focus has shifted. Or, maybe, there is an easier, less expensive solution available now.
- Look closely at the parts of your business that are right in front of you. The other day, a friend noticed a typo in her email newsletter that had been there for years – how could that happen?
To avoid this, I suggest you do a scan of the parts of your business you may be taking for granted. If you’re about to give a presentation you’ve given many times already, review it closely one more time. Look at your website – every page – and make sure all the buttons and links your potential clients might be clicking are working as they should.
- Know that the buck stops with you. I’ve heard many times from solo professionals: “I don’t know how that works, so and so set it up for me.” That’s fine, I don’t expect you to know how the technology was set up, let alone how to make modifications to it. But it is critical to check the work you outsource and make sure you understand what is supposed to happen and when. Then document it, so you can look back later on and check again!
Things I Can’t Live Without: Nike Run Club App
I have been using this app over ten years now, there was a break in there somewhere, and I relish the motivation that it provides.
Sometimes I just listen to some music and other times I check out a guided run. Guided runs are Nike coaches directing you on your walk/jog/run. Such as, when to speed up, slow down if you’re feeling winded, what to do before and after a walk/jog/run and make some awesome suggestions on how or what you should be eating or drinking before and after that walk/jog/run.
One of their mantras is “It’s about running and it’s definitely not about running,” it is so true. Sometimes I use a guided run even if I’m just going for a regular walk and need a little inspirational pick me up. It is motivation and inspiration you can take into your personal and professional life and throughout your day. If you haven’t yet, go, check it out!
