If You Build It They Will Come

When you build a home, redecorate your house, or add a garden, where do you start? You start with a vision of what the home, garden, or room will look like. Often you hire a professional to help you shape your vision – an architect, landscaper, or decorator.

So why don’t many of you look at your business that way? All of you who started an agency had a vision when you began your business. You spoke about that vision to anyone who would listen. You probably hired your first employee or found a partner because they believed in your vision. So, what happened to that vision?

For many of you today, your vision is win more business, keep your clients, stay alive! That’s not bad thinking. It’s just limited thinking. I’m a big believer in visions. I’ve seen them work in my own life and I have seen my clients prosper because they took the time to step back and take a new look at who they are and what they wanted to become.

This step – this foundation of a great agency and hallmark of a great leader – is even more critical today. Tough economic times give you the opportunity to take a step back and re-evaluate everything about your firm – processes, staff, ideal client, services, quality control and, yes, also your vision of what kind firm is possible two even three years down the road.

I’ll talk more about visions in future posts. But, don’t underestimate the power of a vision to attract clients and “stars” – and what agency couldn’t use more of both.

Use this time wisely and it will pay dividends you cannot even imagine.