1. It gives you purpose and direction. 

What is the purpose of your business? Why did you start your business? 

If you sell healthy cookies and cupcakes, maybe your purpose is to provide your clients with desserts that are gluten free or vegan. Perhaps your target audience consists of people who can’t pick up cupcakes at the bakery section of a grocery store. Instead, they’re looking for something with ingredients you use. Your purpose is to brighten the day of a kid who is allergic to gluten and all they want is a birthday cake at their party. It’s important to have a clear direction. Are you good at baking? Do you enjoy it? Do you want to spend time in the kitchen baking dozens of cupcakes? If the answer is yes to these questions, go for it!

If you are a fiction writer, perhaps your purpose is to craft a great story that will captivate the reader. You want to entertain! Through the characters, scenes, and dialogue, you transport the reader into the story. Your reader is hooked and ready for the next book!

If you are a wordsmith, enjoy creating a plot, can bring a character to life, and have a great love for the written word, start writing! If your plan is to write a novel, write every day. Write in short form and long form. Seek advice from other writers and don’t stop.

2. Vision helps you create short and long term goals.

Goal setting is important. Create small goals and big goals for your business. 

For the healthy bakery, your short term goal might be to set up a booth at the local farmer’s market. You want to get your baked goods in front of people. Partner up with a local business. Give out samples and your information. Long term, perhaps your goal is to own your own shop. You could provide pastries to a local coffee shop. You could also rent your own space.

For the writer, for your short term goal, craft content for a blog or a local newspaper. Join a writer’s group and start your novel. Long Term, find a literary agent and complete your first novel. 

Goals give you something to work towards and will help propel you to the next level. If a goal seems unattainable, break it down into a smaller goal.

3. It helps you maintain a plan for your business and content. 

Having a plan is crucial. You don’t want to be overwhelmed. Create a plan for your business and stick with it. 

If you have a bakery, you need a plan so you can create enough baked goods, have supplies and equipment, hire employees if needed, and get customers in the door. Develop new recipes and set up a schedule so you can accomplish your daily and weekly tasks. Build an online presence as well as a local presence in your community.

As a writer, it might take a while to publish your book. If you need to earn income faster, write more pieces for other people. Become a freelance writer. Remember that when you’re writing, you’re moving forward. Carve out a few hours every day to write for your projects. If you’re a morning person, get up early and focus on your writing. If you’re a night owl, spend time in your writing area at the end of the day.

4. When things are hard, you have a WHY to return to in your work. 

When you have a business, you might run into some frustrating obstacles. But remember that it can also be rewarding. 

If you’re a baker, the days will be long. Maybe one of your ovens breaks when you’re trying to bake a batch of cookies. You have 80 orders to fill and your employee is sick. The special ingredient you need won’t be delivered until tomorrow and you need it this afternoon. When life throws a curveball, remember why you decided to build your business. Recall how you love baking and being a part of your customers’ lives.

For a writer, there might be times you have a lack of creativity. The words don’t seem to flow and you have writer’s block. Don’t be discouraged. Know that those moments happen. Be inspired. Watch a movie, listen to your favorite song, take a walk, or have a conversation with an old friend. Then sit in your favorite spot and think about why you wanted to write in the first place. Collect your thoughts and write them out. You are living out your dream one paragraph at a time.

5. It gives you confidence to be bold with your messaging. 

You have something great to offer! Don’t be afraid to be bold. 

If you are selling a healthy yet yummy dessert for your customers, broadcast it! Promote your unique pastries, letting your patrons know they are buying a quality and healthier dessert. You want your baked goods to be top of mind for the moms in your area. Make sure that the school kids are passing around your cookies for the class treat with excitement. With your clear messaging, online orders will be filled while customers wait in line to visit your store.

In writing, through your characters, descriptions, background, plot, and other elements, you’re sharing a message or teaching a lesson. Write what you know and be confident in the work you’re doing. Promote your work. Develop an online presence. Share your written work with the world.

With these steps, you will be able to do more than keep your business afloat. Your business will flourish. You can sustain your work through a guided plan and strategy. 

Surround yourself with encouragers who are rooting for you and want you to pursue your dreams. Listen to those who have gone before you, endured challenges and yet survived. Continue to persevere on the great days and the hard days. Let the world know about the dream in your heart that became something quite remarkable.

Are you looking for a book to read that will inspire you and push you toward your dream? Check out my latest blog on 3 books every business owner should read.

If you are looking for someone to start this journey with I would love to partner with you. I help women breakthrough the negative noise in their mind and pursue their business with passion and purpose. Read more here!