Above The Business Episode 472: The Dream Outcome
What's the ultimate dream outcome for every small business owner? In this episode, Bradley breaks down why he believes every entrepreneur should be working toward a profitable, million-dollar-plus business that runs and grows without them - and challenges you to define what YOUR specific dream outcome looks like.
Key Takeaways
The Dream Outcome Framework
A profitable, million-dollar-plus business that runs and grows without you
1. Profitable
- Minimum threshold: 10% net profit.
- Target range: 25% net profitability.
- Growth strategy: Some businesses can scale to 30% over 5 years (1% improvement annually).
- Why it matters: Profitability funds reinvestment for future growth (hiring, marketing, equipment, facilities).
- Key insight: "Profitability is a prerequisite for growth" - Craig Groeschel.
2. Million-Dollar Mark
- The reality: 91% of businesses never cross $1M in top-line revenue.
- Business survival: 96% don't see their 10th birthday.
- The advantage: Once you hit $1M, scaling to $2M happens in 25% of the time it took to reach the first million.
- Financial freedom: $1M business at 25% profit = $250K + your salary.
3. Runs and Grows Without You
- Foundation: Must run on an operating system outside of you.
- Test: Can you take a month-long trip to Europe without being tied to the business?
- Ultimate goal: Business doesn't just maintain - it actually grows while you're away.
Critical Business Insights
The Entrepreneurial Myth (E-Myth)
- Being great at your craft ≠ being great at business ownership.
- Examples: Great insurance agent ≠ great agency owner.
- The shift: Learn to be a business owner first, then you can master the technical side.
The North Star Concept
- Your dream outcome is something you navigate by, not necessarily to.
- Use it as directional guidance for decision-making.
- Break it down: 3-year goals → 1-year goals → 90-day actions.
Goal Setting Framework
- Define your ultimate dream outcome.
- Set 3-year targets.
- Plan this year's objectives.
- Focus on next 90 days.
BONUS: We are working through this LIVE on June 24th, 2025 at 10 AM CST and you can join us when you register at https://intensive.blueprintos.com
Reflection Questions
- What's YOUR specific dream outcome?
- Is it a revenue number? Profit target? Personal income goal?
- How much freedom and flexibility do you want?
- What would you add to or change about the standard framework?
- Why did you get into business in the first place?
Action Items
- Get specific: Write down your actual dream outcome (avoid "I want more").
- Set measurable targets: Include specific numbers for revenue, profit, and personal goals.
- Plan backwards: From dream outcome → 3 years → 1 year → 90 days.
- Assess current state: How profitable is your business right now?
- System audit: What needs to change for your business to run without you?
Key Statistics
- 91% of businesses never cross $1M in revenue.
- 96% of businesses don't survive 10 years.
- Target profit margins: 10% minimum, 25% optimal.
- First million is always the hardest to achieve.
Quote of the Episode
"The reality is many of you didn't get in business to own your job. You got in it to own a business. Learning how to be a business owner is vastly different than learning how to be good at whatever it is that you do." - Bradley
Next Steps: Take 10 minutes today to define your specific dream outcome. Be detailed. Be ambitious. Then start planning backwards from there.
Connect: Join Bradley & business owners like you to strategize how to reach your dream outcome at our live workshop, The Quarterly Q2 ➡️ Q3, on June 24th at 10 AM CST when you register at https://intensive.blueprintos.com
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