How Focusing on Less Made Me 10x More Productive as an Entrepreneur
To grow, you need to treat your time differently.
When you’re a business owner or operator—to grow, you need to treat your time differently.
There have been many quotes that have monumentally changed the way I look at the world and business.
One quote that is relevant to this day that may save you years of work and confusion comes from Michael E. Gerber’s “E Myth Revisited,”
“If your business depends on you, you don't own a business—you have a job. And it's the worst job in the world because you're working for a lunatic!"
Gerber explains that where many entrepreneurs fail in the growing stage is “working in your business instead of working on your business.”
"Working on your business means you are doing those things that are truly important to your business rather than just reacting to the latest crisis or demand from a customer. It means stepping back to look at the big picture instead of being caught up in the daily grind."
Here’s how you work “on your business” instead of “in your business”
Developing a strategic approach: When you work on your business, you can take the time to develop a strategic approach that focuses on the long-term goals of your business. For example, you may decide to expand your product line, target a new market segment, or invest in new technology. By taking a strategic approach, you can ensure that your business is moving in the right direction and that you are making the most of the opportunities available to you.
Creating systems and processes: When you work on your business, you can create systems and processes that enable your business to run more efficiently. For example, you may develop a standard operating procedure for handling customer complaints, or create a checklist for onboarding new employees. By creating these systems and processes, you can delegate tasks and free up your time to focus on the things that are truly important to your business.
Prioritizing your time: When you work on your business, you can prioritize your time and focus on the things that are truly important. For example, you may decide to spend more time on marketing and sales, or delegate administrative tasks to a virtual assistant.
Achieving greater success and satisfaction: By working on your business, you can build a business that is more successful and satisfying. For example, you may be able to increase your revenue and profits, or achieve a better work-life balance.
Now that my time is successfully warranted and while were on the topic of work-life balance…
Where is most of my time directed towards?
It’s simple:
Business
Content
Fitness
Very simple, and everything else I do should be a reward after doing the hard things in business.
Because fitness is required, after all my computer work and meetings (sometimes in the middle of the day because I control my time), I use my time to workout as a reward.
Personally, I don’t see working out as work—I don’t see it as a goal, it’s just something that’s required of me
But, back to the business…
What Are the Main Things Successful Entrepreneurs Focus On?
Most entrepreneurs build systems to help them streamline their workflow.
Although certain business’s may have a low barrier to entry and zero cost of starting up, I am bewildered at the ignorance of systems and automations that make entrepreneurship so much easier.
I am talking about saving me hours useful.
Automations like Zapier, AI, Calendly workflows, Email automation, etc.
Hiring freelancers and help is somewhat like an automation as well.
Something I did recently was outsource video editing & Facebook posting for my business Facebook Page
If You Think You Can Afford It… Buy It
Even if you’re skeptical about cost and you think hiring a freelancer or buying an online services will make you money, you should buy it.
"The work you do in your business is not the same as the work you need to do to grow your business."
What Do Most People Do Wrong?
Two things come to mind:
People are too busy fulfilling themselves
People have anxiety outsourcing the work
But this is what people don’t understand:
You need more volume, most people think you need more systems.
Doing the work and fulfilling yourself is relevant when you’re starting, but you can’t stop thinking about buying the 911 GT3 (Maybe that’s me), and how are you going to get there if you don’t put your focus on certain aspects of the business and outsource the rest?
The Burnout argument
Most people mistake getting too tired or stressed for lost passion.
I love explaining to people how many times my systems have failed and the times that stress was swallowing me, but that’s what makes you resilient.
I know exactly what it is, most people get so tired of switching their systems, they get scared of having to adjust over and over again, but that’s the rule of the game.
That’s How Everyone Plays
How can you position yourself ahead of people? *Most Important*
Invest money into getting as many things off your priorities - hire a VA, outsource video editors, etc.
Focus on becoming profitable, make the money first, then decide if your business is worth it
Making money is the most important part of a business especially starting out, but you can still work to build your brand and building your brand never hurts.
[] Picture of Andy “Society”
— People like Ben Frances, owner of Gym Shark, which is now a billion dollar company makes YouTube videos [Screenshot of videos] and his brand has gone massive which has led him to major growth.
So please ask yourself:
How can you invest in yourself more than the business?
You have to invest in yourself, but remember, investing in your business is investing in yourself.
Why?
Does your lifestyle change when you have proof that you’re a winner?
Does your lifestyle change when you have proof that you’re profitable?
"Your business will only grow to the extent that you do." - T. Harv Eker