When you start out on your journey as a business owner, you may well know your skillset inside and out. You may have worked for a corporate for years and gained incredible knowledge. You may have studied at university or done further education. You may just not want to work for anyone but yourself. But, whilst your product knowledge is excellent, do you know how to run a business?
When I started my first business, I had been in the property industry for 18 years. I knew a great deal about the process of Letting and Selling a property. Did I have a clue about running my own business? No, I did not. But I learnt through time. I leant through errors. I learnt from others. I am sure there are many books on how to start a new business, but we are all different and learn differently. Anyway, who has time to read books when working all hours for your new venture to be a success.
One of the best ways to learn is to ask someone questions about when they first started their business. What did they do? What did they learn? If someone is happy to share their lived experiences with you, never reject their invaluable advice and wisdom. By showing an interest in how someone else set up their business, this could guide you on understanding the next required piece of the puzzle for establishing your successful business.
I am here to help people in business, new business, young business, business looking to change, business looking to grow and business owners looking to sell. I am going to be carrying out group sessions in the next few months about learning the basic elements of what you should first look at when setting up on your own. We will discuss how important it is to constantly keep a check on your business, and reflect on what you have done, what you are doing now and the future of your business.
Today I want to ask you 10 questions, I want you to take ONE hour from your diary over the next 7 days. I want you to go somewhere with no distractions, no devices and really look at your business.
1. What is unique about your business and how do you shout about this? Whilst you know you are brilliant, do other people? Do you ask for testimonials to show others the impact your business has to your customers?
The following 5 questions may be a great way to get feedback, try it on family and friends first, then ask 5 clients.
o What one word or phrase describes me best
o What do you think is my greatest achievement?
o What do you value most about me?
o What one thing could I change for my own benefit
o What do you believe to be my greatest strength?
2. If you could wave a magic wand what would you change about your business?
3. Does your present approach to problems always assist you and motivate you?
4. What do you do which holds your business back?
5. What unhelpful assumptions do you have about your business?
6. Who is your business role model? What would they say to you if they could see you now? What advice would they give you?
7. What business advice would you give your younger self if you could travel back in time?
8. What blind spots do you have about your business? If you were to come in and see it with fresh eyes, what would you notice? What can you implement to change this?
9. If you sold your business today, what do you think would be the first thing the buyer would change and why?
10. What makes you grateful for being a business owner? Make a list.
I hope that these questions have helped you to understand your business further. If you would like to explore these questions further, or you’re stuck on some questions, or you want to share your answers with someone who isn’t within your family or business that’s where I come in! Please feel free to contact me if you could like more questions or to understand how together we can make an impact to improve your business.
Remember it is very important to take time to work ‘ON’ your business not always ‘IN’ it!
Refresh and grow you and your business with the help from Clementine!
www.clementinebusinesscoaching.co.uk
