How To Build A Business Around Your Goals And Needs

Written By Donna-Marie  |  Small Business Success 

When you decided to build a business, did you think about your own goals and needs?

Yes, it's crucial to focus on our customers and their needs, but we often forget about what WE need and how we work best. If we don't consider this, we can't give our customers everything we'd like to.

build a business

Hello there, Lovely.

You probably already know that starting and running a coaching or service-based business can be an incredibly rewarding journey. However, it’s essential to ensure that your business aligns with your personal goals and needs. This alignment not only leads to a more fulfilling entrepreneurial experience but also helps you create a sustainable and thriving business. 

As a sole parent of a special needs child - who's now an adult but still very dependent on me - I've had to design my business in a way that fits my life. There were times when it was incredibly difficult, mostly because I was trying to work with a business model that didn't fit with the times or resources I had available.

So over the years, I learned to create my business in a way that looks after my clients but also looks after my personal needs.

In this post, we’ll explore how you can build a business around your goals and needs, allowing you to achieve both professional success and personal satisfaction. Let’s dive in!

Define Your Vision

Before you can build a business around your goals and needs, you need to have a clear vision of what you want. Ask yourself:

  • What do I want to achieve with my business?
  • How do I want my business to fit into my life?
  • What are my long-term and short-term goals?

Your vision will serve as a roadmap, guiding your decisions and helping you stay focused on what truly matters to you.

Identify Your Personal And Professional Needs

Understanding your needs is just as important as knowing your goals. Consider both your personal and professional needs:

  • Personal Needs: How much time do you want to dedicate to your business versus personal time? What level of income do you need to support your lifestyle?
  • Professional Needs: What kind of work environment do you thrive in? Do you prefer working alone or with a team? What resources and support do you need to succeed?

By identifying these needs, you can build a business around your goals and support your lifestyle and professional aspirations.

Choose The Right Business Model

This is crucial. The business model you choose should reflect your goals and needs. There are various models to consider, such as:

  • Freelancing/Consulting: Ideal for those who prefer flexibility and working independently.
  • Coaching/Mentoring: Great for those who enjoy helping others and have expertise to share.
  • Online Courses/Memberships: Suitable for those looking to scale their business and generate passive income. This can also be a good model for those who have a schedule where it's difficult to commit to being available at a set time. 
  • Brick-and-Mortar Services: Best for those who prefer face-to-face interactions and a local presence.

Choose a model that aligns with your vision and allows you to build a business around your goals and needs.

Set Clear Boundaries

Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Determine your working hours and stick to them as much as possible. There will be times when you need to put in extra hours, but just try not to do it every week, okay?

And make sure you communicate these boundaries to your clients and family members to ensure everyone respects your time. This will help you avoid burnout and maintain a sense of balance between your business and personal life.

Prioritise What Matters Most

Identify the tasks and activities that have the most significant impact on your business growth and success. Focus your time and energy on these high-impact activities and delegate or eliminate tasks that don’t contribute to your goals. This prioritisation will help you make the most of your time and resources.

Leverage Technology And Tools

Use technology and tools to streamline your business operations and save time. There are many tools available that can help you manage various aspects of your business, such as:

  • Project Management: Tools like Trello or Asana can help you stay organised and on track. (I love Trello and use it every day, for personal task management as well as professionally.)
  • Communication: Platforms like Zoom, Slack or Microsoft Teams facilitate seamless communication with clients and team members.
  • Marketing: Tools like Kartra and Canva can simplify your marketing efforts and enhance your online presence.

By leveraging these tools, you can focus on what matters most and build a business around your goals and needs more efficiently.

You can see more about my 7 favourite business technology tools here: https://donna-mariecoggins.com/business-technology

Stay Flexible and Open to Change

The business landscape is constantly evolving and being adaptable is key to long-term success. Stay open to new ideas and be willing to pivot when necessary. This flexibility will allow you to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities that align with your goals.

When I began my current business in 1998 my son was in year 1 at school and so still quite young. As he's grown and our situation has changed, so to has my business. Some changes were in line with the changes in technology and the market. But others were to cater to where I was in life and what my son needed from me at the time.

Continuously Assess And Adjust

Regularly assess your business performance and progress towards your goals. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and identify areas for improvement.

You can adjust your strategies and plans as needed to stay on track and ensure your business continues to align with your goals and needs.

Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals

Having a strong support system is essential for any entrepreneur. So it's important to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand your journey and can offer support, advice and encouragement.

Join networking groups, attend industry events and connect with other entrepreneurs online to build your network.

Seek Professional Guidance

Importantly, don’t be afraid to seek professional guidance when needed. Hiring a business coach, mentor or consultant can provide valuable insights and help you overcome challenges. Their expertise can help you make informed decisions and build a business around your goals effectively.

Take Care Of Yourself

Your well-being is critical to the success of your business. It's not selfish to prioritise self-care and make time for activities that recharge you. That could be by spending time with loved ones, exercising or pursuing hobbies. A healthy work-life balance will help you stay motivated and energised. It took me a long time to figure that out! 

Celebrate Your Successes

It's also super-important to take time to celebrate your achievements, both big and small. Sometimes we're so focused on what we're struggling with or how far we have to go that we forget to acknowledge our achievements and how far we've come!

Recognising your progress and accomplishments will boost your confidence and keep you motivated. So be sure to celebrate milestones with your team, clients or loved ones... even your pets, to share your success and build a positive, supportive environment. And if you don't have anyone to celebrate with, share your successes with me. I'll celebrate with you. 🙂 

Wrapping It All Up In A Big Bow

Building a business around your goals and needs is not only possible but, in my opinion, essential for long-term success and fulfillment.

By understanding your vision, choosing the right business model, prioritising high-impact activities and staying adaptable, you can create a business that supports your personal and professional aspirations.

Remember to build a strong support system and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure you stay motivated and energised. Your journey as an entrepreneur is unique and by aligning your business with your goals and needs, you can achieve both personal satisfaction and professional success. I'm cheering you on every step of the way!

Women In Business book series by Donna-Marie Coggins

About the author, Donna-Marie

Donna-Marie is an award-winning Entrepreneur, Author, Online Mentor and Content Marketing Specialist who's been lifting up small business owners since 1998. She's got an incredible talent for showing business owners how to build their dream business and life, teaching them systems to boost profits and enjoy more freedom, all at the same time. Don't just go with the flow... create your business - and life - by design. 💕