CB-002: Don't be Doomed to Fail

Hello, CubeBreakers!

Let’s get one thing out of the way first - I kinda know what I’m doing now. This is my 2nd newsletter. So be nice. Or not. Feedback is welcome. Just hit reply.

Newsletter frequency may increase. Only thing slowing me down right now is the order I want to go in. And I may have found some clarity on that this week.

This WILL change - but click here to see the roadmap of what’s coming up.

Our topic today is Alignment.

Why?

Because unaligned solo businesses are doomed to fail.

The Situation

Solopreneurship is different.

For a regular business, failure means closing the doors or filing bankruptcy.

Employees are replaceable. Vendors are replaceable. Executives are replaceable. They are bigger than any one person.

—>Solo businesses? Different.

We can succeed financially - but still fail. We can be trapped in a cell of our own construction. Too many hours. Too little revenue. Terrible clients.

In the 9-5 world, you can always find a new job. Change bosses. Change cultures.

That’s not an option where you’re headed.

If you build something that doesn’t match your values - you’re not going to like where it ends.

Here at CubeBreakers, we’re building from the foundation. We approach life and business strategically.

Alignment is where it all starts.

What is Alignment?

Alignment is the long line connecting your core values with the needs of your client.

Not just so your business can find market success (make money), but also to find personal fulfillment.

There are two types of alignment we care about.

Internal and external.

Internal alignment is between you and your business.

External alignment is between your business and your clients.

Internal Alignment

Internal alignment begins with your core values.

They might look something like this:

• Integrity

• Self-reliance

• DIY mentality

• Accountability

• Willingness to adapt

Your vision is aspirational. Where you want to be in 5 or 10 years.

Your mission is more tangible. It’s how your expertise is going to help your clients achieve their goals.

External Alignment

External alignment is focused on the business itself.

It’s about answering the what/who/how/where kind of questions.

I call this Strategic Business Design (much to come on this topic).

An example of alignment:

If you’re a devoutly religious web designer, what makes more sense: Targeting your services at adult performers or local churches?

Most of us aren’t going to have that level of clarity in aligning our values externally. But it’s how we need to think.

The global economy is HUGE. You only need a tiny little sliver.

You do not need to compromise on anything.

Understand this now. Let it drive your choices going forward.

Your Assignment

— >Write down your core values < —

I opened up the newsletter with a quote from Roy E. Disney.

When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.

-Roy E. Disney

Does it get any clearer than that?

Building a great solo business starts by understanding yourself.

Always remember our goal. We are doing the upfront work today to maximize our chances of success later.

Until next time - LFG.

-Zack