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Blog from ASC4Business

Many business owners know their "WHY": 

- the primary reason why they are in business, 

- the purpose behind how they do it,

- most importantly, what they uniquely offer to their clients who want it the most.

Ever since Simon Sinek published "Find Your Why", people in marketing and business started changing the way they do things. In fact, I can go out on any particular day to a networking event and if there are 26 different businesses there, pretty much 23 or more can tell me their WHY. 

So then, when I ask these follow up questions, why are the 3 Other WHYs never so easily answered or completed by these same people? Why do they not give as much attention, focus, or priority to ensure their business has sustainable success?

 Don’t know the 3 Other WHYs, let me explain them below:

1) WHY you need a Business & Marketing Plan?

The 1st question I ask all business owners: Do you have a Business Plan?

Don’t worry, I’m not talking about a 42-page document, it can be as simple as a 1-page Business Model Canvas. Basically, do you have something where you have put pen to paper, sat down, and thought about the long-term planning of the logistics and direction for your business vision and ideas.

If you answered NO, then this should be top priority!

Business plans are a necessity for any successful business as it forces you to consider the 9 key areas of business functionality. Think of it like this, pretty much every vehicle these days are equipped with a GPS that helps you make quick course adjustments when needed. A business plan helps you do the same. You chart a course and adjust when needed along the way. We don’t drive blindly not knowing where to go and you can’t drive your business to success without your Business & Marketing Plan! 

2) WHY you need a 90 Day Action Plan?

Question #2: Do you have an Action Plan?
A planned 3-month, 12-week, 90 day action plan of what key areas of focus you are going to pursue to grow your business, improve your processes, increase sales, and highlight brand recognition initiatives.

Some of the best Business Plans I’ve seen ended up in a drawer and never revisited. Some of the best Businesses I’ve seen not only revisit their business plan on a regular basis, they also chart out a complimentary 90 Day Action Plan to make sure they are hitting their key priorities. Business owners are so busy in their day-to-day functions, their to-do list grows exponentially. The key behind a 90 Day Action Plan is it allows you to turn all those To-Dos into To-Dones!

3) WHY you need a Business Advisor?
Last question: Do you have a Business Advisor? 

I have a confession to make here, I’m not a fan of the word “Coach”. It’s a term being used loosely by so many people, in different circumstances, and there isn’t much of a regulatory or qualification process behind using the title. I am however quite confident using and working with fellow Business Advisors. Often these people come with the education, credentials, designations, and experience to back up the expectation behind this title. (In my case, over 30+ years of entrepreneurial and industry experience). When I ask people if they have a Business Advisor, sadly many say NO or if they are working with someone, they haven’t done their homework.

A Business Advisor is a valuable resource to you and your business. They help you get clarity on what you are doing, make sure you don’t miss key functions or solutions, provide you encouragement on your off days and celebrate with you on your good days. Even Business Advisors often have Advisors they work with (because really smart owners know we don’t know everything). We all need someone to help point out the gaps, provide feedback on what you should stop, start, and continue, and be that person who can give the guidance and encouragement needed throughout your journey. You are the company you keep, and the right Business Advisor helps keep you Successfully Supported!

So now is the time to ask yourself the 3 Other WHYs. If you can’t answer them positively, then maybe it’s time you ask yourself WHY NOT and turn these TO-DOs into TO-DONEs?

About the Author

Sheri Copplestone

Sheri Copplestone

My experience, education and certifications provide a unique skillset to address the business and life challenges of owners, executives and employees:

  • Certified Financial Planner ® (CFP ®)
  • Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS)
  • Certified Executor Advisor (CEA ®)
  • Wilfrid Laurier University - Hons BBA with a Minor in Psychology

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