Many a writer has heard (and followed) the edict to “kill your darlings,” to the benefit of their overall writing product. What does it mean? Simply put: cut out and eliminate any extraneous stuff that isn’t actively contributing to the big picture. No matter how sentimental you feel about the phrase, the chapter or the story, you’ve got to get rid of the bits that don’t work. But this can be applied to any creative process, including running a business.
For your business, this might mean any number of different things. For example, there might be a program you offer that’s just not really working. It’s hard to fill, hard to collect payment, hard to promote. If you can’t figure out FAST how to fix the problem, just get rid of it.
Or maybe there’s an annual promotion you offer that you think is awesome but that never really gets much traction. You spend time, energy and money promoting the offer, but it never pays off. But if it’s not earning its keep, why keep it around?
If you’re having a hard time getting a little distance between yourself and the pet projects that don’t quite pass muster, an Online Business Manager can help. She can work with you to evaluate and analyze each program and business process to ensure you’re spending your energy wisely.
Remember, unhampered success is only possible if you are able to free yourself of the sentimentally attractive, yet unworkable “darlings” that hold back your business. You need to focus your attention on the functional processes and programs that form the backbone of your business.
As you purposefully trim down your business, a great way to keep your mind on your success is to delegate the tactics to your team members. You can get the top-level strategic help you need with an online business manager. She can work with you and manage your team to streamline and refocus your brand. Reach out today.
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