Every time I hear the phrase “moving on up”, I remember the iconic show, The Jeffersons. They were in the dry-cleaning business. Mr. Jefferson desperately wanted to make it big, so he moved from the slums to the Eastside of the city. With some hiccups, the Jeffersons were well on their way to making it big in the dry cleaner’s world. Mr. Jefferson was determined to do better than he had done in previous years, and he took the steps to make it happen.
Speaking of moving…if you’ve ever moved before, whether it was for your business or your home, you know exactly what I’ve been going through for the last 30+ days. It’s been challenging at times, especially because of my health issues. However, things are looking up because my daughter is in a better place with her life now. We had to do it quickly just to move forward.
When moving, all the pieces have to be planned so everything gets done in a timely manner. Usually, a backup plan is needed just in case something doesn’t get done like it was planned.
Utilities must be shut off and turned on again at the new place. All the moving pieces seem to be never-ending because you’re working around the clock, while working ahead of what’s needed to get everything completed by the deadline.
However, good things don’t happen to those who wait. I know that’s not the correct quote, but it is so true. If you wait, nothing gets done. And certainly, now on cue. Now I don’t have to climb 22 steps up nor 22 steps down the stairs because I can just roll into my house. I thank my wife for her decision while I was in the hospital battling irregular heartbeat, a fib, heart murmur and a UTI at the time.
As I thought about myself during this move I couldn’t help but think about the end of the year what I’ve accomplished, and for that matter what I plan for my business in 2026. People remark that I have a good outlook even with my recent diagnosis of CIDP diagnosis (ugly stepsister to GBS).
In reality, your business is your life and for that reason your business goal should be very important to you too. It will be your road map for a successful 2026, and you’ll want to review what you were able to accomplish in 2025. What do you expect to accomplish in 2026? Maybe you want to spend more time with family next year. Perhaps you have to spend more time with your business because you don’t have the help in place that you will need to get through next year just yet.
Maybe you need more parts, trucks or a bigger facility. Whatever it is, if you decide to grow your business, you should be putting it down on paper, giving it a timeframe of when you want to accomplish that particular part of your goal.
Discuss what you want to accomplish in the new year with your team members who want to be alongside to watch it grow. They will appreciate knowing what you’re working toward. The decision is ultimately yours, but they may have some suggestions that could help get you where you want to be in your business quickly.
A word of caution though. I would discuss it only with those that think like you do. If there isn’t such a person at your business, then seek the advice of someone outside the business: whether banker, financial person, or a wise person that can help you strategize. Its’s most important to avoid opinions from any Negative Nancy or Nathans you know when seeking advice. They’re talented at throwing cold water on warm ideas, and you don’t need that when you’re trying to move up.
Remember that the first sale is for your family. You must sell them on what you want to do first. If you’re moving on up, then move up with help from those that care.
I will see you on the next podcast.
