Feeling scattered and smothered in your business these days?
If you’re overwhelmed trying to keep things afloat on the one hand while trying to get your business growing on the other hand, it’s time to find your “one question.”
We all know about goal setting as a means of staying focused. However, the “one question” takes goal setting to a different level. It narrows the decison-making process down to a singular inquiry and really tightens operations in the process.
I learned of the “one question” approach several years ago while working with a client who served as president of a national sports association. She exemplified the idea of “eye on the prize.” I was part of the agency team selected to help this client’s association increase membership. This respected organization had excellent programs and benefits; all the good news was there. We just needed to share that good news with potential members and inspire them to join.
At every meeting and over every decision, this client would ask “will this increase membership?” We considered logo revisions, and the client asked “will this increase membership?” We talked about a PR campaign, and the client asked “will this increase membership?” We planned events, and the client asked…well…you get the point.
That one question was the beacon for everything we did, and it was very effective. The client would not allow herself to get mired in minutia that didn’t matter. She refused to donate time or brainpower to anything that was off point, and she never made a decision based solely on her preference. With that perspective, we certainly kept our budget and tactics well-directed.
What’s the prize—the singular goal—for your small business? What’s the one question you should ask before making any decision or taking on any project?
Is your goal to increase your business? Then ask yourself “will this grow my business?” constantly. Do you need to bolster repeat orders from existing clients? Then ask yourself “will this gain repeat orders?” at every moment of decision.
Make your one question the divining rod, and start by taking a mental audit of your business right now. Apply that question to choices of office space, staffing, expenditures, tasks, marketing, community involvement and daily prioritization. With this approach, I assure you there will be a spotlight shining on what’s necessary and what’s expendable.
It’s amazing how one simple question can hold so many answers.
