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A cute dog and a 215-mile journey 😼‍💹

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?

Kermit The Frog Map GIF by Muppet Wiki

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 he’s the best planner I know.

He’s more than high-level strategies


Graham’s 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:

✔ But first, a cute dog

✔ The 215-mile trail to success

✔ Your destination is on the right

BUT FIRST, A CUTE DOG  đŸ•â€đŸŠș

If you ever meet our team member Mallory at a live event, you’ll find she has the best-behaved (and cutest) black lab you’ve ever seen.

Meet Somers the service dog.

Somers at Stagecoach last weekend đŸ„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 you’re training a pup or building a SaaS empire.

We’re all a bit like Somers. We need to be reminded of what’s important
 Over and over again
 If we want to get where we want to go. 📍 

THE 215-MILE TRAIL TO SUCCESS  đŸš” 

If you ever catch my COO Graham off-duty, chances are he’s 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, it’s a sight to behold and a thrill to ride. But this isn’t your Saturday pedal through the park.

It’s a seven-day, 215-mile trek with Graham and a few buddies.

It’s not all roughing it—they’ve got little cabins, bunk beds, and enough beer and food to keep them going


But don’t think it’s a marked trail.

Imagine riding with no signs, just a GPS and a dream.

And here’s the kicker—if you miss a turnoff, you might find yourself out past dark, cold, and lost at 12,000 feet. đŸ„¶ 

The stakes are high, and the path is anything but clear.

It’s just like steering a business. You’ve got to have a solid foundation, a clear map of where you’re heading, and the flexibility to adapt when the unexpected happens.

So, what’s 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 📍 

Here’s a map inspired by Graham’s 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?

        Who’s responsible for it?

        What steps need to be taken to achieve it?

    • Measurable 

      • If you can’t measure it, you can’t achieve it. Pick your numbers and start reverse engineering how you’ll 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 you’re tempted to shift or every time there’s been a large shift in the business.

    • Time-Bound

      • If you don’t set a time, you’ll 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 you’re using HighLevel, that’s 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 ‘bike mechanic’? Your ‘chef’?

  • Cultivate Accountability: Surround yourself with people who not only support your vision but also hold you accountable, making sure you’re 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 you’re 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 what’s important over what’s 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: Don’t 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 everyone’s 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 you’re doing?

As you map out your own routes, don’t 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. đŸ’ž 

-Matt

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