October
In This Issue
How can a business owner that works alone feel like they work in and belong to a larger team?
Welcome to the October edition of News from Sue Henry
This month we ask the thought provoking question "How can a business owner that works alone feel like they work in and belong to a larger team?" we review the book The Success Principles by Jack Canfield and announce the dates for the next Sales Accelerator Group.
How can a business owner that works alone feel like they work in and belong to a larger team?
I love running my own business, I love the freedom that it allows me, the interesting people that I meet and the challenges that it presents. However, I don't always like working on my own there are times I crave the company of work mates and dream about walking into my office on a Monday morning and chatting about the weekend. I recently shared these thoughts with some fellow business owners and discovered that i'm not alone (which I already knew).
For most of my career I have worked in large teams of people so when I started the business it was somewhat of a shock to my operating style to not have people around me that I could bounce ideas off, seek advice from or report to. Over the years I have developed a system of support mechanisms to eliminate these challenges here are the top four strategies that I use:
1. Meet people on a regular basis and attend Networking functions
Get out the office! That's the quote that sits above my desk, each week I work to spending 30-40% of my time out of the office meeting with other people either by appointments I have made or attending a networking functions. This strategy is also a great way to be constatnly interacting with other people and it helps me stay motivated in setting appointments with potential new customers.
2. Get a mentor and a coach
I usually meet with a mentor quarterly to discuss the direction of my business, the challenges i'm facing and to seek advice and feedback. I also have a coach that calls me every Monday morning to assist in setting a list of priorities for the week and review the week that has been. I have both because I like the regularity of reporting into "a boss" with my coach and meeting with my mentor for some very honest feedback and direction setting.
3. Build a brains trust
I have what I like to refer to as the "Brains Trust" that I can call upon to discuss new ideas and get market feedback on new products and offerings. The "Brains Trust" consists of a mix of business professionals from accountants, consultants, designers, retailers, IT experts, marketing and PR professionals. I normally organise 2 -5 to meet together so that the feedback is varied and balanced. Importantly these are the people that I feel as though are my "work mates" as they simulate the situatons and meet the needs I have as a business professional in a large organisation.
4. Socialise
Most work places have social clubs or organisers that plan luncheons, Melbourne Cup functions, Christmas parties and Birthday cakes. When working on your own you have to become this person, each year I regulary organise to meet with other business owners for these types of functions (make sure you watch out for my Christmas function announced in the November News!) it's also a great form of networking. Once a quarter I meet up with 3 other business owners and we play golf have a few laughs and often assist one another with our business challenges. Start being your social director today by calling two other business owners you know and organise to meet them for lunch later this week or book into a Melbourne Cup function together.
Book Review - The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
I first came across Jack Canfield through his great series of books "Chicken Soup for the Soul" and was impressed by his compassion, commitment and enthusiastic approach to life. His most recent book The Success Principles has to be one of the best and most concise motivational and practical books I have seen. I has great examples, practical exercises and easy to implement suggestions. I recommend that you buy the book (simply click on the book image) and implement the strategies suggested and accelerate your business.
Coaching - 3 Places available
If you procrastinate when it comes to selling or you are not currently achieveing your business goals then now is the time to do something about it!
Many small business owners fail to achieve their goals because they are often overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do and sometimes simply do not know where to begin or what is going to be the best mix of strategies and sales and marketing methods to achieve the best results.
This coaching program has been designed for people wanting to master sales, marketing, networking and business growth and achieve their goals. Sue Henry provides a framework that is easy, fun and rewarding in which you can specifically work on the challenges that are holding your business back, develop effective strategies and take immediate action to produce the results you desire to achieve your goals. Sue currently has 3 spots available to take on coaching clients.
Sign up for the Achieve Your Goals Business Coaching program today and receive 6 sessions for the price of 5 as well as a copy of "Get on Track Stay on Track"
Click here for more information
Sales Accelerator Group - November Group Commencing
The next Sales Accelerator Group is commencing on 2/11/07 in Sydney.
The Sales Accelerator Group is a support system designed for anyone that works from home or alone in their business and misses the support and encouragement of working in a team environment. The purpose of the group is to provide a framework in which you can share experiences, learn from other business owners and report to a sales manager to stay on track and achieve your goals while remaining focussed, motivated and feel as though you belong to a larger team. As a mentor of mine once said "Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!"
"I found working on my own a real struggle at times, the Sales Accelerator Group has been a fantastic resource for helping me achieve my goals and meet some great new team mates"
FP, Sydney.
How does it work?
The group meets weekly for 1 hour on a Friday for six weeks. Each person in the group will have the opportunity to discuss challenges and develop solutions to those challenges. Your participation is supported by phone and email contact with Sue throughout the 6 weeks to answer any questions. Group numbers limited to a maximum of 8
How much does it cost?
$66(inc GST) per week or $330(inc GST) if paid in full at registration.
Click here to register for the November group or find out more
One last thing...
"The future depends on what we do in the present. - Mahatma Gandhi"
Have a great month!
Sue Henry
PH: 1300 88 5650