Business Goals: Does the score really matter?

Some times I find it easier to relate to business as a parent than as a business owner. This is one of those moments...wink!

Is it really the score you want to watch?

So, often as a parent observing the various sporting events for my children it is made very clear by some (more than not) that the SCORE of the game or match MATTERS. Never mind the skills, the learning, whether or not the child played well or maybe even seeing improvement both at a team level and or at an individual level.

A string of losing scores can quickly over shadow all other aspects of the game and the child.

At the end of the day it will not be the score that the child recalls, it will be their experience. Was my Dad or Mom nagging me because I missed the ball or we lost the game or my play didn't meet their expectations or will they remember how much they enjoyed the game, how well they played and maybe even what they learned.

Does the score matter?

I've always said it like this...until you can play the game, until you can execute plays the score doesn't have to much meaning. It's mostly a confirmation of the fact that you haven't learned to play the game well enough to be competitive.

What about you and your business...

Have you learned how to play the game?
Have you learned the rules?
Have you learned how to keep score?

In business the score isn't as obvious as it is in say a basketball game or a football game.

Let's look at how you're keeping score in your business...

- One of the most common ways to keep score is simply NOT TOO.
- Can I pay the bills.
- Is there money in the bank.
- Size of list.
- Number of customers.
- Is my schedule full.
- Size of inventory.
- Number of sales.
- Am I having fun.
- Reviews.
- Referrals.
- Testimonials.
- Vacations.
- Long weekends.
- The car you drive.
- The house you own.
- Where you live.
- The clothes you buy.
- The food you eat.

...there are more ways to keep score in business that you can count.

Why keep score?

By keeping score you are able to measure how well you're playing in the game called 'Business'.

Keeping score allows you to make adjustments, to ask questions, to consider alternatives. Ultimately it's an opportunity for you to step back and to look at your level of play and the results with an objective eye.

It's an opportunity to consider whats working and whats not.

Not keeping score is like treading water!

If all you're doing is treading water, soon or later you will get tired and once that happens survival becomes a challenge.

By not keeping score you are actually allowing circumstance to control your future. Like a boat without a sail at sea, you will be at the mercy of the moment.

Keeping score starts with you...

Before you can begin to keep score there must be a reason to do so. If there isn't a KNOWN reason, a purpose, a goal or a desire to be, do or have with your business the score won't have to much value. Your motivation will not be what it could be.

Without knowing what you want the opportunities that are revealed to you by keeping score won't be seen. Your ability to choose in the moment will be lost because you will not have a way to measure the opportunity. You will not have a way to see the potential of the moment.

Over time it will be important to keep in mind your reasons for keeping score can and will change and that's okay. Just make sure you have a purpose. Start small, test the waters, see what you can accomplish and build from there.

If you're going to play the game called 'Business' then be there 100%.

- By not playing the game at 100% you're wasting time, the time of your customers as well as yours.

- By not playing the game at 100% you will not be able to withstand those challenging moments all business will face from time-to-time.

- By not playing the game at 100% you will be sloppy and more inclined to make mistakes.

What to do...

1. Decide what you want from your business.
2. Decide how to best keep score (i.e., as it relates to your goals).
3. Play the game at 100%.

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

PS: I'll talk more about how to play the game in upcoming posts.

PPS: Looking for a way to turn your business around? Let's talk...

james at coachesbuzz.com

© 2009 James Possible LLC. All rights reserved in all media.