Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Steady as She Goes

"Steady as she goes" is an order for a helmsman to keep a ship on its current course. The same term could apply easily to a business that is navigating the dangerous waters of growth, diversification, or generational transition.
 
Before you plunge your business toward a period of expansion, fundamental change, or operational shift, did you take the time to map your route? Yesterday I had an amazing crew of people at a GrowthCLUB seminar, where we did exactly that. Plotted our course, measured the distance between points, and made sure the goals and steps of the trip were feasible, satisfying, and profitable. We ensured that the next 90 days would be a journey toward success.

Where are you going in the next 90 days?

Furthermore, did you consider how to keep your ship on course? No one can predict life's curveballs - there will inevitably be one or two or many thrown across your path. Personally or professionally, you can expect storms that have the strength to throw you off course. How will you maintain the road we just laid out? How will you keep your focus on the goals you want to achieve? How will you avoid sabotaging your own success?

A business coach is that voice - the one that says "Steady as she goes."

How will your team members buy in to your vision? When the storm comes, will they batten down the hatches or throw in the towel? No captain can man a ship on his own - your key players need to be standing by your side. How will you address their concerns and help them fair the journey?

It's called TeamRICH - a seminar all about communication, team-building, and cooperation.

How will you read your terms of navigation? Business financials and Key Performance Indicators will indicate red flags, rocky areas, failings or strengths. No captain journeys too far without checking his navigation devices; similarly, no business owner can realize success without watching its progress in the books.

That's FinancialMASTERY - a seminar all about business financials. Knowing what they are, what they  mean, what they're telling you, and how you should make decisions based on what they're telling you.

Finally, when you glimpse the lightkeeper's beacon and realize a key strategic goal in your business's success, I hope you will take the time to recognize the value of your hard work and self-discipline. I hope you will realize the valuable contribution of each team member as well as your own strength as a business owner. I hope you will realize the full extent of what you have achieved, how you got there, and why you got there. I hope you will be able to measure the results, quantify them, and know in solid terms where you are and where you have been. And hopefully, where you're going next.
 
Because your success is my success.
DAVID GREEN
ACTIONCOACH LETHBRIDGE
309 10 STREET S
LETHBRIDGE AB  T1J 2M7
1.888.891.3302
iambusinesscoaching.com
 

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

What is Essential to Your Business?

What are the top priorities for your business? Is it staying on top of technical skills and technology? Is it maintaining a strong marketing presence? Is it ensuring your service is spectacular? What is the "make or break" element to your business?

Prioritizing the strategies for growing your business depends on the factors that drive success in your industry. You want to be sure that you maximize effectiveness where it truly matters, and work on the support systems to maintain that element while your company grows.

Economic recessions give businesses an opportunity to cross-examine all the functioning elements of their operation and cut costs in areas that are not central to their success. When money becomes tight businesses often fall back on the barebones systems that will keep their operation going, without sacrificing the effectiveness of elements that are essential to their success.

When you examine the workings of your business, be sure you have the elements of your operation prioritized correctly. While most businesses attempt to cut costs in marketing and advertising, this can be one of the biggest mistakes you can make. No business survives unless potential clients are aware of who they are, where they are, and what they do. Other businesses may try to trim their services and will sacrifice long-term clients in the process. Do you know how to manipulate the workings of your business effectively, to get the results you want?



If you're not sure how to prioritize your business elements, how to manipulate processes and personnel to increase productivity or profitability, or you're wondering exactly how to maximize profits in the coming year, give me a call. Running a business is no small task, and accessing the ActionCOACH knowledge base of thousands of business owners and case studies worldwide can bring amazing results to your bottom line. Learn the systems that will give you the greatest return on investment now and far into the future - isn't that one of your top priorities?