This question and answer series of articles provides scenarios for business owners to find answers to business frustrations.

Q: I know I need systems and I know that systems will improve my business, but I work 70 hours a week now. How am I ever going to find the time to devise and then implement systems on top of this workload?

Your challenge is that you are the only person who can make things change. It is your business and no-one else can make that change happen. The questions to ask yourself are: What are the ramifications of you not implementing the systems you know you need? And, what will be the benefits of those systems once implemented? Continue reading →

This question and answer series of articles provides scenarios for business owners to find answers to business frustrations.

Q: We have a great team – in the main. 20 of us work really well together, but there is one fly in the ointment, who just doesn’t fit within our culture. Although he is experienced and very capable in his field, and from that perspective an asset, he will never take responsibility for any mistakes and always has an excuse or justification. How do we manage this?

You said it yourself: he is not a cultural fit. When a platoon is marching on parade and one is out of step, does everybody else change step to fall in with the one out of step? Probably time for you to part company and recruit someone who is willing and excited about marching to the beat of your drum. Continue reading →

Running a business or practice can be a daily challenge. Everyone else seemingly does it so easily, so why does it sometimes seem like so much hard work? Business owners don’t always have someone they can turn to for answers to daily frustrations, which is why more and more are looking to find a business coach. The most common issues revolve around people, money and time. In particular, the lack of it. This question and answer series of articles provides scenarios for practice and business owners to find answers to those frustrating situations.

Q: Accounting and numbers are not my bag and I have always handed this to my accountant to look after while I concentrate on what I do best – building. But I feel I need to be asking better questions of the accountant. What should I be looking for? Continue reading →

This question and answer series of articles provides scenarios for business owners to find answers to business frustrations.

Q: How can any small business owner do everything you suggest? How do I make sure our clients are looked after properly? How do I train staff to do it the way I do it? How do I systemise everything?

You’re right. It’s all very daunting. However, I suggest you shift your focus. You are thinking entirely about the how; How to do stuff and how to ‘fix’ things. It’s time to shift your approach. Stop thinking about the how. Start thinking about the what and the results. Continue reading →

This question and answer series of articles provides scenarios for business owners to find answers to business frustrations.

Q: Finding good staff is a constant challenge and yet I’m sure they are out there. We have had mixed success in the last two years. Do you have any advice?

You’re right. It’s a bit like finding and starting a new relationship – finding the right person makes a difference and committing to the wrong one can be a nightmare. In business it all boils down to having a really good recruiting and hiring system. It takes time and effort but then again so does patching up mistakes and getting rid of a wrong hire. Better to spend it at the front end of the process where you can be positive, than at the other end where you will be annoyed and frustrated. I have two key pieces of advice. Continue reading →