What’s my ultimate vision for this business?
Defining your ultimate vision might feel a bit daunting at first, but it's really about understanding what success looks like for you on both personal and professional levels. Let’s break it down with some practical steps:
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Reflect on Your Why: Start by asking yourself why you started this business in the first place. What problems are you passionate about solving? Who are you hoping to impact? This deeper purpose will be the cornerstone of your vision.
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Envision Your Ideal Lifestyle: Consider what you want your daily life to look like. Do you see yourself leading a team, traveling, or having a steady schedule that allows for family time? This personal dimension is key because your business should be an enabler, not a constraint.
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Impact and Legacy: Think about the legacy you want to leave. How do you want your business to be remembered by your customers, community, and even yourself? This often involves the kind of values and cultural impact you want to create.
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Financial Goals: Define what financial success looks like. Is it about reaching a certain revenue milestone or perhaps achieving a level of financial freedom? Be specific about the numbers and timelines.
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Capture, Develop, Expose: If relevant, consider this framework to refine your vision. Capture your ideas and inspirations; Develop them into a coherent plan; Expose your business to the market, and iterate based on feedback.
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Create a Vision Statement: Combine all these elements into a concise statement that inspires you and aligns with your broader life goals. It should act as your North Star, guiding your decisions and motivating you through the ups and downs.
Remember, your vision isn’t set in stone. Just as I had to pivot in my journey from engineering to the creative world, be open to re-evaluating and adjusting your vision as you gain more clarity and experience. Ultimately, your vision should make your heart race a little and give you a sense of purpose beyond the day-to-day grind.