10 Steps When You Need Help in Your Business
If you think ahead and plan, many nightmare panic and chaos situations can be overcome.
By ensuring that you have a great group of people around you, there will be more
to fall back on when the going gets tough - because that, as they say, when the
tough really do get going. Big challenges can be very difficult to face -
and they can be fascinating and exhilarating. So here's some thoughts on how to
make the best of these times, by getting ready in advance and making it work.
Plan Ahead
Look out for what you might need in the future and plan
to make business life far, far easier for yourself. Decide what your business will
be when it's the best it can be and focus on getting to there. think then about
whether the resources are within or outside your business, which will depend on
the size of it.
Size Doesn't Matter
Even if you are small, tiny even, don't think
you can't afford a specialist - it will often make sense, both in relieving stress
and financially. I mean you didn't get into your business to always do your books did you? (And
if you did, maybe you want to try bookkeeping as a business!). Chris Barrow aka The
Million Dollar Coach always reckons the first thing any self-respecting
entrepreneur should do, is get a PA. In these days of VA's (virtual assistants) it's becoming a
do-able option for all.
Look For Talent
With your mind set on what you want, look out everywhere
for people who can help. If you are small business owner, that might not be for a
little while, but keep your eyes open, both within your own business, your family
and your acquaintances. Anyone, anywhere - be alert!
Build Networks
Get out there and make sure that you listen to people
who might use some of the experts you need. This means that if you have to choose,
you have already got testimonials up front. This makes it a lot easier. Recommendations
work! Many local specialists, when they are worth their salt, get more than enough
clients through recommendations rather than need to advertise.
Seek Recommendations
Again, it's about keeping your eyes and ears
open. You need a whiz with computer experience. By talking about it and listening
hard, you may well find the help you need. Didn't you know that your cousin
Myrtle's step-brother is learning all about HTML at college - shame on you!
Set Quality Standards
By being very clear about what you want from
the help you get, you are much more likely to get it. You will save yourself a
lot of time and probably money by getting really specific (so, dot 'i's and 't's very
carefully). It's very interesting how what comes out of our mouths is interpreted
in so many different ways than we might expect (hint - it's always your fault, not
theirs - so get over it).
Measure Performance
In with the standards you agree with your help,
be they a member of your own team, or an external contractor, it is vital that you
have a way of measuring performance on a regular basis. Keeping your requirements
SMART (Specific, Measurable, Agreed, Realistic and Timescaled) will make this much
easier. And don't be afraid to require penalties from external contractors if the
fail to deliver.
Take Some Risks
Sometimes you have to wing it. So, if you take as
much care as is practical, you can take a few risks with those who you have to
help you. So don't be afraid to give more responsibility to one of your team,
especially if they show promise - give them the opportunity, support and your
confidence and often they will deliver way beyond what you expect.
New Blood
If you are missing an ingredient with your internal or
external help, don't be afraid to get someone new in. It helps everyone
if the right person is in the team, and there are a lot of folks out there who
can do a great job. Anyone doing a poor job knows it and is not helping you at
all. For outside help, if you have even a hint in your gut that it isn't working,
be tough and get it fixed - or get out - dragging bad deals on is a very bad deal
for you.
Give Accountability
And finally, make it very, very clear who you
are holding accountable for the help you hire, whether it is in your business of
from outside. You have a name to an accountability and that's that. They
are where the buck stops. Internally, it can be through one-to-one meetings and
milestones, externally, well, much the same although maybe a little more formally.
Set them up with agreed 'T' - timescales and make them stick.
Being aware of the help you need well in advance, will make a big difference for
you - you can focus on the aspects of business you bring value to and, while
we're on the subject of value, have fun and get a life for yourself as well. Martin Haworth is a Business and Management Coach. He works worldwide,
mainly by phone, with small business owners, managers and corporate leaders. He
has hundreds of hints, tips and ideas at his website,
http://www.coaching-businesses-to-success.com.
(Note to editors. Feel free to use this article, wherever you think it might be of value - it would be good if you could include a live link)
...helping you, to help your people, to help your business grow...
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