Yesterday my friend Roy Montero, The SEO & Twitter Guy, asked me why I was limiting myself. In response to something he said, I had replied that I don’t want 100,000 people following me. He seemed surprised to hear it.
Of course I have goals and I would like to expand my business, but I just don’t see myself providing services to that many people. It’s just not my style. I understand the theory of “thinking big” and setting lofty goals, but I’m in the process of restructuring my businesses to offer more personal, more one-to-one direction. I can’t provide that to 100,000 people.
I guess I’d rather be the “little shop on the corner” where customers come to chat and exchange information over a cup of coffee. I don’t want to be the big chain that serves countless customers that I never get to know.
Maybe Roy and I are really more on the same wavelength than we thought we were. I wouldn’t mind influencing 100,000 people. I’d just rather do it by teaching a few thousand who then go out and share that information with the rest of the crowd.
What about you? Do you think big enough? Or are you limiting yourself by setting your sights too low?
6 responses so far ↓
Dawn Rivers Baker // Jul 18, 2008 at 5:50 pm
How big is big enough? If it makes you feel any better, you sound like a typical microbusiness owner — more interested in building a life than in building an empire.
That’s nothing to be ashamed of, either. If more companies were run by people with the microbusiness mindset, our planet would be in much better shape.
And, mark my words, it will be microbusinesses that end up pulling our collective chestnuts out of the fire.
Jen // Jul 18, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Not only are you normal but gyou’ve given voice to what many feel is an overlooked desire to just serve those you want to serve on your monetary terms.
Not everyone wants to be the next Starbucks.
The think big mantra is the dream that if forced fed to so many who have decided this is what they want without really assessing this vision.
Great article and informative blog.
Jen Thomas
Research Analyst
Muvar Software
Life Coach Business // Jul 20, 2008 at 10:01 pm
There’s a lot to be said for “focusing small to get big.” Help one client at a time, really well, and all the others will come - my philosophy anyway.
Linda Stacy // Jul 22, 2008 at 11:51 am
Thanks for the comments and encouragement.
It’s been a good exercise for me to rethink my business plans and goals. Of course the fantasy of making millions is always fun, but like many other work at home moms, I have more immediate goals. Right now I’d like to be able to pay my son’s college tuition for him, and still have some disposable cash for myself. I have two more years to get there. It’s definitely a reachable goal!
Private Label Rights eBook // Jul 22, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Really nice post!. I’ve been reading for a while but this post made me want to say 2 thumbs up. Keep up the great work!, Thanks!
Pete // Aug 3, 2008 at 6:59 am
Agree absolutely. Goals have to be realistic (and desirable) if they are to be achieved. Just go with the goal that YOU feel comfortable with - not what someone else thinks you should be doing. Take the time to decide on the goal. Plan to achieve the goal - and don’t get sidetracked !
Leave a Comment