Business vision: Remember your big picture

Even when business is going well there’s often a larger business vision we want to reach. But with day-to-day distractions, it’s easy to forget the bigger picture.

Some strange soloist friends of mine are completely happy with their businesses just as they are. According to them, there’s no need to think about the business vision they are working towards. They are already there. And somehow they manage to stay in that blissful place. I think these people belong under glass and should be gazed at by children on school excursions.

I am not one of those people, obviously. While my business is going very well, I remain in a constant state of pursuit. This can be fun and exciting, or see me moaning like a pint-sized Chewbacca.

But the main problem is this: while busy in pursuit, I can sometimes forget what I’m actually pursuing. This means I’ve gotten caught up with daily demands and a black hole begins to form in my soloist soul.

Strategic plans and action plans have been crafted carefully in order to get me to that big goal. But even then I can forget (drum roll) "The Vision". And when I forget (drum roll) "The Vision" things seem to go pear-shaped.

Business and life coaches often recommend imagining your business ‘vision’, or your big picture, just before you go to bed. This might involve imagining what it’s like having a Maserati as a ‘work vehicle’, owning a funky beach shack or creating enough profit to buy Afghanistan and fix it properly. Then you’re supposed to conjure this picture again in your mind as soon as you wake up the next morning.

But after a few days I forget to do it. So then I put a visual reminder next to my bed. But in a few days I stop seeing it. So then I make billboard-sized collage with images and words that relate to what I want. Then I stop seeing that.

Some people say that it’s okay not to see it any more. That the dream will manifest into reality because I’ve done the collage. Maybe it will. Still, I like being more actively involved in the process of creating what I want.

If you’re the same, here are some other ideas to remember "The Vision”:

Put an image on your computer desktop that relates to your business vision, but be sure to change the image regularly.
Insert a new line about your big picture at the top of your weekly to do list.
Every week, schedule a time to talk about the big picture with a friend, colleague, coach or mentor.
Create a short PowerPoint presentation with music that inspires, and play this little creation to yourself at the start of every working day (or buy the nifty software version of this called Mind Movies).

The key for me: whatever the strategy, I need to keep it fresh regularly.

How do you remember your big picture? Share it with us by commenting on this article.

Megan Hills is a freelance writer and editor who enjoys helping others be engaging and understood. Through her marketing, publicity and graphic design nous, she can maximise the power of what you want to communicate to the people you want to reach.

10 Aug 09

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6 comments | Add your own

I have been using my computers' wallpaper as a visual reminder of my goals for about 12months now. And so far I have been able to acheive many of them well before I thought I would have been able to; BEFORE my S.M.A.R.T. deadlines. Seeing the images each day reinforces the fact that the collection of small steps I am taking are leading me toward at least one of my goals. Fiona Fell - The Profit Maximising Web Geek from Albury, NSW, Australia
I think having a vision for your business in the long term is essential. It is particularly important when your business plan includes marketing, knowing where you are aiming for will help to plan you campaign much more efficiently and help you to make the right decisions along the way. Danielle Ingram from Lutterworth
Having a clear vision is so important. Many people forget to ask the fundmental question: 'Why?'
I like to use stories to help embed my vision. Try to imagine telling the story of your business success to your grandchildren, even if you don't have any yet! Monique Beedles from Brisbane
The basic fact of the matter is that as long as it's a vision it remains an intangible and unattainable goal. I believe that to turn vision into reality we need to set a task each day that takes us toward that vision. I don't believe in screensavers, I don't believe in fairytales I believe in getting off your **** and doing something that takes you closer to your goal! The Process Ninja from Sydney, Australia
It really depends on the person and how you function. I am very much a visual spatial sort, I deal easily with concepts and detail because it is a picture in my mind. I still need reminders though, lists, charts, mindmaps etc.. But they are only prompts to get the juices going. But not everyone can work like that and if not like The Process Ninja you just get in there and Do It! Paul Perry/Peppie from Sydney
I really like the idea of setting your desktop/screensaver into a visual reminder of your gaol - am off to do that now! Carol from Gold Coast

6 comments | Add your own

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