Most business owners I talk to say:
- It’s much harder than they anticipated being in business
- They are always busy and often stressed
- They feel quite alone and isolated, they don’t really have anyone they can turn to for help
- They feel like they have a good business, but need some new ideas and help to take it to the next level
“Business is Personal”
Many Business Owners are great at their trade, however they often have difficulty in actually running their business in a way that maximises profits while still achieving a good work-life balance. Every business needs to be steered towards achieving the long term goals of the Business Owner and their Family. Without the right assistance many businesses will fail causing extreme hardship for all involved.
“Most Business Owners are interested to know how to have a Business that can give them a better personal income…“
A business consultant has the ability to unlock the true potential of their business and provide a positive future for them and their family.
Expert and Enabler
Over the years of helping SME business owners and their businesses I have found a requirement to be a combination of Business Consultant and Business Coach. I like to visualise the relationship of the two with Business Consultant at one end of the spectrum and Business Coach at the other spectrum.
Expert – changes a business
At the start of the relationship there is a requirement for credibility (i.e. an expert – pure business consultant) through the development of business plans and strategies; financial analysis; and short term quick wins for the business owner.
Enabler – changes a life
As the relationship develops to the point of execution of the business strategy and plans there is a requirement for enablement of the business owner and their team (i.e. an enabler – business coach) to ensure they own the tasks for execution; they are accountable for how the tasks are completed; and are responsible for the results.
It is the ability to be both an expert and enabler that ensures a longer term trusting relationship and sees true business value = you helping SME business owners.
Timothy Lakeman 