Can you remember what your business looked like one year ago? What has changed?

This is the one year anniversary episode of The Ops Authority Podcast, and I want you to join me in reflecting on your small business over the last year. Realize and acknowledge all the work you put in, and enjoy the progress you’ve made!

 

The Difference A Year Can Make

One year ago I had just finished up going through two major projects in my business. My website and branding redesign had just finished up, and I was also finishing up taking care of the legalities of protecting some of my intellectual property. 

 

While those two projects gave me a significant amount of confidence, I also knew I had to start marketing differently. I had to increase my visibility because that was the missing link in scaling my business. I was collaborating with my Director of Operations (DOO) to get the strategy for this podcast to address this issue.

 

Starting The Ops Authority Podcast

This podcast has resulted in some really fabulous lead generation. I have a niche audience who I wanted to reach so I needed to create an opportunity to talk to people on a larger scale. The idea was to talk to people on a more consistent basis with the goal to educate, provide support, provide a community and generate more interest and leads. This has been a pivotal strategic move.

 

Refocusing My Efforts

Last year at this time I had 3 different offers. I was helping businesses in a one-to-one capacity. I was also running my program (the A-Team Accelerator) that helped businesses by teaching them how to co-manage the growth of their business along with the managing backend of their business. And I was offering the 12-week Director of Operations Certification program, which I  was still trying to figure out how to grow. Four years ago I had 12 offers, so I’d already come a long way!

 

“In those beginning days of business we all go through lots of testing to figure out what will feel the best, what resonates, and where we can stand up in confidence and feel like we are making a difference.”

 

I decided to niche down to one offer of The DOO Certification.  I’ve always had a calling to do teaching and coaching, and I could see things coming to fruition through the DOO certification program. It was the one I felt most committed to. Through the podcast and acquiring support in marketing, I was able to make this happen in one year.

Changing the Certification

I changed the DOO Certification from a 12 week program into a full 6 month program. I love data and figuring out the impact the certification was having on the people who have come through it. But although the info that students gained was amazing, they also wanted to learn how to apply it, monetize it, and how to build a true career from it. So I changed it to a 6 month program where they now have coaches and accountability.

 

Competence in Marketing

I realized I had a gap in my marketing competence, and I had to invest in a coaching relationship to gain confidence in the way that I market. I invested in a program that I could learn and get a return from very quickly. Being able to have a solid marketing strategy has enabled me the ability to bring in the income I need to grow my team.

Vision

Previously, I could only see 12-18 months down the road when it came to the vision for my business. After working with my coach, I can cast a vision that is 3-5 years out. I can now envision my business having 10 employees, and the possibilities of what my business can do and how I can give back has totally changed. 

 

What Lies Ahead

Going forward, we will have more cohorts of the DOO Certification program. Due to the lead generation from the podcast and other marketing efforts, there is lots of interest. To make sure we keep a high touch, intimate experience, we are creating additional cohorts. Previously we = had 2 cohorts per year, and we are increasing to 4-6 cohorts each year so we can continue to individually support people with a customized journey. If you are interested in joining the DOO Certification, we have one opening up at the end of August. 

 

Before we go into those launches, I am giving you an opportunity for you to get some hands on coaching experience with me through The Scope Creep Solution, which is a 5 day action-packed live coaching event that will teach you how you can level up your project management skills and help avoid the scope creep that naturally happens. Join us!

 

“Having boundaries and understanding your vision and your mission is critical to making sure you survive and thrive in entrepreneurship.”

Weekly Ops Activity

Do a reflection, and share in the Facebook Group: What 3 things have changed in your business over the past 12 months?

 

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This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast/55.