You know what they say about herding cats. (And if you don’t, go find about 8 or 9 felines and try to get them all in one place.) As an entrepreneur, I often find myself in the unenviable position of herding cats, metaphorically speaking. And the cats I’m trying to herd are the new business projects that are constantly popping into my head.
One of the gifts –and curses- of an entrepreneurial mind is our ability to generate bright ideas at the drop of a hat.
It’s a gift because these ideas are the life’s blood of our businesses. And it’s a curse because we can get so caught up in running after each new flash of brilliance, that we often don’t actually accomplish a whole lot.
Anybody with me on this? (Gosh, I hope it’s not just me!)
Well, I’m going to let you in on a little secret.
There is a way to herd cats, and it’s a method that can apply to our metaphorical cats as well.
Ready? (You might want to be sitting down for this one.)
Stop trying to herd them all at once. Cats, like ideas, are not pack animals. They prefer to shine on their own. While they may get along just fine, they don’t naturally want to cluster together in a big group. So don’t expect it of them.
The trick is to focus on one cat at a time. Put your energy into getting that one little critter in the box or corral or wherever. Then turn your attention to the next one.
And in your business, stop trying to focus on too many bright ideas, projects or goals all at one time. Put your energy into thoroughly completing just one for now. Then turn your attention to the next one.
Let me give you an example.
One of the things I do is write website copy for my clients. At the beginning of the project, I always ask about the purpose they have for their site. I usually hear a lengthy list of things they want to accomplish, like:
* Bring in new clients
* Sell products
* Generate leads
* Create a community
* Present themselves as an expert
* Offer interactive tools
* Develop passive income streams
All of these are worthy goals, and a well-written website can absolutely have a positive effect in achieving them. But lumped together, it tends to create confusion.
When you have too many objectives all vying for your attention, none of them get the consideration they deserve. Which means they aren’t fully developed. Which means they don’t get the results you want. Herding cats. . .
Better still is to pick one, give it everything you’ve got, then move on to the next.
And this same strategy can translate to any aspect of your growing business.
So go out there and gather your herd of money-making projects and goals. Just do it one bright idea at a time.
(c) 2008 Helen Graves
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