Meeting Topic
Business Vision – Carolyn Banks
Let’s make 2026 your year to succeed – world domination or bust!
Do you have a vision for your business? Or is your business more a fly by the seat of your pants kind of venture? The beginning of the year is a great opportunity to take stock and to ask yourself where your business is heading?
Share with your group what is your business vision and where would you like to see your business in the next six months or in two years time.
Having a vision for your business means you have a clear picture in your mind of what you want your business to become, that way you can work towards making that visualisation a reality.
Without a vision for your business you could find yourself jumping from one project to another with no focus, clarity or purpose. As the saying goes, “if you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up some where else”. A vision is essentially a w picture of what your business will look like in the future. Business gurus widely acknowledge the power of writing down your vision, because the process of expressing and then committing the thoughts swirling around in your head onto paper sharpens your sub-conscious mind like an arrow heading for its target.
A vision answers the question, “why does my business exist?” A vision is also the starting point for creating your business plan and plotting your goals and strategies. Creating your vision requires quiet thinking time to brainstorm and record your thoughts. Transport yourself into the future and imagine you’re looking at your business through a stranger’s eyes. Where is your office? What products and services do you offer? What is your turnover and profit? Who are your customers?
There are no boundaries or limits to your vision – this is your creation. DREAM BIG.
Don’t question yourself, it’s Xmas morning and Santa has just delivered exactly what you want! Describe your business of the future so others will be able to clearly visualise your future business as well. Sharing your vision with you group is a great idea so they can understand what you are wanting to create, the direction you envisage for your business, and the part they could play in supporting you to make this happen. Once you have your vision recorded, you can begin to set some goals that will step you closer to achieving your vision
Part of your vision could be a personal vision for yourself. Where do you see yourself this time next year? What will your role be in your business? How many holidays a year will you be taking? What hours will you work? What will your income be? Where will you be living? Who will be your advisors and strategic alliances?
Remember – the world makes way for the woman who knows where she is going!
Next Meeting Topic
Brand Differentiation: Your 3 core messaging pillars – Marijke Timmers
Sadly, most launches flop. Not because your business or product or offer is no good, but because your brand is meaningless to your audience. It says nothing, other than ‘Hi, I’m over here ’.
Most businesses believe they’re selling products or services. They talk about the ‘what’ – all the things that they do and sell. That has a role but it shouldn’t come at the expense of why or how you do it.
Regardless of the offer, what you’re actually selling is your BRAND – who you are and how you do it differently.
Your customers are already looking for your solution by the time they land on your website or step into your store, you just have to help them want to buy it from YOU!
So, what are the three key things that are different about you that would make your audience realise you’re the one for them?
What are the things that will help you build a stronger connection with your ideal customers? What do you value? What matters to you and your people?
When you are able to articulate your differentiation within three key messaging pillars, you have a repeatable system for your marketing. These are the things you consistently talk about and over time, get to be known for.
So, what do you want to be known for this year? What are the three things you can talk about in different ways that will carve out your unique position in your market?
When you’re sick of hearing the same things come out of your mouth and in your writing, you’re doing it right. Remember, you’re the only one who hears it 100% of the time.
A lack of clarity leaves money on the table.
But, when you make it really clear what your brand stands for and how it’s different? That’s when you connect and convert with the right people.
If you want support with this, Marijke is running a free 10 Day Challenge next month across her Marketing Collective. It’ll cover all major marketing disciplines so that you can understand where your marketing may have missed the mark in the past, and redirect for the future.
