I’m excited to come share more and kick off 2024 with a BANG in Kansas City at MAREI!!
I have something to for you to think about, especially this time of year as we are busy setting goals and planning our year.
Step Back and Get Clear on Your Vision
There are two types of vision to perfect. Your personal vision and your business vision.
Personal Vision:
This is all about YOU – your aspirations, values, and what you seek in life. It’s a vivid and compelling picture of the future you strive to create for yourself. Think of it as your internal compass, guiding your choices and paths on a deeply personal level. It’s about understanding what truly makes you tick, your passions, your ideal lifestyle, and the legacy you want to leave behind. Your vision should include your goals for personal growth, relationships, health, hobbies, and your broader impact on the world.
Business Vision:
In contrast, your business vision is the north star for your company. It’s a clear, concrete idea of what you want your business to achieve and become. This vision isn’t just about personal gains; it’s about the purpose, goals, and direction of the business. It reflects the impact you want your business to have on your customers, community, industry, and even your team. It’s less about ‘you’ and more about the entity you’re building – its values, its place in the market, and its long-term goals.
Your personal vision is your roadmap for life, while your business vision is the blueprint for your company’s future. The key is to ensure they’re aligned but not confused – your business should support your personal vision, but not define it!
Here is the kicker that most entrepreneurs get wrong . . .
Your business vision should survive without you!
Your personal vision should survive without your business!
It’s common for a business needs to grow beyond your personal vision. Not everyone wants to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 after all.
For your business to thrive long-term, the business vision must go beyond your personal involvement. A robust business vision is one that guides the company towards sustainability and scalability, ensuring its relevance and success even as your personal vision may call you in another direction.
A business vision that transcends personal vision invites team members to invest emotionally and intellectually in the company’s future. It fosters a sense of collective purpose and ownership, encouraging team members to contribute to and feel part of something bigger than any individual, including you.
The business vision should be outward-looking, focusing on how the business will meet evolving needs and market demands. This perspective ensures that the business remains customer-centric and adaptable rather than being solely driven by your personal preferences or ideas.
A vision that goes beyond your personal vision allows for the creation of a legacy that outlasts your direct involvement. It’s about building an enduring brand and company culture that continues to resonate and have an impact even as the business grows beyond you and changes hands.
Not Every Business is The Same
But there are exceptions to every rule. Not all businesses are created equal.
Not every business is designed or intended to scale, and that’s perfectly okay. Many entrepreneurs start businesses with specific personal goals in mind, like maintaining a work-life balance, pursuing a passion, or wanting to be their own boss. These businesses, often run by solopreneurs or small teams, may prioritize lifestyle or personal fulfillment over growth.
The founder’s vision is crucial in determining the trajectory of the business. Some entrepreneurs are driven by the challenge of building a large, scalable enterprise, while others prefer to remain hands-on and deeply involved in all aspects of their business.
Not every founder wants to or has the capacity to manage the complexities and pressures that come with scaling a business.
Need Help with Your Vision?
We have a couple of opportunities coming up in January. At the MAREI Meeting on the 13th, Damon Remy, the founder of REI Blackbook is joining us to talk about our Business Vension and to help us integrate systems into that Business so it can survive without us. And because you need to have your Personal Vision all sorted out first, we are hosting a Personal Vision Workshop on Zoom on the 13th with Dave Peters. Please RSVP to reserve your seats.
