“The difference between failure and success is dependent upon your ability to focus.” – Chris White
It’s easy to get distracted in business. Maybe you’re desperate, bored, stuck, frustrated, or can’t help yourself and keep saying yes to every opportunity. Now you’re chasing squirrels – one minute you’re telling your team to go left, then right, then left again. This is called organizational whiplash, and it causes major injuries to your people and business.
Successful entrepreneurs stay focused. Orville Redenbacher sells popcorn, not microwaves. Ford builds cars and trucks, not planes. Microsoft sells computers and software, not desks and chairs.
You need to define your company’s core focus so that you can use it as a filter to make decisions. Your core focus is comprised of two elements: your purpose, cause, passion and your niché.
To do this, assemble your leadership team for a half day and simply ask two questions:
- What is our purpose, cause or passion? Have everyone write down their answers, then facilitate a discussion, and define your company’s core focus in simple language, 2-3 sentences max.
Once you have articulated your core focus, now you have to ask the team….
- What is your niché? Your niché is that one thing your company does world-class. Have everyone share their answers, then discuss and debate until you’ve landed on your niché.
Once you have answered these questions, you can pull them together and they fit like yin and yang. With this combination, you now have a filter that will prevent you from being distracted by squirrels. If an opportunity doesn’t fit your core focus, you now have the tool and confidence to say no.
The Entrepreneurial Path is littered with squirrels. Define your core focus and avoid all the distractions.
Chris is a successful entrepreneur, author and head coach at Traction in Florida. He’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs get what they want from their businesses. Learn more at http://tractioninflorida.com.
