How Close Are You to Moving From "Putting Out Fires" to Freedom in Your Business?

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Quiz Questions

1.
We (or maybe, at this point, it is just “I” as the one woman show) have a clear vision for the organization, it's in writing, and everyone who I work with knows and understands it.
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
2.
Our core values are clear and we are hiring, reviewing, rewarding and firing around them. This makes decisions around people and team easy.
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
3.
Our core business focus is clear, and we keep our people, systems and processes aligned and focused on it. We never take on work outside of what is within our core focus.
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
4.
Our big long range business goal - 10 years out - is clear, communicated regularly, and is shared by all of my team members.
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
5.
Our ideal customer/client is clear and all of our marketing and sales efforts are focused on it. There are no special "snowflakes."
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
6.
We know what separates us from our competition. We have three differentiators, or the three things that make us unique and they are clear. All of our marketing and sales efforts communicate these three differentiators.
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
7.
We have a proven process for doing business with our customers/clients. It has been named and visually illustrated. We follow it and our customers/clients know what they can expect.
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
8.
All the people in our organization are the "right people" - not just nice or great people (or the neighbor who is fun to be around) - and they fit our culture and share our core values, and they know what they are doing (they don't have to be spoon fed).
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
9.
Our organizational chart (yes, we have one!) clearly illustrates what role (not person) is accountable and responsible for each and every aspect of our business (including restocking supplies and Diet Cokes). It's clear, complete and consistently updated.
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
10.
Everyone is in the "right seat" (they get it, want it and have the capacity to do their jobs well). There is no babysitting or reminding going on.
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
11.
Our leadership team (even if you're just a one woman show) is open and honest, and demonstrates a high level of trust (do you trust you?)
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
12.
Everyone has no more than seven 90 day priorities and is focused on them (and no one has a to-do list one mile long).
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
13.
Everyone is engaged in regular weekly meetings (or...if you're a one woman show, you meet regularly with you!)
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
14.
All meetings are on the same day and at the same time each week, have the same agenda, start on time and end on time (how consistent are you?)
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
15.
All issues are clearly identified, discussed and solved for the long-term greater good of the company - we keep our eye on the prize - we don't put band-aids on things.
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
16.
Our Core Processes and Systems are documented, simplified and followed by all to consistently produce the results we want.
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
17.
We have systems for receiving regular feedback from customers/clients and team members so we always know their level of satisfaction.
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
18.
A scorecard for tracking weekly metrics/measurables is in place. We love numbers!
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
19.
Everyone in the organization has at least one number they are accountable for keeping on track each week. I am not the only one responsible for our success.
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree
20.
We have a budget and are monitoring it regularly (e.g) monthly or quarterly. We also project cash flow to help us make decisions.
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- A.
  1. Strongly disagree
- B.
  2. Disagree
- C.
  3. Neutral
- D.
  4. Agree
- E.
  5. Strongly agree

Quiz Outcomes

1.
Let's get going! We need to make some changes now.
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Alert! May Day! We need to help you take the reins and get a grip on your business. You’re likely spending way too much time on fixing problems, and not enough time on what’s needed to move your business forward.It’s not too late! There are so many things you can do now to save you time and energy tomorrow.Check out Time to Level Up podcast Episode 93: How to Get a Grip on Your Business for more on this topic.
2.
You are normal. But would you rather be normal or great?
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Perhaps you’re just starting out and haven’t had enough experience with your business to have a clear plan and process yet. That’s totally fine! The most important thing is to improve each day.Whether you’re working alone or have a team, the objective is to spend less time on solving problems and more time on reaching your goals. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your business success.Check out Time to Level Up podcast Episode 93: How to Get a Grip on Your Business for more on this topic.
3.
You are above average, but there is room for improvement.
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Not bad! Your business is doing better than average. But there’s definitely room for improvement. You might not be wasting half of your time putting out fires, but you know you should be focused on how to achieve your bigger goals.There are so many ways to keep your business and your life organized, focused, and better planned. Find out what you could do to reach your potential!Check out Time to Level Up podcast Episode 93: How to Get a Grip on Your Business for more on this topic.
4.
You are well above average. But let's get you to great!
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Nice! You and your business are much better organized and planned out than the average. You have structure and processes for handling almost any challenge. But something is holding you back from reaching your fullest potential.You may occasionally be putting out unexpected fires, when you know you should use that time to move forward. There are ways to improve even more.Check out Time to Level Up podcast Episode 93: How to Get a Grip on Your Business for more on this topic.
5.
Congratulations! This is where those who have a real grip are.
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Congratulations! You and your business are exactly where you should be. You’re organized, thoughtful, and have clear and measurable goals. You don’t waste time putting out fires because you know how to extinguish them when they spark.Not only are you on track to achieve your goals, but you are probably already seeing results! You've found the sweet spot for your business.Check out Time to Level Up podcast Episode 93: How to Get a Grip on Your Business for more on this topic.