I wrote earlier this morning about the importance of developing a strategy for running your home business, but I also wanted to acknowledge that nothing is cast in stone. It is incredibly common for us to not only be affected by external factors, but to have our goals and priorities change from within our own lives and personal interests.
One of the hallmarks of a successful business is flexibility. Being able to adjust to internal changes, progress and shifts in the market place is what makes one business succeed when another might flounder and flail. Even when those changes might come from within–a change of heart by the owner/operator, or a shift in goals, interests and priorities. There is absolutely nothing wrong with changing your mind about how you want to do business.
It is important, however, to do your research and make a plan for your changes. If you are going to shift in the type of product or services you provide, or move your marketing to a different demographic or location–you’ll want to make sure you understand as much as possible what you are doing and make a plan for just HOW to do it. If you have lost interest in one “wing” of your business and want to do something else instead, take the time to figure out how to phase out that part of your business as you build up the new one. The more care you take, the less likely you are to appear flighty and flaky to your clients and customers and you’ll be able to preserve your hard-earned reputation as a solid business person.
Things like budgeting and time management play huge roles in making a shift in your business goals–if you decide you want to make more money, or less, or that you want to use your business in a new way–it is important to take a hard look at your budget to figure out how to afford the changes and to evaluate how your shift will affect how you organize your working day (as well as handle your family responsibilities).
Again, there’s nothing wrong with a shift or change in your goals or priorities–we are evolving, changing humans–but when it comes to business, we just need to make sure we do our research and make a plan in order to make a relatively smooth transition.
See Also: Remember, Being in Business is a CHOICE