Let’s talk about how much fun it is to be an online business owner.
You get to work when you want. You wear whatever you want. You decide what has to be done each day. You take breaks when you want.
You’re the boss. There are no “rules.” Seriously, it’s just you. What possible rules could you need?
Well . . . I hate to burst your bubble.
I know your boss’s references to the “policy manual,” and the squelching of your entrepreneurial spirit that comes with being made to follow the company’s “rules,” are exactly what you’re running away from when you start an online business.
But if you dive into your online business without having any rules, you are going to fail. Really. I see it every day.
Take comfort, however. At least you get to make the rules.
And while this gives you a great deal of flexibility, I’m completely serious in insisting that your online business have a policy manual. That is – a written document that details how you handle certain aspects of your business.
I don’t care what you call it. If you need some creative, anti-corporate title for it, I give you license to put any name on it you want.
Having the document, and actually using it, are the crucial points for today. Because if you’ll do this, you’ll be able to build a more successful online business in less time and with less effort. Who can argue with that?
Your policy manual will be a living document, which means you will always be adding to it. And changing it as your business grows.
Your manual will undoubtedly be different than mine. But, there are many policies that need to be part of every online business owner’s manual. I’ll give you 2 to get you started.
1. The Hours You Will Work in Your Online Business
2. Problem-Solving in Your Online Business
I put this policy in place one day after spending 2 hours trying to get my scanner to work. That was a ridiculous amount of time. But, when I have a problem, I don’t like to be defeated. So my “stubborn will” had overtaken my common sense.
The Magic of Discipline
Don’t be tempted to say you can do it without a policy manual. Writing down how you are going to run your online business will go far towards seeing that you actually do run it that way.
One of the biggest reasons online businesses fail is because their owners simply lack the discipline to get it done. Your policy manual will provide the structure you need to increase productivity, make quicker decisions, and consistently spend your time on the “money-making” activities.
Get started today and see the difference today.
JENNIFER HERNDON is a work at home mom with three fabulous kids, ages 3, 5 and 7. She has been enjoying the time freedom and financial benefits of working at home for over 13 years. Jennifer’s passion is empowering others to personal and business success through a positive mindset and consistent action.
Jennifer credits the turn-around in her online business to Jim Rohn’s One Year Success Plan, the perfect tool for planning a successful life. Here’s your chance to be inspired and guided daily by the world’s greatest business philosopher. Create your future with Jim Rohn’s One Year Success Plan and start improving your life and your business today!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Considering how much time I’m honestly wasting and wondering WHY I don’t get more done, this seems like a good idea. I just need to know how I can enforce discipline on myself… when I break my own policies.
Lauryn Doll recently posted..Hot Sex on a Platter: Sex Makes You Think & Grow Rich
I did the “Ideal Day Schedule” not long ago. Since then my husband and I have been making gradual changes to get us closer to the realm of that schedule. It’s amazing the simple changes you can make when you know what your desired outcome is.
Kim Hawkins recently posted..Do You Have Staying Power?
Great advice Jennifer! I like what your write: “Your policy manual will be a living document…” Yes, we can adjust as we go along…as our business changes! I’ll be working on my Policy Manual. Thank you so much.
Alexandra McAllister recently posted..Simple Steps To Be Healthy, Fit And Feel Fabulous
Great idea! I’ve never thought of actually writing a manual for my business. Thank you for the suggestion!!
Mandy recently posted..Facebook and Doctor’s Offices
Thank you Jennifer, great post! It makes so much sense. Without a schedule would be hard to focus and it would be a waist of time! I love the magic of Discipline!
Solvita recently posted..How To Find Inner Peace Through Trust
I know I have read it before, make a schedule. I am going to do one today….and stick to it. Thanks Jennifer!
Michele recently posted..Sidewalk Art-It’s A Wonderful Life
I have a work in progress schedule, that I am always tweaking…My work days run in line with priorities, content creation, customers (driving traffic) and conversion….I multi-task twice a day for a half hour each time:) Great post!
Anita recently posted..Ten Inspirational Quotes to Empower Women