Since the beginning of the year, one thought kept running through my head: it was time to make a change in my business. I launched my business in 1997 – nearly 30 years ago – and I’ve changed since then (boy, have I changed!).
Of course, my business has seen many changes throughout the years, but they’ve almost always been about expansion – adding more programs… doing more.
This year, I started asking different questions: Does what I’m doing and offering still fit? Am I genuinely enjoying what I’m doing? And where do I really want to spend my time and energy?
In July, I talked with my wonderful (and successful) son-in-law about narrowing my focus and enhancing my SEO, and that really set the wheels in motion.
It’s interesting how easy it is to keep doing something because we’ve always done it. Because we’re good at it. Because people expect it. Or simply because we’ve never stopped long enough to question it.
But businesses evolve. We evolve. Change is inevitable.
And sometimes moving forward isn’t about adding something new. It’s about recognizing what still belongs – and what we’re ready to leave behind.
Six Questions Worth Asking
For years, I’ve shared these six questions to ask before jumping into a new opportunity. But I realized they work just as well when you’re considering what you might be ready to change.
- Will this drain me?
- Will this overwhelm me?
- Will this produce energy for me?
- Do I really have time right now to do this justice?
- How do I feel with this? Am I at peace with it?
- Will this bring me joy?
When I applied them, I discovered some startling answers.
So, I scaled back my offerings to better match my core competency – writing.
For business, that means copywriting, press releases, and business writing training. I LOVE doing this work. And on the creative side, my writing retreats and virtual writing programs fill my soul.
With a more focused strategy in mind, I updated my website and SEO (and had new headshots taken), created a new free guide, How to Write a Bio That Truly Stands Apart, and revamped my monthly newsletter.
And now I’m considering hosting a writer’s retreat in France!
Yes, it took a lot of time and effort, especially with everything else on my plate, but I was excited every step of the way. And that tells me something.
So, I encourage you to take a look at what you’re doing – in your business and in your life. Run through those six questions and see what your answers tell you.
Maybe it’s time to add something new. Or maybe moving forward means finally giving yourself permission to let something go.
