Being a Growth Focused Entrepreneur Step 2
Part 2 of 2: Being Optimistic About the Future
In Part 1 of this story, I shared my entrepreneurial journey about how I quit my respected corporate career and made the bold decision to build an executive coaching company. I had a vision for how great coaching could help leaders be more successful, and companies realize better results. I am now focused on the next phase of that vision. A vision that includes technology and data for accelerating the success and results for leaders and companies.
My sixth anniversary has me reflecting on moments of success and my optimism for the future. I began 2022 having recorded my best year in business. We grew 40% in 2022.
I lead a leadership development company that specializes in diagnostics. I’ve developed an industry leading diagnostic product and built proprietary programs that deliver results. I have large corporate clients who continue to buy Pivotal Growth’s services for strategy, diagnostics, insights, advice, planning, programming and delivery. I have a scalable business with an offering that’s needed, and with clients who are keen to buy.
As the global health crisis persists, my world, like all leaders, requires continued strategy, focus and drive. I’m now thinking more about where I’m going next. Outlining the future vision and goals are essential to success. Here’s my view on strategic skills and professional development needed.
Being Optimistic About the Future
This year has started off strongly again. My clients have supported me, and my pipeline reflects an abundance of new work. I’m grateful to be in this position. It’s reflective of the hard work and strong client relationships. There are a few areas I need to get right and sustain to make it all work. I’m hopeful these insights may inspire and help you too.
Be bolder. My business experience can too quickly surface the reasons why something may not work rather than boldly trying something different.
Work on self-confidence. Being in business for yourself is a roller coaster. I’m sitting up front and ready for the thrill of the ride, the next gut-wrenching drop and maybe even a surprising turn.
Stay focused on sales and pipeline management. I am energized by the positive response companies are giving me in the opportunity and their experience in using Pivotal Growth’s diagnostics. The research and data align with my focus and the relevance, and value, of a technology enabled diagnostic. More selling conversations are critical.
Have a roadmap for the evolution of product and services. This is quickly followed by accelerating product investment to enhance client’s return on investment and results.
Improve CEO skills. Being a great manager got me where I am. Being a better leader is how I’ll scale and achieve success. I’m outsourcing more. I’m building a team of talented professionals who support me.
Manage a success network. I need to improve my consistency of connecting with my amazing network. They are constant, accessible and supportive, so I need to rely on them more.
Have a trusted second opinion. The Chair of the Board is my husband and has been from day one. He’s now on the team as our Chief of Staff. No one knows me and my business better. His exceptional strategy skills can influence my thinking and help me move to execute faster. Having a trusted, and sometimes disruptive, second opinion is vital.
Prioritize strategy and learning. Achieve this by working on time and energy management. Discipline and habits will help me prioritize and stay focus on the right things.
Manage your partners. I have amazing partners to work with. I’m looking forward to our time together and the work we’ll do. Relationship building and standing meetings are at the heart of the success of our work.
For those readers who are entrepreneurs, this is a familiar story. You are not alone. I hope you’re staying resilient and preserving your optimism.
For those who are not entrepreneurs and know entrepreneurs, make time to call, email or text and check in on them. They are essential to our economy’s success. They are risking a lot to do what they do.
It’s our dreams that feed us. We are hardwired to anticipate the future and, with all due respect to philosophers, the thrill of it. — The Economist
