How to Create Your Business Vision
with a Capital V
By Joanne Victoria

1. Why is it that some business owners persevere after several disappointments while others, maybe even the listeners, give up?

A: It is through the power of vision. Your vision can be an inspiring, energizing idea that you can use to excite others. You need a vision to be more effective, more desirable and more attractive to your clients and customers.

2. What is the value of a business vision?

A: Everything you do, the people you speak with, the clients you attract are all a result of your vision. The right vision for your business will help you be more satisfied with your business and generate more abundance and wealth. With a true business vision, all your decisions are easily made because all your decisions are in alignment with your vision.

3. How do you know if your current vision is good enough for your business?

A: It is not so much about your vision being good enough, it is about having a vision that is clearly visionary. I recently interviewed several entrepreneurs, independent professionals and business owners. I concluded that what they thought was their business vision was actually outcomes or results they provided for their clients. These outcomes, while great, were goals, not in any way visionary. To reinvent your current vision to a Vision with a Capital V, it needs to be mind-blowing phenomenal. If it can be put into words and pictures, it can be achieved.

4. I already have business goals. Why do I need a business vision?

A: Goals are specific, measurable realistic outcomes or results, usually completed by a specific date. Tasks or assignments support the completion of the goals. Goals, in turn, support your mission and vision statements. Goals, mission statements and vision are usually aligned with your values.

A goal example is as follows: ABC Company will release two new computer programs in the United States by end of the year 2005.This supports the Business Vision example of: US-Based ABC Company is the only software provider to global nations.

5. How can a business vision increase my income?

A: A Vision with a Capital V will not only increase your income, you will also get better clients and customers. Clarity about who you are and what you do is supported by your vision. The more you focus on what your clients want and need, the easier it will be for them to see and understand your contributions. Opportunities abound when you have a clear vision. The larger your vision, the easier it is to attract more money.

6. What is the first step we can take to make your vision a reality?

A: First, eliminate any individual or challenge standing in your way, real or perceived. Then find a quiet space, have a tape recorder or journal handy as well as an hour of free time. Answer the following questions with as much detail as possible: (there are more...I will provide you with four)

- 1. What does your business look like? Does it provide all the resources you require?

- 2. Is your life rewarding? How?

- 3. Where are you living? Be as specific as possible.

- 4. Are you living the life of your dreams? What does it look like?

7. What strategies can I use to help keep my vision alive?

A: It can be easy to lose momentum, to give up part of your dream. We all need support and tools to inspire us on a daily basis. In my latest book, I have a chapter entitled Seven Strategies to Keep your Vision Alive. The list includes: Values, Meditation, and Inner and Outer Vision Teams. Many entrepreneurs think they can do it all alone, that no one can keep up with them. It's possible, but you will use up all your skills, strength and talent. The Outer Vision Team is where the real world action takes place. Many results come from the real world. Your Outer Vision team must first have a Mentor, someone who will hold the dream for you. Second, everyone on your team must have values that are in alignment with your values. Third, keep the team small. You can have as few as three others to make your vision a reality.

8. What else can I do to keep my Vision with a Capital V alive?

A: Continue to see yourself as the best in your field. See yourself as the best coach, consultant, real estate broker or publicist. Redefine your website to reflect your new vision. See yourself surrounded by inspirational geniuses, all waiting for what you hve to say. Know that dreams never die, but that dreams require action. You have a responsibility to create an action plan. If you follow al the instructions in my book, your vision will become a reality.

As you can see, it takes the power of ‘Vision With a Capital V’ to help create the business of your dreams. If you want to expand your business and expand your life, follow these eight steps to experience the life of your dreams.

Joanne Victoria is a 25-year Core Vision Strategist, who works with entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to gain clarity and focus so they can achieve more of what they really want. Joanne is the author of 3 books including ‘Vision with a Capital V- Create the Business of Your Dreams’. To find out more about Joanne, or to read more of her articles, click here.