“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of running a business. There’s always a fire to put out, a problem to solve, a deadline to meet. Before you know it, you’re so busy working “in” your business that you forget to work “on” it.
What does that even mean? In his book “The E-Myth Revisited“, Michael Gerber talks about the concept of working “on” you business, compared to working “in” your business.
Working “in” your business means doing the day-to-day tasks that keep your business running. It’s important, sure, but it’s not enough. To truly succeed, you’ve got to also work “on” your business. You’ve got to step back, look at the bigger picture, and focus on strategic planning and long-term growth.
Let’s think about Henry Ford for a second. The man was undoubtedly a brilliant engineer, but he didn’t just focus on building individual cars. Instead, he stepped back and looked at the process of car manufacturing as a whole. His vision of the assembly line didn’t just revolutionize his own business; it changed the entire automotive industry.
So, how can you shift from working “in” your business to working “on” it? Well, here are a few ideas:
First off, learn to delegate. You don’t have to do everything yourself. In fact, you shouldn’t. Your team is there for a reason. Trust them with responsibilities and decisions. It’ll not only free up your time for more strategic tasks, but it’ll also boost your team’s confidence and sense of ownership.
Next, streamline your operations. There’s a lot of technology out there that can automate repetitive tasks, so why not take advantage of it? You can also establish standard operating procedures, which can reduce errors and improve efficiency.
Make time for strategic planning. Keep an eye on market trends and customer needs, and adapt your business accordingly. Remember, a successful business is a nimble business.
And lastly, never stop learning. Attend workshops, seminars, and keep reading these emails 😉. Stay updated with the latest business strategies and trends. Your personal growth will directly influence your business’ growth.
If you’re looking to stop working “in” your business and start working “on” you business check out Michael Gerber’s book “The E-Myth Revisited” for more insight, practical tips and real-world examples.
As Peter Drucker said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” So get out there and create a future that propels your business towards long-term success.