Every March we talk about luck, good fortune, and four-leaf clovers. Being mostly Irish – I love it!
But if your business revenue depends on luck, look out – you’re relying on a wish instead of leading a business.
By the time we reach mid-March, Q1 has already given you useful information for the rest of the year. You know what’s working. You know what’s not. You also probably have a pretty good idea of what you’ve been avoiding.
So – Will you let Q2 happen to you or will you decide it?
There are three decisions that will shape how Q2 unfolds.
Decision #1: Double Down or Redesign
Look at your First Quarter 2026 and ask:
- What actually generated revenue?
- What felt aligned and strong?
- What drained time without meaningful return?
If something is working – say a particular service you offer – go deeper. How can you improve it and/or how can you get the word out about it more?
If something is not working, a change is needed. Either eliminate or redesign it.
Make the decision. Then build the quarter around it.
In applying this process on a recent call, one of my executive coach clients realized that of the three offers she had available for potential clients, one had not sold at all in the last year and one felt like it was limping along. The third and most valuable one in terms of return on investment was the star of her business. The decision was clear – all promotions going forward would focus on the high ROI service and the others would be dropped.
Decision #2: Systemize or Keep Struggling
Do any of these scenarios sound familiar to you?
- The business is feeling more exhausting than inspiring.
- You find yourself recreating the wheel with each new client.
- You spend way too much time chasing invoices.
- Business feels more reactive than proactive.
- Other people dictate your calendar instead of you.
It seems counterintuitive, but freedom in a solo business actually comes from better structure.
Systems help you hold boundaries. Schedules allow you to focus where you need to in the moment, knowing time for other priorities is already allotted.
If you want revenue growth and time freedom, Q2 requires you to decide:
Will you build structure or keep muscling through?
A financial advisor I work with felt completely stretched thin. He was splitting time between a long-established office and a brand-new location that needed focused growth. At the same time, he was navigating a recent divorce and shared childcare. He was convinced there was no margin left.
When we mapped his week against three clear priorities, the story changed. The hours were there. They just weren’t assigned with intention. Once his calendar reflected his top priorities, he stopped feeling guilty at the office and distracted at home.
Decision #3: Raise the Standard or Stay Where You Are
Are you:
- Underpricing to avoid discomfort?
- Tolerating half-engaged clients?
- Letting yourself off the hook on follow-through?
- Saying yes to work that is beneath your skill level?
Stagnating businesses often come from lowered or “just-good-enough” standards.
Raising the standard might mean:
- Raising pricing
- Requiring clearer commitments
- Saying no more often
* * * * *
Most solo professionals think in days and weeks. Strategic professionals think in quarters.
Where is your CEO time this month?
If you don’t step out of delivery to design the next 90 days, the quarter will design itself.
That is why I host the Profitability Planning Intensive at the end each quarter to prepare for the next. It is a focused half-day to:
- Evaluate all five pillars of your business
- Identify the targeted few priorities that truly grow revenue
- Leave with a 90-day actionable plan that leads to goal achievement and life fulfillment
No Luck o’ the Irish required.
More information and the link to register are provided here