Episode 134 – Making BIG Decisions : Working Backwards From Success

Let's talk about making that BIG Decision like adding a new piece of equipment to your business, or moving into or out of a retail location, or moving your business to a print on demand model.

1. Look at the opportunity objectively and from several perspectives.

• Are you doing this because you're excited, or because it's objectively a good opportunity?
• How will your existing customers view this decision?

2. Develop goals.

• What are the results you expect from this decision - specifically? Like if you're planning on investing in a new UV printer, what revenues are you expecting?

3. Compare alternatives.

• Is there something more profitable I could do instead?
• Is there a better way to invest that time and money? Into expanding existing capabilities instead of adding new?
• Can I accomplish the same goal in another way?

4. Make your decision.

• Lot's of opportunities are lost through inaction
• You've thought it through and the decision is sound - you're just delaying success if you don't pull the trigger.

5. Plan your implementation.

• You have to make sure you take specific steps towards your goal.
• Each step should have a specific marker that takes you to the next one
• Develop a basic marketing plan
• Set up website and ad accounts
• Write articles, emails ads
• Launch ads, publish articles
• Track results for 3 weeks
• Use those results to plan the next articles, ads, etc.

6. Check as you go through implementation and beyond.

• Is this working the way it should
• How's my timeline
• Did I misjudge customer uptake? etc.

The start of a big idea is the excitement and thrill of success. Proper execution and decision making is where you achieve your dreams.