We’ve all been asked the question—probably at a dinner party, “What’s on your bucket list?” Even the most introverted of people usually have some BIG, HUGE item on their bucket list. Risky, against the norm, and FUN! Why not give your business the same big, lofty goal with a business bucket list?
It’s easy to slip into the day-to-day activities of running a business. It’s also easy to avoid doing anything “risky”. Remember, with risk can come reward.
Things to add to your business bucket list:
What BIG idea do you have – written down somewhere, maybe on a Post-it note?
Is it:
- an idea for an online course?
- writing a book?
- speaking?
- taking a class or going to a conference?
- doing a video?
- getting a new website?
- starting a blog?
- hiring an assistant?
It’s time to dust off that “someday” note and figure out how to achieve this goal. You’ve written it down for a reason. Map it out.
Often, our big ideas don’t come to fruition because they get stuck somewhere right after, “Wow, what if I (fill in amazing idea)? Oh, that’s going to be hard to do…” As soon as you realize the scope of the project, procrastination and doubt kick in.
Here’s a tip: Work backwards!
Fast forward to the end result and write that down. Here’s an example:
“Standing on stage presenting a Ted Talk”
What has to happen just before that to make it happen?
“Write an amazing Ted Talk Presentation”
Go back one more step…
“Apply to be a TED Talk speaker”
Keep going until you get to the very first step. You have mapped out the high-level to-do’s that will get you on stage giving the biggest presentation of your career! It’s not so scary when you have it laid out!
Put yourself out there
At the top of many people’s business bucket list is figuring out how to get out, connect, and tell their story. What’s the best way for you to personally get in front of your audience? How can you create that human-to-human connection?
People follow and buy from someone they trust. How can you step out of the automated, bot-world and build trust and make a difference in your customers’ lives?
It’s time to shine
Live streaming video has become the fastest way to connect with an audience, share wisdom, and give the world a better idea of who you are.
It can be uncomfortable to think about being live on camera for everyone to see. Do it. Put yourself out there and try it. There is nothing to lose! You can always delete it.
It’s not easy at first, but over time, it will not feel as difficult. Chances are, your peers or competitors are doing it, so if anything, use that as motivator!
What to talk about on video (or podcast, if you are really camera shy):
- What questions does your ideal client ask you all the time?
- What’s trending in your industry that your audience would want to know about? Is there a new app that’s hot? An exciting update to a program? A delicious new recipe that they must try?
- People LOVE rants: Is there something in your industry that bothers you? Can you offer your own viewpoints on the topic? Example: “Everyone says eating fats is bad, but there are good fats your body needs.”
- Lessons learned: Did you experience something in business that taught you a valuable lesson? Share it.
- Latest book you’ve read.
- Anything that lights you up that you feel you need to share.
TIPS When Starting:
- Put on the DND (do not disturb!) when recording.
- Write up some bullet points to talk about and stick in a place you can see it. You’ll much more at ease if you have those reminders there.
- Internet connection matters. If you are in a low cell area, the connection will probably cut in and out. Test if first.
- Use a tripod if you can, to keep the camera/phone stable, and consider a good quality mic.
- Don’t stress too much about hair and make-up.
Is it time for a break?
When was the last time you took a day off? I mean, a REAL day off. Running a business can take over your life. There is no 9-5 when it’s your own business… it’s constant: days, late nights, weekends, holidays.
It feels constant because we are managing everything alone. It’s hard to take time for ourselves when the whole business relies on us. Why not put some more “you” time on your business bucket list?
Take a look at your systems and operations. List answers to the following:
- Things I LOVE doing
- Things I HATE doing
- Things that ONLY I can do (this is your special magic)
Look at the list. The goal is to have “things you love doing” and “things only you can do” overlap. The things you hate doing should be hired out, to get those energy drains off of your to-do list. You will be far more successful (and happy) if you can focus on just what you love and are amazing at. Tasks you dread doing will only drag you down and suck up valuable time.
Change feels uncomfortable
Just like skydiving, change and stepping out of our comfort zones sounds great at first, but stepping to the edge of the plane is terrifying.
Pick one of the list items above or something from the top of your “business bucket list” and start there. First, become the master of delegating, then go out and get that book deal. Or hire that VA so you can take the vacation you’ve dreamed of.
Whatever it may be, reach for those goals. Dream a little bit bigger. Share some ideas/items from your business bucket list in the comments below. You got this—and your life and work will be all the better for it!
Stuck on how to move forward and take your next big step? Let’s schedule a clarity call, and maybe I can help you cross an item off your business bucket list!.
image credit Samantha Sophia