How to Find Your “Order of Importance” and Actually Grow Your Business

Ever feel like you’re constantly busy, yet not seeing the growth you desire in your business?

You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of being scattered, learning a bit of this and a bit of that, jumping on every new program or AI tool, and ultimately losing focus on what truly matters for their business’s next level.

The result? A lack of income, fewer sales conversations, and people not showing up for your programs or webinars. Why? Because you’re spread too thin, unable to dedicate enough focused energy to make each initiative successful.

It’s an unrealistic expectation to learn everything at once or achieve all your business goals in a single year. Thinking you’ll hit $100,000 in just a few months after starting a business is simply not realistic, unless you have an incredibly high-ticket offer and the perfect client ready to pay in full. Most entrepreneurs should consider a three-year evolution plan. While some might do it faster, it’s not the norm.

The Cure for “Shiny Object Syndrome”: Strategic Focus

So, how do you combat this overwhelm and get on the right track? It all comes down to figuring out your “Order of Importance” (OOI). This means having grace and patience with yourself, doing things strategically, creating a plan, and most importantly, sticking to it.

One major pitfall is getting “squirreled off” by other people’s urgencies. Just because someone has a limited-time offer for a program or course doesn’t mean you have to buy it now. These “today-only” or “48-hour” deals often reappear later when you’re actually ready for them. If it’s not the immediate next step for your business growth, put it on the back burner.

The Danger of Investing Out of Order

Many entrepreneurs invest in too many things too soon, without understanding their OOI, leading to depleted cash flow. Then, when the truly necessary investments come along, they’re out of money or tied up in programs that won’t generate immediate cash flow. This is especially crucial for those looking to increase their immediate and consistent cash flow, from, say, $2,000 to $5,000 a month, or $10,000 to $20,000 a month.

Be wary of “bright shiny objects,” especially with marketers becoming increasingly adept at using AI to craft compelling copy. They’re good at grabbing your attention, but you need to prioritize what’s truly important for your business.

Your OOI is Unique to You

A good business coach or advisor won’t just try to sell you their program. They’ll take the time to understand your goals, personality, desired lifestyle, work hours, existing efforts, past experiences, current resources, and skill sets. If someone doesn’t do this, they may not have your best interests at heart.

For example, a client recently invested in a TED Talk program, yet she didn’t even have a website, a clear understanding of what she was selling, her brand, or her authentic voice. While she eventually wants to do a TED Talk, it was completely out of her order of importance. The smart move was to put it on the back burner and focus on building those foundational elements first.

Regain Clarity, Confidence, and Cash Flow

If you find yourself in this situation, don’t feel guilty. Acknowledge that you made some decisions out of order because you didn’t know better, and now you do. The goal is to focus on the right things to propel your business forward faster.

The immediate priority for most growing businesses is building consistent cash flow and a solid client base, which in turn reduces stress, and increases clarity and confidence. Once you have that foundation, then you can confidently pursue those other exciting endeavors like hosting events or speaking on stages.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or unsure of your next steps, consider getting help to identify your OOI. A clarity call can help you assess what’s on your plate, what you can let go of, and what to focus on instead.

It’s time to calm the chaos, get clear and focused, and start enjoying your life while strategically building your business.

Here’s a few places you can join me in the next few weeks!

• WEEKLY Coffee Chats, will be June 10th and 17th this month, both at 9am PST – anyone can come network, share what you do, we talk about business, books, and all the things that come with being entrepreneurs. It’s intimate and personal, you have to come on video. Zoom link is here.

• Monthly Author Brainstorming Power Hours, every 4th Thursday at Noon PST –Anyone is welcome to come if you are thinking about writing a book, currently writing one or want to know ways to best utilize the books you do have to build your business, authority and to get clients. Please register here. 

• Local only Polka Dot events: June 4, this Wednesday, 4-7 pm Dot Social at La Popular in Roseville. June 14th Coffee Connect in Sacramento. June 20, Friday 11:30-1:30, Lunch Connect Meeting at Casa del Lago in Granite Bay. You will meet up to 30 members and guests and get to share what you do, plus, learn about how our Polka Dot sisterhood could very well be the group that you’ve been longing for. Learn more and register here!

• June 11th – Virtual Summit About Hosting Summits (all day PST) – I’m speaking! Have you gotten your VIP ticket yet? Only VIPs get to join us on zoom, otherwise you can watch from livestream on YouTube. If you’ve been considering hosting your own summit, you definitely want to attend this all day event. The speakers are covering every single aspect you need to know about. Register here. 

• June 17th, 10 am PST – VIRTUAL SPEED CONNECT. Any woman is invited to join our local Polka Dot chapter and attend to learn more about the Dots but also connect with up to 30 amazing women from all over! Register here. 

• LevelUp Live: Own Your Worth, Speak with Purpose, Sell with Confidence is happening Sept 4-6. It’s a 2 1/2 day in-person experience designed for ambitious entrepreneurs, coaches, and service providers ready to step into premium pricing, powerful messaging, and soul-aligned sales. Through workshops, guided mindset shifts, and practice-based sessions, attendees will upgrade their value, voice, and sales mastery — all while being held in a loving, transformational community. Registration page coming soon but save the date and get ready to travel!

• The Author & Speaker Connection Retreat is happening on Sat and Sun Nov 15 & 16 in Scottsdale, AZ. This will be for 6-7 women who want to deep dive on creating books that build their business, and go with their talks, getting speaking gigs, positioning them to do their own events and so much more. Submit a request here if you’re interested in learning more about this retreat.

Wishing you a productive and impactful week!

I know how to show you how to tweak what you’re doing to get really BIG RESULTS in the next year! Book a 1on1 clarity session with me here now! Here’s to creating and enjoying a life full of lots of Love & Money!

Katrina Sawa, The Jumpstart Your Biz Coach