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. Connect with your MISSION, not just your Business.

There is something only you can create - the way you can create. This is why I often say: if if you don’t have a business per se (maybe you’re a career person or a stay home parent), you’re in business: you’re in The Business of You.

Whether or not you’re a founder or creator, there is something that will readily prompt you to wake up early and work hard - and happily so. That is your mission. To be crystal clear, it’s not your job, your title, or your business. It is the tangible expression of what you believe and stand for, combined with your personal, energetic makeup. Ultimately this is about understanding yourself. And why is this relevant?

Because creating structure amidst chaos isn't just about organizing the practical elements of your business or career. It's about aligning these elements with your deeper purpose and the values you stand by. It is through your mission that you will discover the through-line that is the backbone of your business. And it is through your mission that you will find meaning and satisfaction.

In a very practical way too, connecting to your mission considers the human element in everything we do. This involves acknowledging and respecting the individuality and authenticity (truly your personal brand) that sets you apart from everyone else.

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, a common note in the noise, and a through-line that ultimately reflects your mission. But remember, it's YOUR labyrinth. You're the architect, the strategist, and the navigator.

If you haven’t found out what your mission is yet, or need help reconnecting to it, having the courage to PIVOT, or the support to integrate all parts of you into your business or career, don’t worry: this is precisely why I created MAGNETIC BUSINESS.

Ready to embrace your Renaissance self and transform your chaos into an a masterpiece?