Here’s what we will cover today:

• Learn how operational tasks can steal your strategic focus 

• Discover the latest strategies to boost your Facebook SEO visibility

• Learn who U.S. adults are following on TikTok (potential marketing insights)

Quote of the Day

"To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there."
~Kofi Annan

Today’s Tip

Yesterday, we discussed the importance of having a clear vision and strategy for your business. Today, we’ll delve into another common challenge: operational thinking dominating your time.

2. Operational Thinking Dominates Your Time

This happens when most of the time spent in meetings is discussing how to run the business and putting out the fires that come up so often. Rather than also spending time strategizing and planning.

It’s easier said than done to carve out time in your schedule for strategic thinking and planning, but that’s the nature of entrepreneurship, taking care of today’s business with an eye on the future. Hard to do, but keep in mind that delegating more of the day-to-day operational tasks to your team can free you up to do the strategic work, which may be something that only you can do.

I have to admit, when you show up for work it’s easy to turn your attention first to all of the urgent tasks and demands for your time. Strategic thinking, on the other hand, is one of those activities that time management gurus classify as “Important, but not Urgent” (an example of “urgent” being something you must deal with immediately like an irate customer on the phone).

This means you have to fight for your strategic time, as it’s the process that takes an unfocused business and sets it firmly on the track to success. Here are some tips to help you balance operational tasks with strategic thinking:

• Delegate Effectively: Assign day-to-day tasks to capable team members, freeing up your time for higher-level thinking.

• Prioritize Tasks: Use time management techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix to distinguish between urgent and important tasks.

• Schedule Strategic Time: Block out specific time slots in your calendar for strategic planning and reflection.

• Collaborate with Your Team: Involve your team in strategic discussions to foster a shared vision and generate innovative ideas.

Strategic thinking is an investment in your business's future. By making time for it, you'll be better equipped to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve long-term success.

Tune in tomorrow for the next 2 challenges: complacency and wasting time on 5-year plans.

Today’s Resource

Do you have the right plan?

The right strategic plan for your business includes:

1. the best strategy to follow

2. a written roadmap so there’s no confusion as to what your team needs to accomplish and when

Our strategic plan template allows you to create a winning plan quickly.

In no time, you’ll have a strong plan to follow so your company wins.

Why play the game of entrepreneurship if you’re not going to win?

Trivia

Today’s Question: What was introduced by Barclays Bank for the first time on June 17, 1967?

Previous Question: What phrase is said to be the most often printed warning in the history of the printed word?

Previous Answer: "Close Cover Before Striking"

These are the words of caution that appear on most matchbooks.

News

Facebook SEO: 16 Ways to Boost Your Facebook Visibility

Who U.S. Adults Follow on TikTok

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