Over the past few years my business has changed as I’ve learned and grown. When I started my vision was just to have clients and get paid regularly. However, as I went on I realized that I had to have a vision of where I wanted to be and how to get there.

I have a writing business and recently started a coaching practice. My writing projects mostly come through referrals and through people finding me on social media sites. My coaching clients so far have been people I’ve met personally, as opposed to people who happened to find my website. In order for me to have the time to maintain my social media presence and go out to meet people in person, I needed to hire some help. So, after some consideration I hired a virtual assistant to help with administrative functions. Even though I was reluctant to make the financial investment, I knew that if I wanted to go to the next level, I’d have to start delegating certain tasks.

When I created my coaching business I called it DBC Communications, LLC. My intention was for it to become an umbrella for my writing and coaching services. My vision is to have a business beyond where I am right now. So the decisions I make have to be with the end result in mind.

Recently I started an internet radio show on Blog Talk Radio called, “Women Entrepreneurs – The Secrets of Success.” I started out asking a few contacts to be on the show. I thought I’d do a small amount of shows and then that would be that. Instead the response has been overwhelming and within a week I’d scheduled enough guests for three months of shows. My virtual assistant has been assisting me with scheduling. Because I was proactive, I had someone in place to help me deal with the additional work.

Are you being proactive in making decisions about your business? Here are some points to consider.

1.      If you really want to grow your business, you can’t do it alone. Make an investment in your future by delegating tasks that others can do.

2.      Instead of asking yourself can you afford to hire help, ask if you can afford not to. Identify the areas where you are spending time on things that aren’t helping your business to grow.

3.      If money is not available right now, consider bartering your services. Are there ways you can help someone else while they help you?

Being proactive means preparing for the future today, as opposed to waiting until your business grows, then taking action. When we start our businesses we usually have to do it all, but once we get to the growing stage we have to look at our business vision. Where do you want to go and how will you get there? If you’re not proactive, you won’t be prepared when the opportunity arises for you to go to the next level.