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A cute dog and a 215-mile journey đźâđš
The stakes are high, and the path is anything but clear. You do not end up at your destination by chance.
Are you getting where you want to go?
Think you've veered off the path to building a solid business foundation?
Today, we're getting back on track.
I sat down with my business partner, Graham, because heâs the best planner I know.
Heâs more than high-level strategiesâŠ
Grahamâs about mapping the essential, often overlooked basics that every entrepreneur needs.
Like that time he conquered a bike trail from Telluride to Moab with just a good old map and a clear destination.
Today in 4 minutes or less:
âïž But first, a cute dog
âïž The 215-mile trail to success
âïž Your destination is on the right
BUT FIRST, A CUTE DOG đâđŠș
If you ever meet our team member Mallory at a live event, youâll find she has the best-behaved (and cutest) black lab youâve ever seen.
Meet Somers the service dog.
Somers at Stagecoach last weekend đ„Č
How did she get so well-behaved?
Persistent and consistent reminders, not just one-time lessons.
Continual reinforcement of the basics is key to mastering the art of growth, whether youâre training a pup or building a SaaS empire.
Weâre all a bit like Somers. We need to be reminded of whatâs important⊠Over and over again⊠If we want to get where we want to go. đ
THE 215-MILE TRAIL TO SUCCESS đ”
If you ever catch my COO Graham off-duty, chances are heâs on a mountain bike.
Graham talked through his journey biking the breathtaking trails from Telluride to Moab.
Ever been to Telluride? Nestled in a massive canyon in Southwestern Colorado, itâs a sight to behold and a thrill to ride. But this isnât your Saturday pedal through the park.
Itâs a seven-day, 215-mile trek with Graham and a few buddies.
Itâs not all roughing itâtheyâve got little cabins, bunk beds, and enough beer and food to keep them goingâŠ
But donât think itâs a marked trail.
Imagine riding with no signs, just a GPS and a dream.
And hereâs the kickerâif you miss a turnoff, you might find yourself out past dark, cold, and lost at 12,000 feet. đ„¶
The stakes are high, and the path is anything but clear.
Itâs just like steering a business. Youâve got to have a solid foundation, a clear map of where youâre heading, and the flexibility to adapt when the unexpected happens.
So, whatâs your Telluride to Moab? Where do you want to take your business?
You do not end up at your destination by chance.
Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself:
Where do you want to go?
YOUR DESTINATION IS ON THE RIGHT đ
Hereâs a map inspired by Grahamâs biking adventures, ready to guide your own business journeys towards your goals:
1. Define Your Destination
Vision Beyond Profit: Identify a purpose that transcends monetary gains. What larger impact do you aspire to achieve with your success?
Stay SMART: Use SMART goals. Graham swears by this framework.
Specific
What needs to be accomplished?
Whoâs responsible for it?
What steps need to be taken to achieve it?
Measurable
If you canât measure it, you canât achieve it. Pick your numbers and start reverse engineering how youâll get there.
Achievable
This is the most subjective. Choose a goal that you truly believe you (and your team) can achieve.
Relevant
Write down Why this is most important right now. Come back to the Why every time youâre tempted to shift or every time thereâs been a large shift in the business.
Time-Bound
If you donât set a time, youâll never prioritize the Important over the Urgent
2. Equip for the Journey
Prepare with the Right Tools: Just like packing the GPS and maps for the trail, equip your business with the right teams and systems. If youâre using HighLevel, thatâs HL Pro Tools.
Anticipate Obstacles: Understand the terrain ahead. Are there rocky paths you can anticipate? Prepare plans.
3. Assemble Your Crew
Identify Key Roles: Graham needed a mechanic and a cook for his bike trip. Determine the essential roles for your business journey. Who is your âbike mechanicâ? Your âchefâ?
Cultivate Accountability: Surround yourself with people who not only support your vision but also hold you accountable, making sure youâre on track towards your goals.
4. Chart the Route
Set Clear Milestones: Define specific markers of success just like Graham had cabins to reach each day. What are the quarterly, yearly markers that indicate youâre on the right path?
Flexibility in Planning: Be ready to adapt. Just as a missing turn might reroute a journey, unexpected business challenges require quick thinking and strategy adjustments.
5. Commence the Ascent
Daily Prioritization: Focus on whatâs important over whatâs urgent. This distinction is crucial for long-term success.
Regular Check-ins: Periodically review your progress. Are you closer to your next milestone? What adjustments are needed?
6. Celebrate Milestones
Party Often: Donât just move the goalposts. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. This boosts morale and motivation.
Reflect and Reset: After each achievement, take the time to assess and set new goals. Continuous improvement is key.
7. Keep the Spirits High
Boost Team Morale: Ensure everyoneâs roles are clear and they are contributing effectively. Celebrate as a team and keep the journey enjoyable.
Constant Reminders: Regularly remind yourself and your team of the bigger picture. Why are you doing what youâre doing?
As you map out your own routes, donât forget that you need those constant reminders to stay on track.
Ask yourself daily: Where am I heading? What is the priority right now to get me there?
Everything should be in relationship to the goals you set.
Equip well, choose your companions wisely, and keep your goals clear and close.
To profiting more and working less. đž
-Matt
THOUGHTS ON TODAY'S MARGIN MAKERS? |
News you want to read...
đ The Internet is changing: FCC voted to restore Obama-era net neutrality rules.
đčïž X, formerly Twitter, announced plans to launch a YouTube-like video app.
đŹ There's a new No. 1 U.S. airline â and it's not Delta
đGOLDEN NUGGET OF THE WEEK đ
If you feel like youâre spinning your wheels and not making progressâŠ
Or you just want a better framework to set goals and actually cross things off your to-do listâŠ
This is for you. đïž
Grab a free download of the Time Saver Worksheet that my team and I use.
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