Deconstructing the Dots

Finding our purpose is a tricky thing.

I find great purpose in my work, but I also believe my role as a parent, raising good humans, has impacted where I find meaning in life.

Ultimately, I’m an advocate: for myself, my children, my extended family, my friends, my clients, and my colleagues.

I’ve advocated for people, causes, and legislation, as a lobbyist and as a business advisor. So, while I love ‘connecting the dots’ and fulfilling my purpose, I have a hidden skill at ‘deconstructing the dots’…

Today’s Questions:

How do you define your purpose? What role do you fill – with work, relationships, or serving others?

But Here’s the Twist . . .

I love a puzzle. I love the cleverness that went into devising it. I love learning new things and creating new approaches. I love the intellectual challenge and sense of accomplishment when I solve the puzzle.

And… the key to solving many puzzles is reverse engineering. This is what I call ‘deconstructing the dots’ and I start with these strategic questions:

• How will you approach solving the puzzle?

Imagine a jigsaw puzzle. You can approach it in several ways: complete the outer frame first, start with the easiest part of the interior picture, or focus on the most difficult section of the picture.

To complete the puzzle and see the whole picture, you need the picture from the puzzle box to know what it should look like. In the same way, you need a vision for your company, with an understanding of how you want your company to be perceived.

• How can you determine the path forward to solve the puzzle?

Finding your way through a maze is a type of tour puzzle. As you plan the future success of your company, it is important to assess where you are today, where you’d like to be, and the obstacles in your way.

If you know where you are and you know where you want to be, why aren’t you already there?

• Where does balance play a part in solving the puzzle?

Often, the operations of your company can seem like a mechanical puzzle, with interlocking pieces of hiring, staffing, pricing, service delivery, customer service, and technology.

Much like the Rubik's Cube, where you must move the pieces in just the right order to complete one color for each side, your people, your service and your efficiency must be carefully coordinated.

• What role does math play in solving the puzzle?

Logic puzzles provide a good analogy for the financial aspects of your business. They are math-based and require focus and accuracy, such as the popular number puzzle, Sudoku.

Many business owners seek outside counsel to assist with bookkeeping, accounting and tax return preparation. While this is a sound strategy, cash management strategies are often overlooked. It’s not just about money in and money out, it’s often about pricing and timing.

• How can you see what isn’t immediately obvious, so you can solve the puzzle?

Finding ideal clients and establishing strong relationships is a lot like a Connect-the-Dots puzzle. The page seems to be largely blank, with unrelated dots. By defining an ideal client and your target markets, you can connect the dots to target specific prospects and successfully convert them to loyal clients.

Now What?

I love 'deconstructing the dots' to solve complex problems, helping my clients recognize and address issues and opportunities others don't see.

I’ve built my business as an advocate for women business owners. In particular, I specialize in helping women founders transition to their Third Act – when you’re ready to do the work you’ve always longed to do.

Work that lights you up… work that is your purpose instead of just a paycheck. ?

Often, to get to your Third Act, you need to exit from your second act, preferably with funds from a sale that turns your business into a wealth-building tool.

Have you built a profitable and valuable business but instead of feeling like there's something missing, you’re feeling like there's something more?

If you’ve built an accounting firm, a law firm, a financial services firm, a psychology practice, or a specialty consulting firm that is generating $1 million to $10 million in annual revenue, you are in a prime market.

Larger firms and companies are growing by buying other firms. This has long been the case, but we’re seeing a higher rate than ever.

I wish it wasn’t the case, but I see too many women who actually lose their company instead of exiting on their own terms. The exit process is filled with pitfalls and complex issues – especially for women.

Your advocate, by definition, is looking out for your best interests. They are not taking a brokerage fee, commission, or equity. They are not motivated by how quickly the exit moves or the final dollar amounts. They want what you want – and will help you get it.

In my experience, women don't retire; they transition into a new stage of purpose and impact. Whether you are 40 or 60, the idea of retirement may not appeal to you. Just because you can retire doesn’t mean you’ll want to.

We can redefine ‘retirement’ and think of your eventual business exit as a ‘purposeful transition’.

Are you ready to leap into your Third Act and grab the whole cookie?

That requires a new way of thinking, new skills, a simple and elegant design, and an advocate by your side. Contact me to learn more.?

Discover your Exit Readiness Index? with this assessment:?https://she-exits.com/

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? The Block Group Inc.