What’s the difference? In the acupuncture world it isn’t always easy to distinguish between the two because we most often start out trying to do it all.

Working IN your business is like being inside the office going through the motions, treating the patients, paying the bills, doing the day in day out duties and hoping the profits outweigh the expenses. The employees work inside the business. As small business owners we are often the employees and the bosses at the same time.

Working ON your business is having the space to oversee it and strategize on how to improve it and increase the efficiency and profits from the bigger picture. This is the boss/ management role. When we are able to work on our business, it means that the practice is running smoothly, we have help to get some of the tasks done and systems are in place so that there is space and time to steer the vision and achieve our goals.

Without goals, one can’t be working on the business. This is key.

I love Lorne Browne’s book Missing the Point. If you don’t have it , order it today. He talks about having your eye on the horizon so that you know where the ship is heading. Take some time this week to create a one year, 3 year, and 5 year goal for your clinic and your business. It’s a great exercise that will help you work ON your business.

Creating a successful, thriving, and profitable acupuncture business is not an easy task. It takes acupuncture skills as well as management and business skills. That’s a challenge.

Consider the fishing analogy. If profit and clients are represented by fish, we are trying to catch as many fish as possible. We start out using a fishing pole or small net. Then we hope to build up to having larger and larger nets to catch all the fish. But all the while we are still working IN the business.

If you truly can work ON your business, you’ll one day set up the most beautiful coral reef ecosystem where the fish just come to you in abundance. This is the place from which you have unlimited choices and can grow your business in new ways and directions.

For more tips on strategies, systems, and clinic operation efficiency, read more of the Acuhub practice articles. Get a coach or call us for a business consultation. Learn about your wealth capacity and management style from your Bazi chart. Talk to your peers and colleagues regularly and share your lessons with each other. Keep your wheels spinning and your goals evolving. You can create your ideal practice if you strive for it.