Think like a Boss, Not an Employee

Shrey Thoudie's journey as an Urban Clean franchisee transformed his life, brought him job satisfaction, and made him a valuable asset to the Urban Clean brand.

We are going to address the elephant in the room. If you’ve invested in an Urban Clean Unit Franchise and you’re used to the 9-5 world, you may still be hanging on to a few habits that have no place in your future. This is about stepping up, taking ownership and steering your life in the direction you choose. Here are some habits you’ll need to let go of, and some you need to start.

Stop waiting for direction

In the 9-5 world, your boss tells you what to do and when to do it. Sure, you execute the direction but really there is no you in the equation, the task is for the greater good of the company you work for. You know what to do and you follow it automatically.

Start to own every decision

Ask yourself instead ‘What can I learn, solve or create today to improve my business?’. You don’t need to ask permission. A boss takes complete control of their decisions. From creating a new process to hiring a new team member, or even deciding to fit in a quick golf game on a Wednesday afternoon (because why not?) … you call the shots. As an Urban Clean Unit Franchise, you are the one taking control and creating the life you envision.

Stop task-oriented thinking

‘I must finish this spreadsheet today’, ‘Just another meeting before lunch’, ‘I just need to finish answering these emails’. Sound familiar? This is task-orientated thinking. Change your focus to include outcomes. Try making a list of goals instead, then breaking them down into manageable tasks and then adding a realistic timeline. There’s your ‘to do’ list.

Start thinking about the big picture

Write down what you want your life to look like, in one, two and five years from now. What do you want to have achieved? What do envision for your lifestyle? Be specific. Try to remember the ‘why’ behind your business. A boss mindset is all about strategy. What do you need to do to get to where you want to go? Every action you take should be measured against long term goals. If it’s not contributing to the bigger picture, do you really need to waste your energy on it?

Stop being afraid of risk

The mantra of an employee is to play it safe. You know that you have a paycheck coming in weekly, but you also know that there is only so far you can move up within the organisation. You’re comfortable, so you never make a move.

Start seeing risks as opportunities

People in a boss mindset don’t play it safe. They step into uncertainty with confidence knowing that with every risk, is a chance to learn, grow and innovate. You need to get comfortable failing. Every failure is a chance to learn and move forward. Not forgetting that opportunities can also pay off, big time.

Stop trading time for money

In a 9-5 job, you work 8 hours, then you get paid for 8 hours. It doesn’t work that way in your own business. Simply clocking in and clocking out won’t get you to your long-term goals. Stop thinking in terms of hourly rate and focus on the big picture instead.

Start creating value instead

Ask yourself “How can I create value today?’. Your customers don’t need bells and whistles, they need you to solve their problem, not to just do more of what you know. Being the solution is a total win-win for you and your client… and a gamechanger for your business. If you aren’t sure what they need, simply ask!

Stop focusing on short term goals

That ‘Just get me through the day’ mentality is more common in office culture than losing your stapler or the office birthday cake. The same thing, day in day out. It works, but just focusing on short term goals won’t get you to your long-term vision.

Start creating opportunities

If you’re someone who’s ready to take ownership of your future, we’d love to talk. Whether you’re looking for a flexible income or ready to build a business that scales, our franchise model gives you the tools, training, and support to succeed. Click here to connect with us.

Check out Shey Thoudie’s story below.

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