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“Would Richard Branson be doing this?”

If you were running a successful global empire, how would you spend your time?

My mentor once gave a presentation about what it takes to build a business that generates $100,000/mo in revenue. He said that he asks one simple question to evaluate his daily to-do list, “Would Richard Branson be doing this?” If the answer is no, the task probably shouldn’t be on your list. Obviously, you can replace Richard Branson with your business idol, but the point is still the same.

If you were to follow the Maker’s schedule, what tasks would pass the Branson test?

When you only have one item on your daily to-do list - you get really clear about what REALLY matters. As a result, the things that push your business forward get done because you have the time to research, think, plan, question and innovate. The result is better than anything you could cobble together in between a packed schedule of calls.

Here are a few things I’ve done in an uninterrupted day…

  • Map out a 5-year plan vision and game plan, with milestones, KPIs and performance targets
  • Draw the organizational chart and task process for every key role in the business
  • Write and post job descriptions for hiring new team members
  • Research and select the technology that would not just meet the needs of the business today but also where it plans to be in 5 years
  • Decide on the marketing approach for new services
  • Create marketing content
  • Think and implement clever ways to hit my monthly sales goals

So, what did I say “No” to?

  • Being chained to my computer and phone 24/7 checking email and messages
  • Waking up every day feeling unsure of what the day would bring and what problems I’d face - reacting to things as they happen
  • Reacting to “urgent” emails, being interrupted by phone calls or having “surprise” projects with short timelines
  • Editing my website content
  • Talking to tech support about hosting problems
  • Ending the day feeling unaccomplished and frustrated

Start thinking about (not just who, but the characteristics of) the person you want to take over your “No” list.

Around this time, you’ll start to feel like you can’t do this because you can’t afford to hire someone… I’ll explain how to do that next.

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