Would You Hire You?
Let me ask, just for the fun of it, have you defined your fiscal year, quarterly projections, and outputs, among many other markers? If you have, congratulations! Even if you have not yet met your goals, you have tangible outcomes leading the way.
If you have not defined your fiscal year or desired outcomes, you may find something interesting in this publication.
I have been asking myself the following question lately: " Are my intentions aligned with my actions, or is my vision clouded by uncertainty?"
Like many other solopreneurs, I launched my businesses with passion but without structure, assuming that clarity would come later. I soon discovered that without a defined plan, even the best ideas remain unfulfilled. My desired clients struggled to understand what I offered, leading to missed opportunities, frustration, and stalled momentum.
If this sounds familiar, let's talk about a few simple yet effective recalibration methods that I have been sharing with clients and colleagues who are experiencing the same results.
Just this week, I had three conversations with clients about how their lack of structure is affecting their desired outcomes. As I tried to make sense of their process, I remembered Mr. Miyagi, the character from The Karate Kid, and the scene where he was attempting to catch flies with chopsticks.
My clients' thoughts were like elusive flies darting around—disorganized, unfocused, and difficult to pin down. In many cases, they attempt to attract clients without a defined message, a structured workflow, or even a budget. In doing so, they put the cart before the horses and wondered why they struggled to gain traction.
I love those moments when chaos seems to dominate a client's session. This is mainly because, inevitably, I will witness them corral all their thoughts (flies) and organize them in ways that fill me with awe every single time. I am privileged to witness that process.
Would You Hire You?
"Would you hire you?” I have asked this question to clients several times in the past couple of weeks. In every case, when they took a step back to evaluate their business honestly, their answer was “No."
They would not hire themselves because their business lacks clarity. Their messaging is scattered, their offerings are undefined, and their workflow is inefficient. They operate reactively rather than proactively, making it difficult to inspire trust in potential clients.
If they would not hire themselves, why would anyone else?
Bringing Order to Chaos: Practical Solutions for Clarity
The good news? These challenges are fixable. The first step is bringing order to the mental and operational clutter that hinders business growth. The following strategies can help:
1. Define Your Workflow
A client of mine struggled to define her workflow. My suggestion? Write down each step in her process on Post-it notes. Lay them out, examine them, and rearrange them until they make sense. Once a flow emerges, test it, refine it, and adjust as needed. That's where coaches, knowledgeable friends, and colleagues come in.
I have lost count of the number of times my colleagues have helped me clean up my process and refine my workflow. They often helped me identify and remove tiny blocks in my workflow that were having an enormous and detrimental effect on my business.
2. Work with Your Learning Style
Not everyone processes information the same way. Some people are visual learners, while others benefit from hands-on activities. If your mind feels cluttered, try different approaches:
- Never underestimate the effects of a cluttered space on your mind. If you need organization, start small. Another client of mine works on clearing distractions in five-minute intervals—cleaning a space, tossing unnecessary papers, and setting a timer to tackle a single task.
- If you need distance, step away. I walk my three dogs—one at a time—to clear my mind and gain fresh perspectives. By the time I return to my desk, I have greater clarity and focus.
- If you need external clarity, talk it out. A trusted partner or coach can help you clarify your ideas. Sometimes, verbalizing your thoughts exposes the gaps.
Learning What You Never Knew You Never Knew
Many solopreneurs step into business without realizing the scope of what they need to learn. Like the song from Pocahontas", they encounter things they “never knew they never knew."
Creating a budget, understanding technology and AI, forecasting income, and defining an ideal client are just a few of the unexpected challenges they face. If this feels overwhelming, know that you are not alone. Growth requires continuous learning, and approaching it with curiosity rather than frustration makes all the difference.
And (big and) when you start by doing things yourself, you will be able to convey your needs quickly, clearly state what you want and do not want, and establish clear expectations and deadlines for those serving your business.
Defining Your Why
Before structuring your business, take a step back and ask: Why am I doing this? Your why serves as the foundation of your business, guiding your decisions and fueling your persistence. Whether you seek financial freedom, creative fulfillment, impact, or something deeply personal, clarifying your purpose gives you direction when challenges arise.
Who Do You Want to Serve?
Equally important is defining your who. Who is your ideal client? What problems do they face? Where do they spend their time? What solutions can you offer that resonates with them?
Creating a client avatar—a detailed profile of your ideal customer—helps you refine your message and tailor your offerings to attract the right people. When you know exactly who you want to serve, marketing and client acquisition become significantly easier.
Create a Budget
For Pete's sake, create a budget. Even if you think you have unlimited resources, creating a budget will allow you to manage your business (and your finances in general) in a manner that shows respect for yourself, your clients, and your suppliers. Having even the simplest of budgets in mind will ensure you will be able to forecast sales and expenses and make necessary adjustments.
Mastering the Chopsticks
As I reflect on this past month of personal and professional celebration, I recognize the importance of pausing to assess my progress. This time of reflection has reaffirmed my commitment to intentional action and structured growth. I invite you to do the same.
Mr. Miyagi's lesson was not just about catching a fly—it was about focus, patience, and precision. If you feel scattered and are chasing clients without a clear structure, it is time to pause and refine your approach. You do not have to struggle alone.
If this article resonates with you, I invite you to work with me. Let us bring clarity, structure, and confidence to your business. Schedule a coaching session today, and let us answer the question together: Would You Hire You?
Because by the time we are done—you will want to.
