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Dream-Diagram-Develop

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Dream-Diagram-Develop

Dream-Diagram-Develop

The term design-build has been circling around in the construction industry for quite some time.

It refers to a company that will both design and build your dream home.

For purposes of this article, I will use the idea of design-build in a parallel way to refer to your business or organization.  Whether you are building a home or a business, it all starts with a dream.

Dream

Have you ever looked through a high-end luxury home magazine?  The pictures are beautiful.  Everything is perfect.  Each page contains a masterpiece build that is pleasing to the eye.  And, if you’re honest, it makes you want to create the same for yourself.  Right?

It all starts with the dream.  That’s why those magazines exist.  To get you to dream.  To get you to think about your dream home.

But what about a dream business?

Have you ever thought about what you would like your business or organization to look like down the road?  Do you dream about an organization that is making a positive impact on the world?  Do you dream about an organization that attracts and compensates the best people?  Do you dream of having an organization that enables the owner to harvest the necessary cash flow to support his or her family’s lifestyle and goals?  Do you dream of having an organization that is saleable because it has proven consistent earnings?  Do you dream of your organization going public?

What is your dream?

Diagram

As the saying goes, and I’m not sure who to credit, but it goes like this: “A dream without a plan is a wish.”

How many entrepreneurs dream about their version of a great business?  I would say a lot.

The follow-on question is this:  How many entrepreneurs take the time to diagram or design their dream business?  I would say very few.

You know those great-looking pictures in the luxury home magazines?  Those were once someone’s dream.  Then, someone designed it.  Then, someone built it.

You need someone skilled and trustworthy to help turn your dream into something workable.

The reason?  Because to realize your dream, it has to be built.  And to be built, it requires a diagram or a design.  And not just any design will do: It has to be solid.  It has to be as simple as possible.  And, it needs to be diagrammed to stand the test of time.  In good economies and bad.

When it comes to diagramming or designing your dream business, there are no short-cuts.  A great and well-constructed design is a critical step in creating a dream business.

Develop

The last and final step is to develop or build your dream business.  And, workmanship is key.

But, keep in mind, great workmanship can never out-perform a poor diagram.  This is why, before you build, careful attention must be placed on the design.

A Fly in the Ointment

Here’s something I see a lot.  Some entrepreneurs go directly from Dream to Develop.  And they either short-change Diagram or skip it all together.  You have to make sure your dream can be built.  And built in the best possible and most economical way.  You have to calculate the cost.

Here’s another trustworthy saying to illustrate the point:

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” – Luke 14:28

The Old Way

Most leaders and entrepreneurs are looking for a better way.  Some well-meaning owners and executives sometimes might hire a typical consulting firm.  The reason?  They are looking for a quick-fix.  Instead of hiring a Sherpa to help them climb Mt. Everest, they hire someone to climb the mountain for them.

So, they look for consulting firms that “specialize” in certain industries.  These firms sell ready-made solutions.  They sell you lock, stock, and barrel.  And people buy it hook, line, and sinker (Sorry, I couldn’t help it).

But, here’s what they will be getting: They will be buying the consulting firm’s version of what they think makes sense for you.  It is turn-key, for sure.  It is their dream.  Their diagram.  And their development.  And, very, very expensive.  It is expensive because they do it all for you.

And when they are done, you are left with their version of your reality.  And to use another analogy, you get a suit that neither fits nor will get worn.  Because it’s not your dream.  It wasn’t designed for you.  It was designed for them.  So, they could build it and charge you for it.

It’s more or less a “one size fits all” approach.

A New Way

At Blue Elevator™, we’re bringing a new and fresh approach to helping people build their dream organizations.

  • Dream.  It all begins with your dream.  Not ours.
  • Diagram.  If you can dream it, God willing, we will help you diagram it.  We will collaborate a design together.  There is no “one size fits all” approach here.  It is bespoke (e.g., custom).  Think about it.  Your dream organization custom-designed for you and your organization.  Everyone’s dream is different – no matter the business or the industry.  Consequently, every diagram is unique and different.
  • Develop.  You get to build it!  Why pay a consulting firm $400 per hour to implement something you can develop or implement at $40 per hour (e.g., or the rates you pay your own employees)?  Make sense?

If the last part (e.g., the build) seems daunting, no worries.  God willing, we can help you.  We can be as involved as you want us to be.

If you can dream it, let’s diagram it – together.  And, God willing, let’s start developing your dream organization together.

Contact us!

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About the Author:

Ken Moll is the Principal and Founder of Blue Elevator®. With professional experience spanning four decades, Ken has a breadth of foundational business knowledge rarely found – making him part of an elite class of professionals. Ken's passion is helping clients of Blue Elevator® get their “business to the next level™.”