Four Steps to Declutter Your Business for Better Alignment

IN A HURRY? HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE

Do you feel like your business is too much? Too many offers, too much busy work, too many projects that aren’t really aligned with your greater vision? You are empowered to trust your gut and make cuts where you need to - you’re the CEO! The four areas you can eliminate are non-aligned products or services, non-ideal clients, team members who aren’t working out, and unnecessary or unproductive meetings. 

GOT A MINUTE? HERE ARE THE DETAILS TO CONSIDER

“If it's not a heck yes, it's a heck no.”

I see this phrase all over entrepreneurial social media feeds; I’m not even positive where it came from - I originally heard it from Marie Forleo!

The truth behind this statement should hit you right between the eyes. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and misaligned in your business, it’s time to take a good, hard look at what you can change. 

As you evaluate each of the four areas I’m about to explain in greater detail, I want you to trust your instincts and remember: If it's not something that you're truly and genuinely excited about, you should NOT be spending your time, money, or energy on it.

In order to build a business that's authentic and aligned for you, tough choices need to be made. It’s time to release what’s holding you back. You’re going to have to say “no” or pivot. 

But just imagine… Once you let go of those areas that are no longer serving you, you’re going to make space for so much MORE in your business! I’m giving you permission, right now, to make these tough choices for the greater good of your long-term success. 

ELIMINATE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES

Do you have any products or services that are difficult to deliver, unprofitable, or no longer excite you? 

Perhaps there is something you began offering early in your business, and you really loved it, but now you feel burned out on it. Maybe it's something that your clients really love, but the profit margin is very small, and it's difficult to justify the effort put into it. 

By retiring offers that are no longer aligned with the direction of your business, you can make space for other products/services that are better for your bottom line and excite you more, as a business owner. 

RELEASE NON-IDEAL CLIENTS

When it comes to your client roster, who is draining your time and energy? It could be time to make difficult decisions regarding who you want to work with. 

Yes, this client is generating income for you, and it could hurt your revenue to let them go. It’s a good rule of thumb not to depend on one client or vendor for 50%+ of your business. That way, when you do have to make these tough choices, the financial impact is not as large. 

Once you remove the client(s) that are challenging to work with or who are no longer aligned with the long-term vision for your business, you free up space for the right people to work with you!

DISENGAGE PROBLEMATIC TEAM MEMBERS

Just like critically evaluating your client list, you should look at your team members and vendors. Sometimes we work with people who are good, but not great. They may no longer be a fit to work with you as your business continues to evolve. 

Figuring out who you want to keep in your business for the long term, and who deserves a graceful exit, is a key step in making space for adding more aligned team members and building healthier business. 

MINIMIZE UNNECESSARY OR UNPRODUCTIVE MEETINGS

When certain meetings pop up on your calendar, are you filled with dread? Do they drain your energy and feel like a total waste of time? 

For example, think about groups you belong to, like masterminds or networking groups. While they may have served their purpose for a while, it could be time to find something fresh. Another example is excessive team meetings. Could there be a better way to communicate asynchronously, where you don’t have to meet in real time? 

Bonus Tips

USE THE “CALLER ID GUT CHECK”

When a certain person calls or emails you, what is your gut reaction? Is it positive, neutral, or negative? A negative reaction looks like: “What do they want now?” “I’ll just let that go to voicemail.” or “Ugh, I’ll deal with that later.”

A negative reaction is definitely a warning sign that this person might not be aligned with your business.  

INSTEAD OF ELIMINATING, SET BOUNDARIES

When we're talking about cutting out things that drain your time and energy, completely removing them might not be the answer. It’s absolutely OK to clarify or reinforce some boundaries, instead. 

For example, if you’ve identified a problematic client or team member, having a conversation and working on improving things could be the better answer. 

SEPARATE WITH A RUNWAY

When it comes to removing products, services, clients, team members, or meetings from your business, the tough decisions don’t have to lead to immediate changes. I don’t want you to push somebody out the door or leave your client high and dry, without a new service provider. 

Instead, put a transition plan in place so things end on a positive note.

CLEAN UP YOUR BUSINESS TO MAKE SPACE FOR MORE!

Do you feel ready to declutter and streamline your business? If there’s still some fear holding you back, I want you to know that I get it. I’ve had to make these difficult choices many times in my business, but I’ve never regretted it. It’s allowed me to grow in ways I couldn’t have even imagined. 

If you still feel stuck and want some help, I invite you to schedule a no-obligation consultation.