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The Needs of Small Business Owners

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In the Strategic Planning tele seminar I just held with my clients, we discussed the 5 Stages of Business Growth, 9 Key Components of a Business Model and then identified the necessary action items for maximum growth over a one and five year time period.  All of the participants identified 2-3 areas that needed the most attention for the desired business growth and have created a strategic plan that will get them there with much more ease.

As I reflect back on the learning that the participants experienced a few things came to mind regarding the needs of a Small Business Owner.
First, every small business owner needs a plan – A plan to succeed!! We have all heard the adage if you “fail to plan you plan to fail”.  Many business owners understand this at the daily action plan or small goal level but it became very apparent that the participants of the class had bigger better goals and visions when there were requested to step up to the plate and PLAY BIG!  I am so proud of each of the participants who gained awareness and decided to up their game.

Second, every small business owner needs a collaborative partner.  This can be a business partner, a mastermind group or a coach but the key is to have someone in your corner who will help pull out your best ideas, dreams and visions for your business and your life!  I recently hired an amazing coach, Melanie Benson Strict who has helped me generate bigger and better ideas than I ever dreamed – THANK YOU Melanie!!

Third, every small business owner needs a strong foundation.  In order to do this you must have a strong personal foundation which includes what I consider the four pillars of life – relationships, physical environment, health and well being, and finances.  When these four areas are strong and clear of tolerations or unattended business, you can succeed much faster with much more joy.  One of the pillars that I recently got in tip top shape is my physical environment.  I hired a professional organizer, Angel Cody of www.Majormom.biz, to come in and do a make over of what I considered my fairly organized office.  The outside perspective she provided and “clutter” she cleared out was simply amazing!  Angela helped me set myself up for success in organization of the physical environment but also helped me clear the guess work of what to do with all of the stuff necessary to run a successful business.  THANK YOU Angela!!

My deeper understanding of my clients needs has propelled me forward and supported me in the massive expansion of my business and ability to support those who are ready, willing and able to take their businesses to the next level.

Coaching Question: What are you doing to get your Small Business Owner needs met

To Make or Not to Make New Years Resolutions…

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I have always been one to make New Years resolutions.  It is an annual ritual that I learned about at a very early age, implemented, and never really questioned why – It just seemed like a good idea.
Over the past few years I have heard many people say “I don’t do New Years resolutions because I work on stuff all year and not just in January” or “I don’t make them because I don’t keep them so why bother”.  In looking at this “New Years Resolution” thing in depth, I realized that I actually  view it as a personal and business benchmarking opportunity.  I looked up the word resolution in the online Merriam-Webster dictionary and found these definitions:
  • the act or process of resolving
  • the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones
  • the act of answering : solving
  • the act of determining
  • a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent…
  • the process or capability of making distinguishable the individual parts of an object…

I highlighted those that really stuck a chord with me and thought deeply about the meaning of each and why I chose the New Year as the time for my resolutions.  I concluded that for me, it makes sense for many reasons…First – it is the beginning of my fiscal year for my business coaching practice, second – I have just completed December which is such an intense, almost surreal, time of connection with family, friends, colleagues and clients after which I need to get grounded and refocused, and third – because it is a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent  and a process that I truly enjoy.

As an executive coach, I work with business owners to create multiple benchmarks in reaching their goals.  Each client decides the “right” month or day to set the benchmark.  I encourage them to choose a day that is significant and will ensure they keep it at top of mind.  It is part of the coaching process…

  1. Assess where you are now (making distinguishable the individual parts of an object)
  2. Determine where you want to be (the act of determining)
  3. Implement strategies and tools to support you in reaching your goal (analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones)
I personally see great value in making resolutions and the beginning of the New Year works great for me.
Happy New Year to all!  I wish you much joy, happiness and success in all you do.