4 Ways to Turn your Business Chaos into a Masterpiece
The Renaissance Business Model
"I can't seem to structure all the various services my business offers, or all the ideas I have... It feels so chaotic." If that statement strikes a chord with you, then you're not alone.
In a world that is in a constant state of flux, it's not surprising that business owners - specially the renaissance types, with multi-passions and various interests - face a new type of challenge. Businesses are no longer single-dimensional entities. Like you, they're multifaceted and multi-dimensional, offering a multitude of services and products that cater to an increasingly diverse audience that also wants to know what you stand for, what is the story behind the brand, what led you to where you are? And, while this diversity can provide a competitive edge, it can also cause stress, confusion, and sometimes, utter chaos.
So how can we create structure amidst this chaos?
1.Embrace Chaos
The first step to creating structure is understanding that chaos is part of the process. It's a reflection of the richness and diversity of your business and your personal background, the myriad skills and possibilities at your disposal. This realization can change your relationship with chaos, from seeing it as an obstacle to seeing it as an opportunity. Your diverse background and multi-passions are what makes you exactly who you are, uniquely capable of supporting your clients and customers. Owning your multi-passions and diverse skills allows you to serve your clients and customers better, a trend that has been seen in businesses and industries at large too, called industry convergence.
In the 2020 book The Future Is Faster Than You Think, Xprize founder and visionary entrepreneur Peter Diamandis argued that waves of advanced technologies—AI, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), digital biology, blockchain, global gigabit connectivity, and so on—are converging at a pace that’s accelerating exponentially and will affect every aspect of personal and societal life even sooner than we think.
As the possibilities from convergence multiply, so will the possibilities for industry disruption. Think of how the smartphone caused a huge disruption to cameras, computers, games, publishing, and other businesses at the same time that it completely changed people’s lives. And this is only the beginning. Overall, this disruption could be a good thing. We have a lot of problems to solve, and convergence might just be the key. We're going to see industries, technologies, skills, and professions come together to make the world better.
2. Align Your Legal, Logistical and Strategic Considerations
Legal structures determine the framework within which your business operates, from taxation to liability. As a former lawyer, I am here to tell you, they matter. A strong legal structure not only protects you against future problems, but it also creates a protective container around your business. In a nutshell: the right legal structure saves you money. For instance, for small business owners, a question over incorporating or not can end up saving thousands of dollars per year worth of tax.
The Renaissance business model involves expansion through incorporating and converging different skills, services, segments, or even multiple industries - therefore the logistical and legal aspects must be adapted to ensure protection while allowing for flexibility and innovation.
One thing to keep in mind is that logistical and legal considerations follow a first, and very important, step: strategic planning, which for Renaissance businesses often involve continuous reshaping. This is specially important when the business was originally created following a niche-based model. A new strategy for expansion that allows for convergence and innovation is what will put an end to what I call the “business karmic loop”, when things seem to get stuck, uninteresting, or no longer profitable. This is when we need to dive deep into your business's mission, broader goals and objectives - your "big picture".
3. Don't Stick to Cookie-Cutter Formulas
If you know me, you know I am allergic to formulas. “Buy my formula of success”, or “align your business in 10 easy steps” might sound compelling (and this why they sell), but I hate to break it to you: there's no one-size-fits-all approach to organizing a diverse business model. You have to figure out what works best for your unique situation.
Because a Renaissance business often involves multiple layers, services, and sometimes industries, the old niche-based model that informs most of the quick/ cookie-cutter formulas is quite simply, not applicable.
4. Utilize the Power of Humanology and Human Design
I’m not one for cookie-cutter formulas, but I do believe in systems that are grounded in measurable, science-based, empirical results. Humanology is the ancient science of human behavior and how your body-mind-soul connection informs how you operate in the world. Human Design is the science of navigating your personal energy. So these two systems, put quite simply, are the science of understanding yourself. And why are they relevant? Because creating structure amidst chaos isn't just about organizing the practical elements of your business. It's about aligning these elements with your deeper purpose and the values you stand by. These systems help you create a through-line that is the backbone of your business.
In a very practical way too, Humanology and Human Design encourage us to consider the human element in everything we do. This involves acknowledging and respecting the individuality of each team member, client, or stakeholder involved in your business.
In Summary
Creating structure amidst chaos is a continuous process, an ongoing journey. It requires patience, creativity, and a willingness to think outside the box. It requires you to find order in the disorder, music in the noise, and a pathway through the labyrinth. But remember, it's YOUR labyrinth. You're the architect, the strategist, and the navigator.
Are you ready to transform your chaos into an organized, harmonious symphony?
Watch my TEDx Talk