One of my favorite things to do is to take a walk with my notebook in my pocket and just think about my business. When I have an idea, I’ll write it down.
Lots of the best decisions for my business over the last five years have come directly from this habit of making time to think about my own business.
Here’s the truth of the matter: no one will ever know your business as well as you know your business.
Outside advisors (like a consultant or a coach) can learn about your business from you, but you, dear business owner, are the person who best knows your business.
And because you’re the person who best knows your business, it’s good to spend time thinking about your business:
- What’s going well in your business?
- What would you change in your business?
- What could be improved in your business?
I like to think about these questions while on a walk. I’ll have my notepad with me, in my pocket.
And I’ll just walk. And think.
When I have an idea, I’ll write it down then, so I don’t have to worry about remembering it.
And I’ll walk more and think more:
- What are five ways I could add 3 new clients over the next 3 months?
- How could I make my services more valuable to my clients?
- Where am I leaving money on the table in my own business?
- What are three services I could sell to my existing clients?
And I’ll write down ideas as I have them. Some will be great. Some will be terrible. That’s fine. What’s important is spending time thinking about your business.
You don’t need to be on a walk to do this. Blocking out 15-30+ minutes on your calendar to think about your business, without interruption, and write down ideas as they come to mind is an excellent activity.
I like thinking about my business while walking for three reasons:
- When I’m outside of my office, I can’t be distracted by my computer or phone
- It’s wonderful to spend time outside
- It is wonderful to wander with no purpose
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m late for a walk.
Excelsior!
Kai