3 key elements for a sustainable business that gives you the freedom you crave

The foundations for building a sustainable online business may not look as shiny or as exciting as other things—but they *are* essential for running a business that continues to grow, even when you step away from your laptop screen. In today's episode, I'm sharing the 3 key elements for a sustainable business that gives you freedom.

– How navigating “the messy middle”—where you have neither financial freedom nor time freedom—is part of the journey (and what you can do to move through it).
– Why getting complete clarity on the vision in your business is so important.
– Why defining your business model and goals provide the foundations that underpin everything you do in business.
– How establishing systems and structure while building your platform, will help to position you as the expert in your niche.
– The benefit of developing a sales process that will support consistent sales generation and business growth.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore the core foundations of an online business that is sustainable and thrives even when you're offline. We often prioritize activities that show immediate results—like gaining followers or increasing website traffic—but neglect the foundational elements that ensure long-term success. Here’s how to build a business that grows sustainably and gives you the freedom you crave.

The Pitfalls of the “Messy Middle”

Many business owners find themselves in the “messy middle,” where they’re making money but working harder than they’d like, or not making enough money despite their hard work. This often happens due to two major mistakes:

1. Lack of Focus: Jumping from one project to another—starting a podcast one day, creating Instagram reels the next, outlining a course, and then writing an ebook—can feel productive but rarely yields results. Consistency and focus are crucial for growth.
2. Wrong Focus: Concentrating on the wrong aspects of the business can waste time or, worse, lead to building a business that doesn’t align with your goals. This can result in the need to dismantle and rebuild your business, a painful but sometimes necessary process.

Foundation 1: Vision

Your vision is the first foundation of a sustainable business. In 2018, my Instagram might have looked like I was living the digital nomad dream—traveling, working from different locations—but inside, I felt trapped. I was tied to my business, even while on vacation, constantly anxious about client emergencies. I built a business that I hated because I lacked a clear vision.

Knowing your vision means understanding what kind of business and lifestyle you want to create. Without this, you risk building a business that doesn’t serve your desired life.

Foundation 2: Business Model

The second foundation is your business model. This includes:

• Niche and Value Proposition: Who do you serve, and why should they choose you over others?
• Offerings and Delivery: What do you sell, and how do you deliver it to your customers?
• Revenue Streams and Costs: What are your sources of income, and what are your operating expenses?

A clear business model might not be as exciting as launching a new product or starting a podcast, but it is essential for long-term sustainability.

Foundation 3: Platform

Your platform is where you consistently reach and engage with your audience. This involves:

• Content Strategy: Sharing content that positions you not just as an expert but as the only choice for your target audience. This helps avoid competing solely on price, which can diminish your value.
• Consistency: Establishing systems and structures to maintain a steady presence online. For example, I’ve maintained a consistent podcast schedule for five years, thanks to robust systems that support regular content creation.

Additional Considerations: Selling and Delivery

Beyond these three key foundations, consider the processes for selling and delivering your offerings:

• Sales Process: What steps do you have in place to guide potential customers from interest to purchase? Relying on passive engagement or infrequent promotions can result in lost opportunities.
• Customer Experience: How do you ensure a great experience for your clients that encourages repeat business? Efficient systems for customer support and delivery are vital, especially as you grow.

Many businesses desire rapid growth but aren’t prepared for it. Building a solid foundation with these key elements ensures that your business can support sustainable growth and provide the freedom you desire.

By focusing on these core foundations—vision, business model, and platform—you can create a sustainable business that grows even when you're offline, offering you the freedom to live the life you want.

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