Either you are in reactive or proactive mode in business… but what does that mean?

Lately, with getting ready to move my family to the east coast, there has been a lot of reflecting, preparing, and looking ahead. While doing those steps, I was reviewing my business to ensure I had all my tools in place, my programs streamlined and my calendar blocked to give me the time and grace needed to handle this shift. I was noticing I was in a proactive mode vs a reactive mode while doing all these steps. I found that it brought to mind that in business phases, as in life, you can handle change and pivoting in one of two ways:

• Reactive mode is when you just “go with the flow,”. When you don’t really have a plan, you just react to what comes your way and deal with it when it does. 
• Proactive mode is when you take the time to consider what you want, lay out a plan, and prepare as much as possible for each step that is coming your way.

What does all this reactive or proactive mode mean for you and the phase of your business?

Starting in reactive mode…

These last few weeks, I have been all in on “proactive mode” as we get all the moving pieces in place to ensure that we have all we need for this next phase. From a moving truck to insurance transferring (new province means a whole new policy!) and it got me thinking about being in business. Let’s be completely honest here: All of us start our businesses in reactive mode – it’s just a natural part of starting a business. 

When you are in start-up mode it is all about experimentation and proving your business model. You have an idea of what you want to offer and who you want to work with and are trying lots of different things to see what works. (sometimes you revisit this as you enter new phases in your business).

This start-up stage requires you to be a bit reactive – to be able to respond to the feedback you receive so you can figure out the right business model and shift into growth mode.

Shifting to proactive (growth) mode…

Once you have proven your business model – people are buying what you are offering – then you shift into growth mode, where the focus is to build on that foundation.

Ideally, as you shift from start-up to growth, you also shift from being reactive to being proactive. Instead of flying by the seat of your pants, you start to plan ahead. You take the time to decide what you want to do in the coming months and years and work together with your team to make it happen.

Not shifting from reactive mode to proactive mode is what causes A LOT of issues for entrepreneurs at this stage of growth. And many people aren’t sure exactly why they are struggling, let alone how to fix it. Often times, this can lead to ‘burn out’ or overwhelm as you feel like you aren’t making any moves when you don’t shift your methods as you elevate your business as well as your goals.

A few things to consider when it comes to shifting from reactive to proactive mode:

• Being reactive is much easier in the moment – It’s a lot easier to simply go with the flow and respond to what comes to you versus taking the time to consider what you really want and how to get there (aka planning). Reactive mode is a hard habit to break for many, especially if we have been operating this way for years.
• Reactive mode can feel “good enough” – This is a dangerous trap and one that my clients were often in for years. And quite honestly, it can be OK. They were making decent money and enjoying their work for the most part. But it really wasn’t by design, and it got to the point where something was definitely missing. No longer wanting to just accept what came their way, they wanted to create work they really wanted to do (which requires planning).
• Reactive mode can actually be a lot of fun – I get it. There is a rush that comes from the energy of “go go go!!!” when you are in reactive mode. It can be draining and frustrating, but also exciting to get up each day not knowing what will come your way and just having to go with it. For some, it can be very fulfilling to tackle the unexpected and come out on top. But again, it’s not intentional.
• Reactive mode affects everyone in your business – In growth mode, it’s not just about you. When you are in reactive mode it forces your team to always be in reactive mode as well, continually scrambling to catch up, always putting out fires, and trying to get things done correctly and on time.

So, are you in a reactive or proactive mode in your business? 

If you’re in reactive mode and it’s causing problems I’d love to talk. As a Certified OBM, one of my superpowers is taking a business from reactive to proactive. Let’s jump into a breakthrough session – we can discuss your phase of business and what your next steps could be to shift back from reactive to proactive mode.

If you’re in proactive mode – how often do you find you switch? I would love to hear in the comments so that we might help other entrepreneurs in their own shifts.

Right now, I’m entering my next phase of reactive – new time zone, a new phase of life – but I know, with the right systems in place – I won’t be here long!

See you on the other side of the screen,

Cassandra Comeau is a web designer and systems/tech expert who supports digital entrepreneurs, course creators, and coaches. My focus is to help them create their online presence with a focus on sharing their story and services/products, all while making sure your tech tools and systems are supporting you on the journey. Since 2019, I have worked with several businesses through direct 1:1 work and through agency support to help them reach their dreams while creating more time for them to focus on their zone of genius and being able to ensure an opportunity to get offline to spend time with those they care about.