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Writer's pictureAnwar Aiken

The Crucial Difference: Working On Your Business vs. Working In It


Working In your business feels like being stuck in a hamster wheel.

Let’s chat about something that’s often overlooked but is super important for any business owner: the difference between working on your business and working in it. You might be thinking, “What’s the difference?” or “Why should I care?” Well, buckle up, because understanding this concept could be the game-changer your business needs!


Working In Your Business


Working in your business means you’re handling the day-to-day operations. You’re doing the tasks that keep the wheels turning, like serving customers, managing inventory, and handling admin work. These tasks are crucial, no doubt. Without them, your business wouldn’t function. But here’s the catch: if you spend all your time doing these things, you’re not leaving any room for growth. 


It’s like being a hamster on a wheel – you’re moving, but you’re not really getting anywhere. You might find yourself stuck in a cycle of routine work that leaves little room for strategic thinking or long-term planning. The business remains static, unable to grow or adapt to new challenges and opportunities.


Working On Your Business


Now, working on your business is a whole different ball game. This is where you step back and look at the bigger picture. The focus is on strategy, planning, and growth. When you work on your business, you’re thinking about ways to expand, improve, and innovate. You’re setting goals, creating systems, and making decisions that will move your business forward. 


It’s like being the coach of a sports team – you’re not just playing the game, you’re planning the plays and leading the team to victory. This means investing time in market research, seeking out new opportunities, building partnerships, or developing new products or services. By doing this, you are not only preparing your business for future success but also positioning it to handle more significant challenges and take advantage of new opportunities.


Why Working On Your Business is Essential for Growth


Working on your business gives you the space to think creatively and come up with new ideas.

  • When you work on your business, you’re setting goals and making plans to achieve them. This helps you stay focused and ensures that all your efforts are directed towards growth. 

  • Creating efficient systems and processes can save you time and money. When things run smoothly, you can focus more on growing your business rather than putting out fires. 

  • Working on your business gives you the space to think creatively and come up with new ideas. This can lead to new products, services, or ways to reach your customers. 

  • By focusing on the bigger picture, you can plan for scalability. This means you’re preparing your business to handle more customers, more products, or even more locations in the future.


Actionable Steps to Work On Your Business


  • Set Aside Time: Dedicate specific times each week to focus on strategic planning and big-picture thinking. This could be an hour a day or a couple of afternoons a week – whatever works for you. This dedicated time will help you prioritize working on your business without neglecting daily operations.

  • Delegate Tasks: If you’re bogged down with day-to-day tasks, delegate them. Hire staff or use freelancers to handle the operational work so you can focus on growth.

If you’re bogged down with day-to-day tasks, delegate them.

  • Create a Business Plan: If you don’t already have one, create a business plan. Outline your goals, strategies, and the steps you need to take to achieve them. This plan will serve as a roadmap for your business’s growth.

  • Analyze and Adjust:  Regularly review your business performance. Look at what’s working and what’s not, and make adjustments as needed. This will keep you on track towards your goals.

  • Invest in Yourself: As the leader of your business, it’s important to keep learning and growing. Take courses, attend workshops, and network with other entrepreneurs to gain new insights and ideas.


 

Remember, working in your business keeps it running, but working on your business is what makes it grow. By understanding and balancing these two aspects, you can ensure that your business not only survives but thrives in an ever-changing marketplace. So, take a step back, look at the big picture, and start planning for the future. Your business will thank you for it!


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