I’ve noticed a trend that I believe is severely detrimental to many in the online service based industry: the tendency to run businesses in ways that don’t align with who we are as individuals, our personal strengths and weaknesses, or the life we aspire to live. Here’s why I think this approach is shooting many of us in the foot.
The Problem with Conventional Wisdom
Too often, we see successful businesses and assume the methods they employ are universally applicable. This leads to a cookie-cutter approach where everyone feels pressured into having a massive sales team, packed calendars, and endless sales calls. But here’s the catch: what works for one might not work for all.
Sales Calls and Stacked Calendars: The notion that success in online business means your calendar should be full of meetings is not just impractical for some; it can be downright counterproductive. For me, with ADHD, a single appointment can derail an entire day due to hyper fixation on preparation, leaving little room for actual productive work.
My Approach to Business
A team of just two—a virtual assistance and a full-time developer.
We operate with:
- No Sales Calls: I’ve made a conscious decision against sales calls or DM closing, opting instead for direct sales where customers either buy or don’t. This decision supports my mental health and work efficiency, despite potentially lower short-term revenue.
- High Profit Margins and Flexible Hours: We maintain over 90% profit margins, and I’ve structured my day to include time for personal passions,
Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses
- Hyper fixation as a Strength: My ADHD isn’t just a hurdle; it’s also a strength. When I’m fixated on a task, I can achieve in days what might take others weeks or months. This has led to consistent content creation and product development.
- Building Around Your Weaknesses: Knowing my limitations, I’ve designed my business operations to minimise stress points. For instance, avoiding sales calls ensures I can focus on what I do best without distractions.
Lifestyle Over Hustle
The hustle culture often suggests that you must sacrifice your life for your business until you achieve success. I disagree. Here’s why:
- Sustainable Success: By integrating my business with my lifestyle, I can work hard and recover well, ensuring longevity in my career. This isn’t about working less but about working smarter and in a way that’s sustainable for the long haul.
- Long-term Vision: I’m not worried about what my business achieves quarterly; I’m in it for the next 25 years. This perspective allows for strategic decisions that might not pay off immediately but will over time.
Practical Advice
- Reflect on Your Business Structure: How does your business align with your personality, strengths, and the life you want? If it doesn’t, consider restructuring.
- Embrace Your Unique Approach: Don’t mimic others just because they’re successful. Find what works for you.
- Prioritise Life: Build a business that supports the lifestyle you want, not one that dictates it.
Conclusion
In essence, the key to entrepreneurial success isn’t just about following a blueprint laid out by others but about crafting a business model that resonates with your personal life, strengths, and weaknesses. As my fiancée wisely pointed out, “Take your time and do it well.” Over the long term, this approach will not only bring financial success but also a fulfilling life. Remember, there’s nothing that can be achieved in 12 months that can’t be surpassed over the next 12 years if you play the game on your terms.
