The Future Belongs to Agile Businesses
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The Thought: I’ve had seven and 8-figure businesses. I’ve had massive teams and infrastructure. I’ve had vast amounts of revenue. Nothing inherently wrong with those things. But I think the future belongs to “agile” businesses.
What do I believe an agile business is, and why it’s calling (all of us)?
- “Brand of One” – a value-first creator or group of creators that contribute from their unique experience and perspective in business and life to progress others forward.
- Leverage – excellent service and outstanding business no longer need tremendous resources. With tech and the ability to grow audiences, I think great businesses can run on much less infrastructure.
- Community – people who are focused on building community will have longevity. This is the game.
- Innovative – innovation to me is the ability to see where the market is going and meet it there. Innovation, to me, is the ability to let go of old ways of doing things and connect new ways.
- Margin – people who steward their margin well. Time, energy, resources, emotions, and money.
More thoughts below…
Can you take a second and click on what name resonates more with you?
This week is a big week for me. I’m working to settle two significant legal issues (I’ll talk more about them later, so stay tuned). So keep me in your thoughts and prayers! 🙏
3 Contributors to Long-Term Success
This comes from Jim Collins, one of my favorite business authors. From his decades in research, they’ve found three primary contributors to longevity in business.
Answer these three questions:
- What are you deeply passionate about?
- What can you be best in the world at?
- What drives your economic engine?
After my “successful” run in business, I’m interested in longevity, peace, enjoyment, and service. Of course, I want to make money as well. Can that come as a byproduct of the above? I believe so.
Two lessons to take from me today that will help you scale happiness.
Lesson #1 – Don’t Chase Opportunity Just Because It’s There
Instead, Unearth your mission, curiosities, and passions because I believe that’s part of your calling. What are you natural at that almost feels easy? Where is your desire leading you? Lean into that. Chase your purpose.
Establish your financial baseline as fast as possible, and then lean into what brings you alive. Pull that thread and be consistent with that thing for years to come.
Wealth isn’t one-dimensional. We often think it is.
Wealth IS joy.
Wealth IS peace.
Wealth IS fulfillment.
Wealth IS contentment.
Wealth IS service.
Wealth IS gratitude.
Wealth IS self-love.
Wealth IS time with your family.
See what I’m saying?
I spent SO much time focusing on thinking wealth was money. It’s not. It’s just an aspect. When you find what gives you life and joy with your work… my friend, that’s the path. Money will come.
Passion + Skill (#1 and #2 above) is a “calling” today; many people probably need that from you. This brings us to #3: money when money is a byproduct of what you love. OMG.
Before, it was the first part of why I burnt out. Now, I’m learning to unearth and rest in my purpose.
Lesson #2 – Stop Thinking Your Behind
You’re not behind. Being “behind” is a construct we make up because we compare ourselves to others. When millionaires and billionaires feel “behind,” you know there’s a problem.
Instead, ask this question: What would I do if money or material things weren’t in my consideration? How would I feel? There might be peace when you mentally remove the things that cause anxiety (hurry to some destination).
I understand the practical necessities. But allowing our “goals” to rule over us isn’t a great process.
Us entrepreneurs usually run SO FAST because we THINK WE’RE BEHIND. We think these things will bring us to a place that will make us feel worthy and worthy of love. They never will.
When you find the 3 (above), you’re wealthier than most “wealthy” people. A bonus #4 – your “thing” is of service to the world.
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I could write many more lessons, but I will leave it here today.
The future belongs to people doing what they’re skilled at and passionate about and who don’t need to “scale to the moon” because they’re “wealthy” today and KNOW IT.
Having an agile business isn’t just about a model. It’s also about calling. What were you put on this earth to steward?
This is the journey we’re on together, my friend. Let me know if you have any questions or if this resonates. I’ve got so much more to say on this topic.
Don’t wait for some distant accomplishment before you allow yourself to feel joy and happiness. That’s all internal, which means it’s readily and abundantly available now. 💙
Hopefully, this will spark some great internal dialogue for you!
Until next time,
C