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Big Benefits of Business Coaching

It takes a lot of determination, grit, and optimism to start and grow a business in today’s environment. The duality of the web is that you can broadcast further than ever before, reaching more potential customers, but so can your competition. The internet certainly changes the dynamics of business, but it’s not your only tool. You have more at your disposal, and for many entrepreneurs, they don’t look to much else. That certainly creates a problem, but it’s one that can be overcome, with the right attitude and mindset.

Put another way, business owners succeeded before the advent of the web, and, those who are now growing do so making the most of what’s available. These entrepreneurs understand that ultimately, business is all about people, and, having the advice of an experienced professional does so much.

The Big Benefits of Business Coaching

You’ve heard about business coaching but might wonder why companies utilize their services. One advantage is gaining insight into what growing a company looks like from someone that’s been through the process time and again. Often times, companies lack experience in dealing with problems not faced before. They simply don’t know where to begin, or, what tack to take.

Business coaching is not just for entrepreneurs with small to medium sized enterprises.
In fact, studies have shown that over 58% of large corporations have expanded their use of business coaching over the last few years. Why? Because it works. —Enterprise Hub

That’s a really a bad place to be and decisions made with uncertainty rarely have good outcomes. It’s not just fear that fells companies and alters their direction, but also, lack of preparation and not having an adequate, workable system in place. There are still more reasons companies benefit from business coaching, including the following:

Organization and time management. A huge problem for most business owners is that so many things compete for their attention. That can easily lead to becoming disorganized, and, to poor time management. With someone helping to set priorities, schedules, and boundaries, a lot more will get done with the most important tackled at the right time, with limited distraction.
Setting achievable goals to build momentum. One thing that can weigh down a business and get an entrepreneur stuck is lack of achievement. The reason material is taught in a incremental, tiered fashion, practically no matter the subject, is because it works. People are naturally motivated to reach other goals when they’ve had success. Sure, there is always the possibility of failure, but when it has a small impact, it’s a lot easier to overcome.
Making team members accountable. A hobgoblin of business is one the wreaks havoc both subtly and overtly: little to no assigned accountability. For team members, as well as owners, to be truly productive, creative, and deliver their best, everyone in the organization needs to be held accountable. The trouble with this scenario is those on the inside usually have difficulty seeing the forest for the trees. Put another way, it’s hard to assign accountability to each team member because you’re dealing with personalities and emotions. A third party will have a much more clear view.
Smart financial projecting and planning. It’s not easy to make financial projections and plan for the future when you’re trying to run a business. While you likely have a grasp on potential, there will be contingencies. Here again, having an experienced hand will take off pressure and keep you from diluting the numbers for a variety of reasons.
Creating a better, more open environment. When everyone in the organization feels valued and is encouraged to contribute creatively, there’s a lot of good that will come as a result. Tapping into those resources must be done in a positive, proactive, and genuine way.

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Tips for Creating an Effective Employee Social Media Policy

May 31, 2017 No Comments

Social media is part of our day-to-day lives. Even individuals who don’t have active social media profiles are still impacted by these various digital networks, in one way or another. And, the matter is all-the-more complicated when business practices are brought into the mix. The fact of the matter is, social media marketing is a must in this day and age. But, social media can easily steal time, money, and even reputation from your company. Tips for Creating an Effective Employee Social Media Policy Let’s face it, we all have unprofessional habits; and, some social media habits can be the worst among them. But, you need this medium to reach new customers and build a relationship with others. It’s also an invaluable tool for customer relations, as well as customer trust. Social media can effectively define a brand. The problem is, that image can easily be a negative one. Just one false move or faux pas is all it takes to unleash unwanted fallout. Facebook’s users spend an aggregate of 10.5 billion minutes per day on the platform (excluding mobile). And engagement — based on the number of monthly users who visit the site daily — is even higher today. Assuming that users spend about the same amount of time today, that means people all over the world have spent a collective 55 million years on Facebook since the beginning of 2009. Twenty minutes a day is a lot of time — well more than a year over the course of the average life span. If users spent just that time working for minimum wage instead of liking and poking each other, each would pull in about $880 a year. That’s almost $900 billion in aggregate hypothetical labor year. —NBC News So, like other things in life, this requires balance. You want productivity to remain high and efficient. But, you also do not want to limit freedom in the workplace. This creates a conundrum, although it doesn’t have to be paralyzing. To get the most out of social media for marketing and to keep employees content with the workplace, you need a policy. The good news is it doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, being specific reduces confusion about what is and what isn’t acceptable. Here are some helpful tips for creating an effective employee social media policy for your business: Don’t step on their protected legal rights. Did you know there are federal laws which protect your employees relating to social media? The National Labor Relation Act states that companies are prohibited from interfering with employees posting or holding conversations through social media in regard to wages and working conditions. Clearly state which behaviors are not acceptable. Although there are some limits to what you as a business can and can’t do, it’s good to know certain behaviors do not have legal protections. So, you can prohibit use of defamatory, abusive, offensive, demeaning content, and the like. (This also includes personal complaints.) Require all employees include a profile disclaimer. You’ve probably seen the phrase, “Tweets are my own.” This disclaimer is necessary, particularly for team members who do not have express permission to speak for you company. A disclaimer also helps to reduce confusion between official company word and personal opinion. Learn your state’s laws before creating a social media policy. There are not only federal laws about social media, but your state likely has laws as well. Take the time to learn what your state’s laws are in relation to social media for your own protection. Be prepared to periodically (re)educate and enforce the rules. No social media policy is effective if it isn’t clearly understood and readily accessible. You need to periodically go over your policy and be ready to enforce it, when necessary. How do you use social media in your business? Do you allow employees to use social media for promoting your company? What do you think are the most effective ways to leverage social media through your employees? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group. [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

How To Quickly – But Smartly – Fill a Very Sudden and Unexpected Vacancy in a Key Position in Your Small Business

December 13, 2023 No Comments

How To Quickly – But Smartly – Fill a Very Sudden and Unexpected Vacancy in a Key Position in Your Small Business Ever been hit with the unexpected departure of a key team member, leaving a crucial role vacant? It’s unnerving and quite unpleasant. But, don’t panic. There are effective strategies for dealing with this very situation. Well, you’ve found the right place to get the advice you’re seeking. In this article, we’ll explain the art of filling a vacancy rapidly – but strategically. So, let’s transform this challenge into an opportunity for growth with a playbook that ensures your business sails smoothly through uncharted waters. How Small Business Owners Can Fill a Vacancy in an Important Employee Role You know that sinking feeling. The email arrives or the text chimes and suddenly you’re staring at a gaping hole in your team – a vital position vacated without warning. Your brain screams, “Oh no!” Breathe and step back. We’ve all been there. But here’s the good news: filling an unexpected vacancy (especially in a small business where everyone wears multiple hats), doesn’t have to be a disaster. With a sprinkle of MacGyver ingenuity and these battle-tested strategies, you’ll not only plug that gap, but you might even emerge stronger on the other side. Step 1: Triage Time – Assess the Damage and Your Options Before you launch into a hiring frenzy, take a moment to assess the situation. What’s the critical function of this role? What are the immediate needs, both short-term and long-term? Can existing team members temporarily cover essential tasks, or is a full-blown replacement a must? Remember, you’re not just filling a job description; you’re patching a leak in your ship. Prioritize tasks that keep the boat afloat, delegate where possible, and resist the urge to overthink things. Step 2: Forget the Perfect Fit, Embrace the Quick Fix Casting a wide net and hoping for the “unicorn candidate” might not fly right now. Instead, embrace flexibility. Consider internal talent – that design whiz who secretly loves spreadsheets, or the customer service rep with a developer’s mind. Could upskilling or cross-training bridge the gap? Think outside the traditional “employee” box too. Could a freelancer, consultant, or even a temp agency be the right way to go as a short-term fix? Feel free to get creative and mix-and-match solutions to find the right puzzle piece for this immediate need. Step 3: From Panic to Process – The Art of the Speedy Hire Even with a “MacGyver approach,” you still need some structure. Here’s how to turbocharge your hiring process without sacrificing quality: Crystallize your ideal candidate. What skills and experience are non-negotiable, and what can be learned on the fly? Craft a concise yet compelling job description highlighting the immediate need and your company culture. Tap into your network. Emergency situations necessarily call for emergency measures. Reach out to your trusted network – colleagues, mentors, even former employees – and spread the word. You might be surprised at the hidden gems lurking just outside your usual talent pool. Master the “interview-a-thon.” Time is of the essence, so ditch the five-round interview marathon. Utilize video calls, skills assessments, and even a good old-fashioned phone chat to quickly gauge potential. Look for passion, adaptability, and a willingness to jump in headfirst – those are the qualities that will get you through this storm. Step 4: Remember, You’re Not Drowning, You’re Surfing – Embrace the Learning Curve and Lean on Your Team Filling a sudden vacancy is stressful, but you don’t have to go it alone. Your team is your anchor, your support system. Delegate tasks, ask for feedback, and foster a spirit of collaboration. This is a chance to solidify your team’s resilience and discover hidden strengths. And hey, if things don’t go according to plan at first? Don’t beat yourself up. This is a learning experience. Adapt, adjust, and keep moving forward. You’ve got the grit, the ingenuity, and the metaphorical duct tape to get through this. Stay Calm and Take Stock of the Long-Term Journey So, the next time the talent void opens, remember – it’s not the end, it’s just a detour. With a clear head, a dash of creativity, and the unwavering support of your team, you’ll not only weather the storm but emerge stronger on the other side. Now, go out there and show that unexpected vacancy who’s boss! Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family, which is why you started your business in the first place? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at 602-435-5474, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

Ways Business Owners can Deal with Personal Crisis

May 18, 2017 No Comments

Entrepreneurs, by their very nature, are self-reliant. They set goals and achieve them with confidence. When a personal crisis strikes a business owner, it can be very damaging to their corporate environment and even its micro-culture. Suddenly, the dynamics change and can lead to irreparable harm. We’ve all heard the advice not to bring personal problems into professional space, but, some are so large they have a nearly uncontrollable effect. It’s best to bring the situation into perspective, but, doing so might be difficult to accomplish. Ways Business Owners can Deal with Personal Crisis In some instances, it’s possible to prepare a business for a crisis. When it’s impending and inevitable, business owners should prepare by speaking with their team members about delegating and assigning responsibilities, seek legal advice (if applicable), and focus on what’s most important. There will be difficulty in maintaining balance but by being proactive, you’ll have less to worry about. Eventually it happens to the best of us. Something occurs in our personal lives that is so devastating, we have difficulty concentrating at work. It may be the death of a loved one, a divorce, a financial crisis, or serious damage to our homes. When our personal lives are in chaos, it can be hard to focus and get what we need to do done. —Inc.com Unfortunately, it’s often the case that a personal crisis strikes without warning. When it does occur, it can be very burdensome to get through. Even the toughest entrepreneurs will have difficulty trying to deal with upset in their personal lives while continuing to run their businesses. Here are some ways business owners can deal with a personal crisis: Outsource and be willing to ask for assistance. It’s okay to let go and farm-out work during turbulent times, especially if you’re having trouble staying focused and concentrating. Also, there’s no shame asking for assistance from your team — it’s actually a smarter choice. Be upfront with customers. As soon as possible, let your clients know about the situation. You don’t have to go into details, but you ought to alert them to what’s going on, particularly if you’re not able to work as usual. You’ll find most to be understanding and that helps to give you some peace-of-mind. Surround yourself with positive people. This is something that successful entrepreneurs naturally do but it’s very important when you’re going through tough times. Personally, I lean on others as well as my faith and prayer to shoulder the burdens of crisis. It’s uplifting and it can be a way to see the silver lining knowing others are walking with you. Give team members more flexibility. Your employees are huge assets to your business and during a personal crisis, can be the best go-to source for carrying-out day-to-day operations. Give them the flexibility that’s needed to keep your company running smoothly. Do not put undue pressure on yourself. If there’s one thing entrepreneurs struggle with, it’s the fear of not getting the job done. When you are dealing with personal issues, give yourself permission to lighten your workload. Take time to reflect on what’s most important. This is an ideal time to put everything in perspective. Give yourself time off and reflect on what’s truly important in your life. In addition to these, you should be honest with yourself about your life’s direction. Some business owners who experience a personal crisis use it as a learning tool advantageously, but others allow the event to cloud their judgment and make rash decisions. When you’re not thinking clearly, be willing and ready to ask for advice from someone you trust. In my life, I have found great opportunity comes from crisis because of my willingness to reflect and make changes. How have you overcome crisis and remained focused and successful with your business? Want to find out about what a business coach can do for you? [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

Big Benefits of Business Coaching

The Big Benefits of Business Coaching

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Related Posts

Tips for Creating an Effective Employee Social Media Policy

How To Quickly – But Smartly – Fill a Very Sudden and Unexpected Vacancy in a Key Position in Your Small Business

Ways Business Owners can Deal with Personal Crisis

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