
Episode 134: Making BIG Decisions – Working Backwards from Success
Posted On: Aug 11, 2020
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YOU WILL LEARN
- How to make big decisions
RESOURCES & LINKS
Episode 133: Open Yourself Up for Business
This podcast is brought to you by ColDesi
In Episode 134 of the CAS Podcast, we take a focused look at the process of making transformative business decisions. Whether you’re considering investing in new equipment, pivoting to a print-on-demand model, or relocating your business, this episode walks you through how to make those choices not from emotion, but from a clear-eyed vision of future success.
It’s not just about taking a leap—it’s about knowing where you’re going to land. In this episode, you’ll learn how to work backwards from success so that your decisions lead to real, measurable outcomes.
Step 1: Evaluate the Opportunity Objectively
Big decisions often start with big feelings—excitement, fear, optimism. But excitement alone doesn’t equal good business sense.
Ask yourself:
● Am I making this move because I’m inspired—or because it makes strategic, financial sense?
● How will my current customers perceive this change?
● Will this choice strengthen or distract from my core offering?
Thinking from multiple angles ensures your decision aligns with both your passion and your long-term strategy.
Step 2: Develop Clear, Specific Goals
Once you’ve identified an opportunity, define exactly what you want from it. Ambiguity leads to disappointment—clarity drives results.
For example:
● Buying a new UV printer? Set a revenue target: “I want to earn an additional $5,000/month within 90 days.”
● Switching to a POD model? Define how many orders you need per week to break even.
When your goals are specific, your path forward becomes measurable and motivating.
Step 3: Compare Alternatives
Before committing, compare your options:
Could your budget be better spent expanding existing services instead of adding new ones?
Can you outsource or partner instead of buying equipment?
Will focusing on customer retention or improving efficiency yield better results?
This step prevents the “shiny object syndrome” and ensures you’re choosing the best path—not just a new one.
Step 4: Make the Decision
Indecision is a silent killer of progress. You’ve done the research, crunched the numbers, and assessed the risk—now it’s time to act.
Waiting too long on a well-thought-out plan delays your success. Sometimes, the boldest move is simply following through on what you know is right.
Step 5: Create an Implementation Plan
Dreams don’t execute themselves. Once you’ve made the decision, break it down into actionable steps with clear checkpoints.
Example Plan for Adding New Equipment:
● Marketing Plan: Who will you target with your new capabilities?
● Website Setup: Add product pages, update pricing, add forms.
● Content Creation: Write blog articles, emails, and ad copy.
● Promotion: Launch ads and social media posts.
● Monitor: Track ad and content performance for three weeks.
● Adjust: Use insights to refine your next round of outreach.
Don’t forget to assign timelines and responsibilities, even if you’re a one-person business.
Step 6: Monitor, Adjust, and Optimize
Implementation doesn’t stop after the launch. Keep checking your progress:
● Are you hitting your revenue targets?
● Are customers responding positively?
● Is your timeline realistic, or do you need to pivot?
By treating your decision as a living plan instead of a fixed event, you can adapt as needed and keep the momentum going.
Inspiration Meets Execution
The rush of a new idea is powerful—but it’s follow-through that turns potential into profit. When you work backwards from what success looks like, every decision becomes clearer and more actionable.
🎧 Additional Resources:
● Episode 17 – Know Your Numbers: Value of a Customer
● Episode 18 – Know Your Numbers Part II
● The 1-Page Marketing Plan (External Book Resource)
About ColDesi
ColDesi is a leading provider of custom apparel and digital printing solutions, empowering businesses with innovative equipment and unmatched support.
With decades of industry experience, ColDesi offers a full range of professional-grade solutions, along with comprehensive training and customer service.
Their mission is to help entrepreneurs and established brands grow through cutting-edge technology and expert guidance.
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