Time by Sean MacEntee, on Flickr Creative Commons

Time by Sean MacEntee, on Flickr Creative Commons

Every business goes through cycles.  This is often described as the growth curve and includes: start-up, growth, plateau and decline. The concept also applies to us as individuals.  I work with clients in all stages.  Each stage has its challenges, intensity and unique mindset requirements.  Another way to think of these stages is by asking the question: “What time is it?”

I was working with a client recently that is clearly in start-up mode.    They might answer that it is “get up and make is happen” time.

Another client is experiencing steady growth – and whole new set of challenges that come with a larger operation.  He might call this “I need to get ahead of this before it consumes me” time.

Another client is more established and making good money but has been stagnant.  They might say this is “better try something new” time.

Another client is totally jumping off the curve and transitioning to a buyout partner.  They might call this “leaving a legacy” time.

Starting up and shaking off stagnation both take enormous commitment and focus. Rising above our past success to reach new levels of success requires courage to take on new approaches.  Leaving a legacy requires acute perspective and openness.  All require action.

So where are you in the cycle? Or rather, what time is it for you?  The answer will guide both your actions and your intensity.

Every business goes through cycles.  This is often described as the growth curve and includes: start-up, growth, plateau and decline. The concept also applies to us as individuals.  I work with clients in all stages.  Each stage has its challenges, intensity and unique mindset requirements.  Another way to think of these stages is by asking the question: “What time is it?”

I was working with a client recently that is clearly in start-up mode.    They might answer that it is “get up and make is happen” time.

Another client is experiencing steady growth – and whole new set of challenges that come with a larger operation.  He might call this “I need to get ahead of this before it consumes me” time.

Another client is more established and making good money but has been stagnant.  They might say this is “better try something new” time.

Another client is totally jumping off the curve and transitioning to a buyout partner.  They might call this “leaving a legacy” time.

Starting up and shaking off stagnation both take enormous commitment and focus. Rising above our past success to reach new levels of success requires courage to take on new approaches.  Leaving a legacy requires acute perspective and openness.  All require action.

 So where are you in the cycle? Or rather, what time is it for you?  The answer will guide both your actions and your intensity.