2Phase3 Blog – May 2013
Some Recipes For Small Business....– a Mother's Day Special... Part 1 (part 2 on Father's Day...)
Far too often we hear of the stresses related to owning and operating a small business. For many, the mere word “entrepreneurship” causes them to shake and quiver. For others the fear of potentially losing everything- while gaining nothing brings nightmares far worse than the thought of another Sly Stallone comeback movie.
It doesn’t have to be this way. In fact with some careful initial planning, advice, and an open-mind to change small business owners can learn to work through difficult times (which will occur to any business) and lessen the stressful days and endless nightmares.
A few tips…
1) Before you being your business- actually seek out those who can help you form objective opinions as to what path (if any!) the business should follow.
At 2Phase3 we often find ourselves being contacted in the midst of a business meltdown or collapse where miracles are needed and are often difficult to find. We wish the owners contacted months earlier! Hiring an outside team around your business to work with the owners as objective leaders and advisors will be money well spent. Think of the cost versus losing your home.
Easy decision.
2) Listen, listen..and listen some more. Just because this is YOUR business and you have put in the time, energy, tears and money doesn’t mean it is the perfect business. We often see entrepreneurs lose a sense of reality as they are too close to the business situation to see the forest from the trees.
Our consultants often hear from business owners that this is the way things are going to be- that this is MY business, I have planned this so we must continue to go down this path…and so on.
Small business owners have pride in what they are selling. They should! But they must also open their minds to change and to hear from others that their idea is not realistic…no good..’sucks’. This is a hard pill to swallow but to overcome this rejection of ideas from neutral outside sources (again the hiring of consultants who have seen it all) is a significant step towards many restful nights of sleep…and a bit of peace of mind knowing you are not alone in this venture.
