Blueprint #24: Mastering Your Business Portfolio

Lesson: The Strategic Shift to Depth Over Breadth

A year ago, I found myself stretched thin across multiple ventures, constantly jumping from one business to the next, trying to implement my operating system and scale wherever I could. I realized that my operating system worked and I was able to make half a dozen clients reach their professional goals. I then hired coaches, taught them my system to coach my clients and that also worked. Lastly, I wanted to test it on my own business. So I started opening up as many businesses as I could. It has worked thus far, but I have hit my limit and had to bring that number back to eight businesses. 

Last year, after hitting my limit in the quantity of businesses, I decided it was time to double down on the businesses that we’re the most promising. I needed to not only work on my businesses, but I needed to work within my businesses. I am starting with Blue Ocean Pools but will be doubling down on all eight businesses I already own as opposed to expanding again. 

Insight: You Have to Test Your Limits

Starting companies with my system was yet another test for me. I started as many businesses as I could, eyes wide open that one day I would hit my limit. Today/this year has been that day. My limit is eight and now it is time to strategically adjust my direction from starting new businesses to working within the businesses I already have.  

By dedicating more focused time—10 hours working in and 4 hours strategizing on BOPs, for example—I started to see a clear path to not just incremental but exponential growth. The concept of this strategy isn't just about growing, it’s about enhancing the quality of what I already had. I am refining my operating system, improving my processes and then applying across my whole portfolio. 

As I improve my operating systems and narrow my focus this year I see a clear track to hit $4 million in revenue this year at Blue Ocean Pools. This success underscores a critical lesson: deep, focused engagement often yields greater velocity than wide and shallow shots - regardless of how good I believe my business operating system is.

Action Item: What can you optimize?

Assess the current breadth of your professional or personal projects. Are you spreading yourself too thin? 

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