Stop Doing Things That Don't Move the Needle

“Stop doing things that don’t move the needle.”

That was the first thing my business coach told me when I hired her back in 2015. It has stuck with me ever since.

Back then I had a hundred ideas.

I worked hard and I was always busy.

I thought I was productive.

I was busy doing random things that had nothing to do with my goals. Most of it was avoidance. Easy tasks kept me from the hard ones.

I still catch myself slipping. Doing work I don’t need to do, work someone on my team can handle. Staying focused on what matters, and on what I’m actually gifted at, takes a constant reminder.

Here’s how I know I’ve drifted. When things slow down and the business isn’t buzzing with new prospects and clients, it’s because of something I’m avoiding.

I used to revamp my website. make new offers that no one asked for. Clean my office, my desk and rearrange the posters on the wall... Call people I didn’t need to call.

All of those things have their place. None of them are as important as doing the thing that works.

For most of us, that means:

#1 Using the search bar to connect with new people

#2 Emailing your contacts and simply asking if they need help with something you offer, or letting them know about something new

#3 Getting your posts, newsletters, and videos done, scheduled, and in motion

I knew all of this before I hired a coach. But once I paid her, I started paying attention.

That’s why we don’t just build websites or manage social profiles for authors. We coach every week, so the needle keeps moving.

What do you to stay consistent and focused on the things that move the needle?