One of the hard facts of owning a small company is, well the smallness of it all. Who is the sales director, you are. Who crunches the numbers, you again. Who manages production, it’s all you.
We live in a culture that values bigness (supersize it, think big, go big or stay home, etc.). In this environment it’s tempting to paint a picture of your company as bigger than it really is. But looking good doesn’t necessarily mean looking big. After all, wouldn’t you rather under promise and over deliver than get a rep for all show and no go?
Check over your services. Can you do everything you promise and do it well? If not, here are some ideas.
>>Take a look at your core values and purpose. Are all of your services in direct alignment? If not, start whittling. Less is more especially if it helps you get some sleep.
>>Ask a trusted friend, ‘where do you think I shine?’, in other words, where are you at the top of your game? Chances are those areas are what you love to do the most. So do this and find a way to delegate or let go of the rest.
>>Consider outsourcing your weaker or time consuming services so you can concentrate on what you do best. I listened in on a great call on this subject this week hosted by Sherman Hu and expert VA Jenny G. Good stuff.
>>Finally, think over the last six-twelve months of your business. What services are being requested most? Do you see any patterns? You’re only in business because of your clients. Listen to them, they will tell you what’s most important.
So there you have it, a nutshell version of a topic that fills many a shelf at Barnes and Noble. It’s okay to be small. Find your niche and be yourself. And for gosh sakes, take off that big hat, it’s not really you, is it?
