The first thing you are asked to do when you are making your appointment for your annual physical with your physician is to set up an appointment a week or so prior to have your blood drawn and tests run on your blood. Why is this so important?
The results of your blood tests are like looking at the inner roadmap of your body. Through years of research and testing there are normal bands or ranges where your test results should report into to be considered normal. In addition, certain results when compared to other results, even within the normal ranges may reflect a pattern. This may result in further testing, questioning, or possibly something to monitor over a period of time. Okay Doc, we didn’t realize we searched online for WEBMD. What gives here?
You are correct, this is not an article on medical advice, tips and tricks for your health!
The point is, our body is amazing! The fact that our blood will be able to signal us to potential problems or current problems is simple and important. If we do not take the blood test and we do not work with our physician to review the results, even though the ability to conduct this work and find out the results exists, we will not have the information. In order to take advantage of the science we must take an action.
How about our road toward success in our business? Each of us measures what we refer to as success in different ways. There are typical areas where the ability to achieve some level of success will clearly be moving in the correct direction or not. Where are we making assumptions that no review or expert opinions are necessary in our business?
A few areas might be customer acquisition, marketing, internet presence, personal growth, staffing, branding, and there is much more. Where do you begin? Isn’t it annoying when someone answers a question with a question? To answer the question ‘where do you begin?’ let’s consider a comparison: If the blood work is able to signal there may be issues to look into further and take corrective action for our physical body, what would be similar to that for our business?
Is the answer cash flow? Sales? Without cash flow and without sales we will not stay in business for long. This might be the place to begin. If you have an ongoing business which has some level of cash flow and customers, how are these trending compared to where your vision of success for your company resides?
The best way to work through this analysis is to bring in an expert to review the results and determine where you are now. Together begin to work on action steps to take in order to move in the right direction.
Mitch Tublin is an advanced certified personal and executive coach who resides in Stamford, CT.
Interesting analogy – looking for things outside of the norm and looking for patterns
Yes, and just like menu planning for recipes when one goes shopping, setting out a plan and an accountability method for yourself and business
reaps great results.
I always love your metaphors. Maybe next week you can tell us how to get a blood/business transfusion 🙂
Of course Jessica a business revamp, like a blood transfusion!
First we need to check your blood type!
Just like a blood type, everyone has their own vision on where they want their career and business to go. What is your type?
Great way to think about the “body” of your business. It’s true – it has to flow.
Yes the similarity is quite amazing.
I’ll have what Jessica is having – every business could always do with a transfusion of fresh blood
Heidi, as you know, my belief is every single business owner or entrepreneur should go through this process with a certified and skilled coach regularly.
I love the analogy, Mitch. It really speaks to the need to pay attention to your business, manage it strategically, and get the right kind of help when you need it.
Agreed except not just ‘get the help when you need it’.
Establish a regular process where the help is ongoing.
Just like proper diet and working out are good for your health.
Working with a certified and skilled coach on a regular basis
makes all the difference in the world.
Fascinating way of looking at things.
Mira, it is all about awareness isn’t it?