LESSON #13: Getting a Vision for Your Business

By | July 16, 2008

Up until this point, we’ve essentially been covering the requirements and prerequisite knowledge necessary to increase your chances of building a successful online business.

Today marks a turning point.

It’s time to begin focusing on your personal situation, and to turn our attention to your future business…

(Watch this video…)

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Main points:

  • Without vision, your business probably won’t succeed.

  • I describe vision as being able to “see” a clear picture of your fulfilled goals in your mind.

  • It’s like the box cover of a difficult puzzle…

  • You must begin with the end in mind.

  • Almost every success in my life has come AFTER having a vision for it. (For example, when I won the state championship, and every time I launch a product)

  • The successful business owners that I’ve known ALL have vision.

  • It’s kind of like looking at the world from 30,000 feet. You see the big picture, and not the problems.

  • If you lose sight of your vision, you lose hope. And if you lose hope, it’s game over.

  • As we progress in the lessons, we’ll keep moving forward step by step, but if you don’t start by getting a vision, further efforts could be somewhat futile.

  • If you set your target too low, you may hit it, but there is almost no chance that you will exceed it. On the other hand, if you set your target too high, you may fail, but you will be further along than the “low” target. Therefore it’s better to set your vision higher.

  • One of the biggest things I see holding people back is a “victim mentality”.

  • “Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop this picture. Never think of yourself as failing; never doubt the reality of the mental image. That is most dangerous, for the mind always tries to complete what it pictures. So always picture ‘success’ no matter how badly things seem to be going at the moment.” – Norman Vincent Peale

  • Many of us have taken on a “just get by” mentality.

  • The size of your vision will dictate the size of the result.

  • YOU are valuable. Don’t sell yourself short.

  • Here’s my “disclaimer” that I forgot to include in the video…. “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Prov. 16:9)

    Action steps:

    I want you to take a moment to tell me your vision for your business. The vision can involve other areas of your life too, but since we’re working on building your business, it should be focused on your business.

    It’s important to write your vision down, so go ahead and post it in the comments below. This is YOUR vision, and there is NO wrong answer.

    Focus on the big picture. Don’t worry about the details of how you will get there. We’ll worry about that stuff when we learn about goal setting and business plans, and I’ll be talking about those things in the next lesson.

    As always, you are welcome to post your questions and comments below.

    Have a great day!

  • 1,837 thoughts on “LESSON #13: Getting a Vision for Your Business

    1. Desana

      Eric, I am going to say that it’s the VISION that kept me going for almost 2 years to find a mentor of your kind, a person I can instantly build trust with, even though I’ve never met you in person. Your “disclaimer” in the comments below the video says it clearly! Of course, my vision is to learn, better and master the skills of how to build a successful online business from the ground up properly, do things in life that you’re passionate about, become free in life in all terms and then put it forward and help others to do so, too.

      Reply
    2. Allen

      My Wife’s vision: As i sit in the kitchen i look into our Empower Network back office, to see if we have any sales off our latest text. We have made our first $10,000 and I am just ecstatic, extremely excited and over joyed with tears in my eyes I am searching the Internet for the first one way trip straight to Honolulu Hawaii no pitstops I grab Allen to show him the exciting news. :~) our one-way tickets first class tickets to Waikiki Beach.

      Reply
    3. Tracy

      Hi Eric,
      First of all, I wanted to say Thank You for the lessons! I feel so blessed to have found you. I been dreaming of having my own online business for very long time, But I’ve never knew where to start. I look forward to finish up all the lessons and get my online business up and running.
      My vision is to build a successful online and offline business . My goal is to brining in more than $1 million per year in annual income. This will allow me the personal and financial freedom to help my family and to live a fuller and richer life. I want to work for myself ,set my own schedule, spend time with my family, travel all around the world and help my family to start their own business. My biggest dream is to help my dad so he don’t have to work anymore.

      Reply
    4. Valerie

      How will SSC website assist in the overall vision/goals?

      • I see SSC from all parts of the Tri-States, I see all my seniors having no problems
      • I see a well developed, easy to navigate website
      • Having a tremendous amount of spunky seniors members
      • I vision obtaining members by word of mouth (mouse) the Internet, marketing
      • I vision important advertisers

      Reply
    5. ADARSH BHUSHAN

      My vision is to earn 10 million us dollars a year. I want to publish my own book and build my own empire in online marketing to provide jobs to unemployed and homeless of my country and other seeking individuals from other parts of the planet . Apart from this internet marketing my vision is to develop my country and remove orthodox beliefs of religion/god/living from the mind of the people to have love and prosperity for our mother planet earth and every species of our planet for ultimate peace in the heart of every being.

      Reply
    6. Eileen E. Rossman

      MY VISION IS TO BE ABLE TO HELP OTHERS OVERCOME THEIR FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES & BE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE AT LEAST 10% TO MY LOCAL CHURCH. ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DAY WHEN FINANCIALLY EVERYTHING WILL BE PAID UP-TO-DATE. MY GOAL IS TO BE ABLE TO TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS & SHARE WITH NEEDY PEOPLE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

      Reply
    7. Jaques

      My vision is to run two to three successful online businesses that bring in enough passive income so that I can finally take my wife on a three months vacation that she never had a chance to experience as we were always financially struggling. Once I had this privilege, I would set out to find others and help them make their vision a reality.

      Reply
    8. Kim

      Hi Eric,

      First of all I want to thank you so much for your giving heart and transparency. These lessons have been a true blessing and have helped me get re-focused as I was a bit on information overload the last few months. I knew I needed to step back and re-examine my vision and direction.

      My Vision is to have a successful online business focusing around my passions for personal growth and development and the arts and media. I will primarily work from home with an additional mobile option (via laptop) and will work no more than 40 hours per week. My business will bring in at least $250K per year through multiple income streams including but not limited to informational ebooks, audios, videos, personal blogs/websites, content writing
      (using the ‘self-employment’model as writing is already the basis of a part of my business) and affiliate marketing.

      The fulfillment of this vision will allow me to spend quality time with loved ones (family and close friends). I will also be able to provide significant financial support for people and organizations that are close to heart as well as provide teaching and mentorship to help individuals become everything
      they were designed to be both domestically and abroad if I’m
      called to do so.

      May you continually be blessed in all that you do. I believe greater things
      are just ahead for you.

      Reply
    9. Monica Joseph

      My vision is to build a website called; Tepees & Poles by natives.org with a video of all 10 sizes, from 6 ft to 24 ft set up in a circle at Coyote Creek on my reservation, between Nespelem & Omak Wa. With our beautiful trees surrounding them. Have the men & women peeling the poles & displaying the Tepees. Also; how to make a tepee.org & how to set up a tepee.org. Help 50% of our tribal members that are unemployed believe in themselves, live in peace and harmony.

      Reply
    10. Michael Fekade

      Hi Eric,

      My vision is to be a very skilled physician who has an online business that brings in about a million dollars a year. I want to use my revenues from my online business to fund my independent medical service to third world countries and make a difference in the lives of those who live in total abject whether economically or health-wise.

      Thanks for videos 😉

      Reply
    11. Michael

      Thanks for the information! As far as vision, the Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” Proverbs 29:18 (KJV). Also in Habakkuk 2:2 it says,”And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” This was an answer to my prayer. I wanted an entrepreneurial opportunity for my homeschooled son to learn business. Thanks again!

      Reply
    12. Anonymous

      Hi Eric,
      My vision is to replace my daytime income with a website in order to work fulltime in my ministry. This will also allow me more time with family and friends.

      Thanks for all your help.

      Jim

      Reply
    13. Yaminah

      Visions:

      1. Earn $5k/month in 2013 selling HUD homes.

      2. Earn $5k/month in 2013 selling ebooks.

      Reply
    14. Patricia

      My vision would be to be able to provide for me, my family, the community and the world at large, to generate an infinite income that can be used to bless and help others, and start businesses that provide jobs and bring people out of the vicious cycle of poverty and vices.

      Reply
    15. Bill Loganeski

      I am a 68 year old senior who wants to grow my internet business to the point that I can have an income of $20,000.00 net per month. I would want to be on the first page of Google search of Weight Loss. My vision is to enjoy myself growing this internet marketing business and have multiple channel of income and websites. Oh, some of you may say “Are you kidding me, 68 years old, what are you crazy”. I can only share with you that many years ago I asked a very lively 85 year lady what it was like to be 85 and she replied. “You are looking at an 85 year old , BUT a 40 year old lady is looking back at you”. So just that you know a 30 year old guy is writing this message. I have been at this for 2 years and it took me a FULL year to earn my first $100.00, I was in 7th heaven.

      Reply
    16. Bernard

      I envision true financial freedom. I work an hour or two each day, developing new products and marketing campaigns, leaving lots of time to do things that interest me: building and flying radio controlled aircraft, attending bible studies, participating in mentoring programs at our local elementary and middle schools, reading and traveling. My business is set up to run on autopilot, generating income while I sleep, travel or play.

      I would have the freedom to help some dear friends of mine, who are struggling financially, achieve an easier lifestyle by training them to do what I do…not necessarily the way that I do it, but in a manner that fits their desires and personalities. But the aim would be to help them achieve a successful online business so that they would be able to reach their goals without the constant struggle and fear of financial failure. A couple of these folks helped me during a very difficult time in my life and I would be so blessed if I were able to do the same for them.

      My income level would be in the $1 million plus range per year. This would allow me to live comfortably, but would also let me contribute freely to my church and few nonprofit organizations that are dear to my heart. In doing so, I would be able to help with our missionary reach in my church and if my health permits, would be able to go on mission trips myself. The nonprofits that I would help support would be able to help underprivileged kids within my community go to college and forge a better life for themselves.

      This is the vision that I have for my business.

      Reply
    17. Tommy

      Hello Eric,
      First, I want to thank you for lucky “Video #13”. It is truly a blessing. Thank you for sharing all that you have so far. I have been going through a re-birthing process — and this is just another vehicle to help me accomplish all my “VISION(S)”. It is funny, because I have had this series for sometime, but have not really listened to it. And I really enjoy your great ability to communicate. You are very easy on my ears. And you come across very true blue. Straight and to the point. I love that and you should be commended on that. I look forward to going through the entire series and you putting me on the road to success in this online business(VISION(S).
      I came out to California to fulfill one of my VISION(S) and got sidetracked. And there is a story in that I may share down the road. Long story short, I had a successful offline business with my ex-wife and we both did not like it. And while being in it, I was just not happy– with anything in my life…
      So now, I have a VISION(S) that need to be accomplished. Older, but look young syndrome. And your video help to reinforce everything else I have been doing to get happy in my life. Thank you again for sharing. With you as my “mentor” maybe now this can be accomplished in so many more ways than I ever thought. Eric, you have wonderful insights into life. I plan on implementing a lot of them into my life. So my new wife, family, friends and all that I touch a long this journey will feel the impact. Thank you again. I look forward to learning and implementing a successful system. My old business: marketing, graphic design, photography and printing. Ha! Ha! Right! Have not been able to do this online business. Frustrated, but willing to let you mentor me now. Stubborn. Thanks, Tom.

      Reply
    18. Serena

      Eric thanks again for such valuable guidance and excellent visualization of concepts, “begin with the end in mind”
      My vision is to make the move from being self-employed for so many years to being more of a business owner. This will involve learning and applying marketing to products that are scalable by one individual and delegate several tasks that can be outsourced on the internet. I would include in that goal to scale back on physical inventory product sales and replace them with dropship sales or a fulfillment company doing the entire shipment and customer service piece. My goal is to be making 10,000 profit per month after all expenses by the end of this year (in 11.5 months).

      Reply
    19. Janis Nall

      I want to make an additional income to provide $2000.00 a month into my life. I have a trick photography website and want it to be successful.

      Reply
    20. Matt Ensor

      Release the Kingdom of God into the Marketplace bringing Justice & Righteousness. Have a Monthly Turnover of 60K and become a Wise Steward & Investor.

      Reply
    21. Phil Maguire

      I want to have a business that earns £500,000 this year by developing membership sites that provide massive value to my members. This is the first step to providing enough resources to terraform the planet earth back into a pollution-free, habitable planet for all species that make it their home

      Reply
    22. Dr Trevor

      My vision is to build online remote control businesses that will make money while I sleep. The purpose of which is:
      1. To make me mortgage & debt free for always (debt free already).
      2. To leave a leagacy for my family
      3. To enable me to be free to travel and assist in the ministry whereever I feel led to go without having to concern myself about the funds to do it.
      4. I see myself building debt free and solidly organised churches to the glory of God that save as many as possible for as long as possible to do as much as possible even when it appears impossible in order to say everything is Himpossible.
      5. I also see myself sharing the principles of economic empowerment freely as an example of one who has achieved it so that those without hope, and poverty stricken can be empowered with the knowledge of how to change their situation and give the praise to God who helped them. Incidentally Eric, I admire that about you. Keep us the good work!

      Reply
    23. Rusty

      My vision is to create financial services online business and expand my offline financial and real estate businesses. My combine income from all ventures will be 50k/month and I will be free of debt. I will spend more time with my family and take 2 vacations per year.

      Reply
    24. James

      Hello Mark Mitchell,
      I too have a deep respect for the Filipino people and want to help them by teaching them about net marketing but first I have to get well established in my own business. I am being held back by basic techniques like installing paypal/autoresponder set up and the like.

      Reply
    25. Fitzgerald Brudey

      My vision is to create a couple of businesses that will employ a few of the unfortunate people in my community. Help them to be able to put bread on their table. So I want a successful online busines to finance my other businesses. One of which is increase visitors to my Island, to grow my tourism and taxi business.

      Reply
    26. DunCAN

      I will create an online forex training site for Aussies with sufficient cashflow to own my home outright and put my kids through private schooling

      Reply
    27. Annalisa Hedberg and Roger Nylen

      Hi Eric!
      My vision is to start an effective business so that I can quit my job and pay off all my depts. I would like to have a backup so that I can feel safe, if anything happens. I would like to travel, visit you, some friends in India and Brazil. I would like to spend more time with my spouse, who also will have an own business, I hope. I also have two wonderful cats. They love when I’m at home, they like to sit on my laptop, just in front of me, looking at me in my eyes, telling me to give them something tasty to eat. I have so bad conscience when I have to leave my house. I want to help some of my best friends and my son to start earning money this way. Would be nice to be able to repair my house or maybe move to another one. I want to be able to buy what we need, take my friends to restaurant, help them when they need something. I want to be independent and happy with my business.

      Reply
    28. Cleuza

      Thank you
      I have learned much from their lessons.
      They are valuable because they create and change concepts. Despite the difficulty of understanding all because of the language barrier, I have absorbed quite his teachings and put them into practice, for sure.

      Reply
    29. Anonymous

      Hello Eric.
      I just needed to submit my vision.
      My vision is to be a good businessman on the internet with marketing, affiliating, and producing my own products for sell by the will of the almighty Allah(SW).

      Reply
    30. Kjell S

      My vision is to create a long term online business, creating and selling information products. I will also be involved in biz opp.
      The vision also includes me quitting my day job
      within december(2013) this year. My online biz will generate an income of 1 million dollars per year. This will allow me to help people in need, both around me and far away.

      Reply
    31. Des

      Hi Eric
      my vision is to clear all my debts first then make enough to buy a large site in Cornwall.I have already seen the site that I want that is perfect. So I’m looking at seven hundred thousand for the site and a further five hundred thousand to enhance it.I will be able to work from home looking out over natural countryside in a relaxed atmosphere and be able to say thank you God for leading me to Eric Holmund and making this happen.

      Reply
    32. rob brooks

      Hi Eric,
      Once again your videos provide such great information, wisdom and inspiration.

      By day I clean windows but over here in England, its rains too much 🙂 plus an online business is where I can find my feet, get stuck in working hard and enjoy the results.

      My vision is to build several businesses online within certain niches I find particularly interesting, I wish to learn every piece of the puzzle and continue to learn more as my success progresses.

      I wish to attain a sustainable income of £10,000 per month from various functioning income streams on the net, particularly with Affiliate Marketing.

      And within 18 months I want to have made my own Informational Product, that provides huge benefits for clients and gives back to society.

      All the best Eric!
      Rob.

      Reply
    33. Sergio

      My vision is to have a successful internet business generating $7k a month income three months from today and $20k a month a year from now.This income will allow me to help my family, church and community.
      I want to work 40 hours a week and have 10 weeks a year vacation.
      When I learn how to generate this kind of income I will teach it to my family members and friends that want to learn it.

      Reply
    34. Mihaela

      Great lesson Eric! My vision is to have people adoring me (it’s okay for some people to hate me) and devour my life-changing teachings (speeches and writings). I am a business and psychology student, studying human behaviour and how to improve humans’ lives. My vision is to receive a Nobel price in economics for my research results!

      Reply
    35. Anonymous

      My vision is for the knowledge gained to create and support existing and future businesses which will be internet based. My goal is for all these to generate $500k/yr.

      Reply
    36. Edith

      Hi Eric,
      You are totally right, the vision is vital. My vision is to buy a property where we can build a village and live a simple way, giving thanks to God for His bounty, and not have the modern trappings stealing our hearts, time and souls. My internet business will be used to fund such a place. In that place we will also teach others to practice dependence on our mother earth so they can also develop more villages. once we are set up we will earn by selling natural products like milk, cheese, essential oils, natural fibers, fresh vegetables and flowers, and even have a retreat facility so people who are still entangled in city life can have a holiday in a place where the air is fresh and the water is pure and the sounds are musical and natural.
      The internet business will need to be doable with only a few hours a week of work because that is all I have to spare.

      Reply
    37. Babylon66

      My vision is to build an IM business that will generate $5mil in 5 years.

      My vision is to support my 2 children and 1 step child through there educational years and beyond.

      My vision is to lead by example, to help people suffering with depression and anxiety, to show them that there is a better way and to help them release themselves from their own mental salvery.

      My vision is to become a better person through helping other help themselves become financially independant.

      My vision is to support 2 main charities i.e. dietbeties & cancer, these 2 have hurt my family both young and old.

      My vision is to become a better person in love, relationship, parenting and business.

      With the grace of God and your help Eric, I will succeed

      Reply
    38. Paul Hutchings

      Hi Eric. After much thought and consideration, here’s my vision for my business:

      To be a successful web marketer of information products, consistently earning a 6 figure annual income, by regularly earning 5 figures monthly.

      To have at least 80% of my work on autopilot, so that I work a maximum of 10 hours per week on the business.

      To spend the rest of my time exploring this wonderful planet of ours and engaging in rich and diverse experiences, and meeting some amazing people along the way.

      To be an accomplished acoustic guitarist, ukulele player, author, poet, songwriter and public speaker.

      To use a minimum of 10% of my income and available time to help others for no financial gain and have that minimum be a 5-figure sum and 6 weeks out of every year. In particular to be heavily involved in helping to eliminate homelessness in the UK for good.

      To use my expertise and success as a web marketer to help others create and enjoy a similar life of abundance and freedom.

      Reply
    39. Charles Riley

      Hi Eric, thank you for the series they are not only educational,but inspirational as well.
      The vision that I have for my company is to become a massive income generating business with the potential to finance several of my other visions that I have for helping other lesser fortunate individuals within my community to become productive and self sustaining members of society.

      Reply
    40. Neil Johnsen

      Hi Eric, I appreciate all the lessons. I’ve been following daily and this my first post. Vision, yes, thanks for opening my eyes and thoughts. I’ll be 60 years old on June 11th of this year. I’ve been self employed since high school as a professional musician (guitar player, singer, song writer, recording engineer, bookings, promo, etc). I also have been running a small sign business from my home for the last 25 years, (graphic design, sales, sign fabrication, installation). I’ve been a successful but minimal seller on Ebay for eight years and I’m getting better at it.

      A life long friend of mine quoted to me a few years ago that “Money isn’t everything, it’s the only thing”.

      I could never wrap my brain around that concept. I have a different vision.

      Here’s my vision:

      Time with your family is the best reward in life.
      Never stop learning.
      Create an on line business for the things I all ready know how to do. Gain experience from teachers and others to help maximize my income so I can help others down the road the same way they have helped over the years.

      I’m the luckiest man in the world.

      Neil Johnsen

      Reply
    41. Gene

      I would like to position myself to learn and put into action as much as possible.This will enable me to realise my personal goals of financial freedom and the opportunity to help christian missionaries world wide.To make £10,000 a month would comfortably provide the ability to full-fill this. I hope to achieve this God willing within the next 9 months to a year.

      Reply
    42. David

      My vision is to build a business based around my desire to teach others how to be successful in business and in life. This will be Internet based, but will apply to people trying build an online or offline business.

      I will work directly and indirectly with students to help them develop a mindset of success. My business will make $10,000 a month within the 1st 6 months and grow to make $500,000 a year within 18 months.

      I will use my profits to help my church and community, travel abroad and build a retirement fund for my family. My first vacation will be to Europe and will last 3 to 4 weeks, traveling throughout England France, Italy and Sweden. This trip will be within the next 12 months.

      Reply
    43. Cliff Brooks

      Hi Eric,

      My dream is to create an online business that would allow me to be financially independent. I want to help others learn to make money online so that they may live a better life. If I can help enough people get what they want, they will help me get what I want.

      I want to be able to travel and take my business with me on my laptop.

      Thank you for offering me the possibility of making this dream come true.

      Respectfully,

      Cliff Brooks

      Reply
    44. Lisa

      I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your
      blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back down the road. Many thanks

      Reply
    45. Magriet

      Eric, my vision is to have a successful online business. For my husband to retire, to take care of my mom, to give back to the community, to enjoy the retired life with my husband, to be financially free.

      Reply
    46. Michael

      Eric, Thank you for your investment in so many lives. My vision is to develop multiple online businesses, each one generating $1000.00 per day. I will have time to devote to personal development, spend time with my family, and help others who are interested in personal development and transforming their world. Mission work will be a wonderful bonus of a new lifestyle. Thank You Again!

      Reply
    47. Karen

      The vision for my life is to be able to financially support my family’s ideas and dreams with my online business working less than 15 hours per week. I also want to be able to eliminate obstacles or provide support for my local community (schools, food bank, and orphanages) and the global community (missions, clean water, food, education and vocation).

      Reply
    48. Cathy

      My vision is to become a millionaire, besides the house I am living in,I would have an condo at Toronto harbor front, and a house at florida beach. Travel around world, totally finicial free. So I can do what I love for the conmmunity, helping people to achieve happy,healthy and wealthy life style.

      Reply
    49. Paul Kochocki

      I am not putting any limits on what I can do or how much I make. I want to market good products and ideas. I want to spend as much time as possable on a warm peaceful and sunny beach and spend quality time with the Almighty. Get away from the spiritual battlefield that this world is, smile and be happy. To be able to do something good in this world, as in contributeing to the preaching of the Christian bible. Be with a woman that I will be happy with and get along well. I also want to look after my friends.

      Reply

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