Have you heard the saying “work on your business, not in it”? It refers to stepping away from the day-to-day tasks and to-dos in order to oversee the business and activate your big picture thinking. In the video below, I discuss how a recent mastermind workshop I attended reminded me of why working on the business is so critical.

Now, I know you might be thinking “I don’t have time! I’m too busy to step away from the business!” I have these thoughts too - frequently! Yet each time I do decide to work on the business, the importance of it is reinforced in the results.

In this video I talk about the many benefits, however I also cover a different way to think about working on the business so you can use a shift in your thinking to feel more confident in taking that step.

So check out this video to learn why taking time to work on your business can be so incredibly beneficial.

If you prefer to read, here is the content of the above video for your reading pleasure!

Networking, professional development, inspiration, brainstorming, taking time out of working in your business can feel like it’s taking time that you don't have! But it is hugely beneficial and could turn out even more productive than you anticipate.

Be Inspired

You can gain insight from people in the same industry as you, get inspiration that could transform or grow your business to the next level. It could also simply be a time to take a breath and to find that you have some business soulmates going through the same things you thought you were struggling with alone. It gives your brain time to process and break down what is happening in your business and see what you can learn from what happened. One such meeting can change the trajectory of your business.

Hone your Expertise

Many professional industries, like Doctors and Chartered Accountants have to dedicate a required number of hours per year to professional development within their industry, in order to maintain their accreditation. This is to ensure that they are always updated on the recent changes in their field. Their clients look to them as the experts in their areas. Similarly, we have a duty to stay ahead of our game so that we can take that knowledge back to our customers and help them move along as well.

Be part of a Community

Today, I've just been to a meeting like this with other women in my industry. Although our experience and services are different, we found that we faced similar daily obstacles. We were able to address these challenges mastermind-style and with the wealth of experience around the table, we were able to help each other solve problems - despite the differences in customers.

We had VA’s that were especially strong in legal work, others loved social media jobs, while some wouldn’t touch content creation with a stick. Each person was able to relay their lessons and experiences and impart valuable, tried and tested solutions. This also allowed us to build up our own network of VA’s to whom we can refer potential clients too.

A meeting like this may seem like a luxury. Something that will take away from your productivity, as it takes time away from your To-Do list and income producing hours. But it pays off in the long run as you can incorporate the knowledge you have gained to improve your business.

Small Business owners often fall into the trap of working in their business, not on it. But perhaps a good way to start is to join a business or networking meeting, perhaps a workshop or some industry event that allows you to mingle with people in your own industry. Gaining referrals may be an added bonus, but the real benefit lies within the chance for long term growth, gaining new ideas and solving problems.

Now, I’d love to hear from you!

Do you find it difficult to take time to work on your business instead of in it? Did you find this video helpful in reminding you why it is worth doing? Or perhaps you have some success stories or tips on how to make the move to “on” not “in” that you could share with us?

Let me know in the comments below!