Is your business model turning off your message?
I often speak with coaches, consultants, freelancers, small business owners, authors, speakers … etc. they feel stagnant.
Well screw on the tag, that’s not important. They are the type of people who “do their thing, do something meaningful.”
They’ve gone through the vocational training, bought the marketing program, and even built a business or two.
But they rarely go back to where they started and wonder if they’ve structured their business to broaden their vision and message.
He’s certified as a “coach,” so this is what a coaching business model looks like: a 1: 1 program, a group program, an online course, and an information product. However, a 1 month, 3 month and 6 month package. The end.
When people start out, a business model is a godsend. It gives you something to build on and visibility into “where the money is coming from.”
But as you evolve and hone your skills and your message, it’s easy to get on autopilot and take the business model for granted.
What used to work when you needed training wheels may not work now that you’ve figured out what the hell you’re doing.
Have you reviewed and validated your business model lately?
Is the set of offers in line with your message?
Are they providing you with the best place to serve your ideal clients?
Are programs / products / services building on your strengths?
Are you creating the most value for your customers?
Are delivery formats amplifying your message … or are they dulling its essence?
When we try to express our message in some predetermined format … due to habit, laziness, fear, unconsciousness, inertia or good intention (because that is what the gurus say) … it is possible that we are not doing justice.
Product focused vs. Customer centric
If you start with a business model (which is essentially a collection of products, services and prices) instead of your message and your expression, you are putting the cart before the horse.
Leading with a business model is a product-centric mindset. It’s an old-school approach, and it doesn’t work well when we’re rapidly evolving as a society (think Kodak and film).
Leading with an audience is a client / client centric mindset. It helps you stay relevant even when “what people want” changes (think Netflix and entertainment).
Leading with your message bases your business on your Truth, connects you to the work you do, and anchors you in the community you serve.
Have you asked your message what you want to be when you grow up?
Are you connected to your message in such a way that you can let it express itself without thinking too much about it or messing it up with your ego?
The bubble explodes. Get out of the echo chamber.
Don’t limit your message to “what a business is supposed to be _______”.
(If you keep investigating, you may find that your business is not about ________. What if you are something else?)