For many small business owners, taking the first steps towards this dream does start with a plan. At Technalink, we know that focus and intent guide us through both our personal and professional decisions, and also that having a clear plan can guide our success. However, all growth is also a process of change, and it is necessary to stay self aware and evaluate when one path is no longer working.
Your business plan is your foundation, and in many ways it can also be a projection of yourself. The concepts, ideas, and process that have gone into its formation are as much an expression of your personality as they are the structure and brand of your company. Just as a parent with a child, you and your business plan have a unique relationship that is based on the parts of yourself that you put into it and also on the individual journey that you both take.
Parents are also aware that their child may seek expression and individuation in a manner that is different from initial expectations. Using the same analogy with your business plan can help in gaining clarity about a situation. Although this plan and this company have come from your vision, they do take on a life of their own. This means that letting go can be hard, but it can also be necessary.
Just as parents will still love their child, even when paths diverge, you can also embrace your business while deciding to alter the plan. This does not mean that you have abandoned your dreams or given up. Instead, it shows that your dedication to the company allows you to accept change as part of the process, even if it is difficult. However, self awareness and mindfulness act as guides in this determination.
Challenges are a part of being in business, but you also need to be honest with yourself as to whether some of these challenges are necessary or whether they are due to growing dynamics of your company. Are you holding on too tightly to an expectation that is no longer valid? Are you embracing the growth and changes that have occurred within you as well as your business? Just as you would evaluate the factors in a relationship, you can also examine these points for your business plan. Sometimes, letting go is the way to actually grow.
Leave a Reply