Time, Control, Money...

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We all go into business with the idea of earning more money for ourselves or enjoying more free time etc. No sooner do we open our doors 'for business' than we're hit with loads of challenges and the feelings of being 'out of control'.

This is normal, every business person has to juggle these issues as they move through the nine growth stages of being in business.

The following questions seek to help you prioritise your improvement tasks so you can put the fun and rewards back into owning your own business. We start by 'peeling back' the layers of daily distractions that confront every small to medium size business owner...

Email *

Where is your competition coming from? *

Of the 'competitive forces' listed below - please select the GREATEST competitive force you're dealing with.

Direct competition from existing providers that compete on quality, volume or price (mostly)

The introduction of 'alternatives' that whilst not exactly the same, provide the same or similar outcome for the customer.

Direct competition from new entrants to my market or 'copy cat' providers.

Customer trends such as purchasing on-line or choosing environmentally friendly alternatives.

What causes your 'brain drain'? *

Of the options listed below - please select the DOMINANT cause of stress or mental distraction for you and your business.

Poor performing staff in terms of discipline, attitude and general work ethic

Inability to recruit enough skilled workers (the one's I've got are fine, just can't get enough of them)

Lack of financial capital in my business - (my trading cycles are being affected due to my inability to fund the work ahead of me)

Lack of systems to maintain quality or meet existing sales demand

Lack of sales revenue - doing well but just not doing 'enough'.

Administration and legal compliance - I spend all day doing 'stuff' and seem to be getting nowhere!

Other

What are you 'testing' at present? *

All great companies have faced adversity; there's simply no shortcut to success. Those that thrive have learnt to overcome their challenges by making small changes, one at a time. Trial and Error - Test and Measure - there's no other way... From the list provided below, please select the CURRENT business focus area that your are ACTIVELY testing a new idea at present.

Changes to our marketing/ social media tactics

Improvements in our workflow/ schedule/ job completion system

Re-packaging, Pricing or Bundling our product or service offers to appeal to new customers

The sourcing of materials or stock items to improve quality or reduce expenses

The introduction of new technology or equipment to improve efficiency

Modification to our product delivery/ transaction procedures

Other

Where do you feel you offer the most 'Value' to your business? *

Please select the statement that describes you most.

I'm at my best when left to be creative or problem solve; I develop ideas that give my business a market advantage.

I'm of the most value when talking to new and existing customers, I keep them coming back.

I'm giving the most value to my business when I'm organising my team to get all the work done, I make sure things get delivered on time.

I have an eye for stock purchasing; I find the bargains that give the business the greatest profit margins.

I run all the financial administration, I make sure we collect what we're owed by customers and ensure everyone gets paid on time.

I have no idea where my strenghts lie, I try to do everything but never feel that it makes a difference

Other

Are you still having fun? *

Please select the statement that describes you most.

I love being in business; I jump out of bed each morning genuinely excited by the challenges that lay ahead

I find my business stimulating; I enjoy what I do and the team I do it with; I have no complaints

I'm proud of the business I've built but I never seem to earn what I hoped for

My business meets my income needs but my family suffers due to my long working hours

My business is slowly sucking the life out of me, I can never keep up with the demands it places on me

I never thought business would be this hard; I feel I've tried my best but I'm out of fresh ideas that could make any difference

Other

Rate Yourself 1-5

The following questions require you to rate yourself between 1 to 5 in a range of business functions or satisfaction levels. (1 being poor, 5 being excellent)

Your understanding of Accounting & Financial Administration. *

Your effectiveness in dealing with problematic staff or difficult customers. *

Your understanding of modern marketing tactics *

Your competency with technology and ability to see how technology can improve your business going forward. *

Your understanding of the Psychology behind effective sales techniques. *

Your skills and understanding of how to break-down problems, build action plans, finish the task and then review the results so you can see what to change in future. *

What should you focus on 'fixing' first? *

Please select the statement that describes you most.

I need to be more effective with my time; I need to gain clarity and I'll know I've been successful when I can work less hours per day or enjoy longer holiday breaks.

I need to improve the profitability of my business; I need to make better use of my financial resources and I'll know I've been successful when I don't have to stress over lack of cash for the business or for myself personally.

I need to regain control of the business; I need to improve my focus and I'll know I've been successful when I have a clear understanding of 'who should do what-when' and have solid data to back up my thinking.

Send me a copy of my responses.

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