I am sitting in an airport waiting for a storm, that is not yet here, to pass. It has not yet reached us here in North Carolina, but the anticipation of its potential impact has set many things in motion. Flights are being delayed or cancelled. Conversation stirs around me about how long we will wait. Others who have been delayed for two days already, talk about their hopes to make the cruise that they have been looking forward to. Precautions are being taken by the airlines to protect their assets, passengers and business. There is attention being paid to weather details that informs the decisions for the airlines to redirect, delay and cancel flights. As I sit here, I’m thinking of the impact that the storm is having on so many lives and how the knowledge of what can be is driving action to prevent what could be catastrophic outcomes.
As entrepreneurs a part of what we should do is be proactive instruments that circumvent the storms that may come our way. That means we must be watchful, having expectations for our businesses with precautionary measures incase we need to pivot. Being proactive requires you to get ahead of the “storms,” with a plan containing adjustments for the most favorable outcomes. Some of what you can do to keep you prepared and proactive is network, stay abreast to your industry’s trends and plan.
Networking is the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. Building a strong network of industry contacts can provide valuable insights, support, and opportunities that helps you stay ahead of potential issues. This network can include mentors, advisors, coaches and your peers. Surrounding yourself with other industry experts gives you immediate access to others who are going through or who have been down the road you are about to tread. It’s the perfect arena to exchange ideas so that you can learn and grow. So how do you build this support system for your business? One of my favorites is to attend in-person events. I believe you have to be in the room to bloom. The connection is just different when it is face to face. However, if you are unable to physically make it in person, with this modern-day internet society, the room can also be online. Find workshops, trainings and other opportunities to participate in on the web. You can also join industry associations and groups to connect with your peers.
Staying abreast to your industry’s happenings and trends is very important if you want to be a proactive entrepreneur. The way the weatherman tracks the weather before it reaches us so that we know how to prepare is how you should track your industry. You should be studious in understanding any emerging technologies, and market shifts. I like to listen to audible books and podcasts by thought leaders in my industry. Sometimes, I listen while I’m driving. If I find it’s really grabbing my interest, I set aside time in my day to listen and take notes on what inspires me. You can subscribe to journals, magazines, and online platforms that are relevant to your industry to gain information about your industry. Find online courses or certification programs to sharpen your skills. You can even gather resources from your network to aid you in further understanding and implementing best practices. Make your professional development a priority, continuously educating yourself.
The last thing that I’ll emphasize for now is planning. Strategic plans must be in place to help you navigate your entrepreneurial journey. Your plans are the compass that will help you weather the storm. Write out the goal that you’d like to achieve accompanied by the steps that must be taken to accomplish the goal. Determine the time that you need to complete each step, then assign a time frame. Each step should be small enough so you can see progress in the timeframes that you set. Some of the goals that you set may be based on the data that you acquire from you network and professional development. As you think through your plan, try to anticipate future challenges and opportunities. Brainstorm needed pivots for each situation. Your plans should include an emergency fund to help with any unexpected costs. Once you set your plan in place, pay attention to how you are progressing through the implementation of your plan.
This year I worked on hosting a tri-city conference. It didn’t all go as planned. Many adjustments were made. Because I detailed each event with a couple of what ifs built it, when the main plan didn’t work, there was no freak out on my end. Adjustments kicked in and the event went on. I was proactive in knowing the possibilities for the outcome that I wanted. If everything doesn’t go the way you’d like, but remembered to bring the umbrella in case of rain, you’ll still find success. Work proactively and take control of your outcomes.
Comments