What I thought my business would be vs. what it became
When I started Alyssa Berry Communications in 2015, my main goal was to have enough clients that I didn’t have to make the slow walk back to corporate Alberta. In six weeks that goal was met, so I have manifested and reached many other goals over the last six years. And…many that have died a quick or painful death.
Goals, both personal and professional are things we usually really only think about during New Year’s Eve as we struggle to create our list of resolutions to become better human beings and more successful entrepreneurs in the year ahead.
Business goals are even more nebulous. We all throw out the “get more clients,” or “have better customer service.” Ok, but what the heck do either of those really mean? We entrepreneurs are even worse with trying to become the next Seth Godin. We pay too much for useless courses taught by people with less experience than we have and struggle to network (pre-COVID) at awkward happy hour events. Why do we do this? To appear that we have our sh*t together, mainly.
That simple goal of not having to go back to a “real” job back in 2015 has become a never-ending list of ideas and initiatives designed to enhance my brand, become a subject matter expert and work on projects and with clients that fill my soul, over my bank account.
The last item of filling my soul over my bank account became more important during COVID. As with many small businesses, my revenues took a large hit through the pandemic as consultants became a “luxury” over a necessity (which I could write an entire blog about, but I digress.) Understanding that the purpose of ABC is to elevate those it works with, over my own personal vanity was a revelation.
I used the slower time of 2020 to re-think what I want ABC to be. I have never had any interest in being a traditional agency with an office and staff. The whole thought of that gives me hives. But what I do have is an innate feeling of wanting to help others. I think this attitude comes from my RN mother who has always put everyone else above herself. Therefore, I have re-engaged my goal of having ABC become a social enterprise.
Being a social enterprise means that while ABC maximizes profits, a portion of those profits will go towards programs and initiatives that maximize benefits to society and the environment. At this time, I am not sure whether starting a foundation is the best option to facilitate the distribution of funds but ABC will have clear objectives of what it supports and aligns with.
We as people change over six years, your business should too. Take the time to really assess if you are doing what you love. And if not, make changes to ensure you will still love your business in another six years.