Working On Your Business Instead of In Your Business

All business people have a ‘to do’ list either written down or in their head. But where does that list come from? How much of your ‘to do’ list is populated with things that other people have asked you do? Things begin to look the way you expect them to look. You stop asking ‘what if’ forgetting to look at the business the way others view you. Doing today what you did yesterday is what I call working IN your business. But there are times when business owners and managers need to take the time and look at the big picture. It’s critical to step back and ask ‘Why am I doing something?’ Choosing what you are going to work on is what I call working ON your business.

I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying, “Can’t see the forest for the trees,” When the trees are always in the way, you lose sight of the big picture because they you caught up in the day-to-day work. The opposite is also true, especially for business owners. They usually see the big picture but have trouble figuring out what do next because there are so many trees to choose from.

Whether you are stuck in the forest or the trees, taking the time to figure out how to work ON your business is an important step. To be successful in business you not only need to figure out the ‘how’ but also the ‘what.’ You have to be clear about what you want to accomplish, develop specific tasks, and then prioritize those tasks. But none of that planning will guarantee success if you don’t act with ‘intention.’ Without ‘intention’ you just have a list of stuff to do. If you want those ideas to be realized, you have to ‘decide’ to make it happen.

- barney