Coaching in business?! Now we’ve all heard of a coach, in terms of a football team, an athlete or even a tennis player like our own Andy Murray, but for a business owner, that’s a new one!
As markets become global and competition increases consumers have greater choice. More and more business owners are looking for that edge or the fine tuning that can make the difference in their businesses. They are looking outside their normal resources for the information and guidance they realise is needed, for them to develop and educate themselves and grow their own businesses. In business you’re either growing or you’re not growing (and in today’s market place that means you’re going backwards). In addition, a business will only grow to the level of the owner’s knowledge or beliefs. So the business owners who succeed, are those who look to increase their own knowledge, and prepare to accept changes in the way they think and do things.
The challenge can be great for a business owner who wants to make these changes. It can be a complete shift in thinking. For example instead of thinking, “I’m the only one that can do this properly” becomes, “who in my team can do this?” When the business owner starts to think this way they become a manager running the business NOT working in it. Time can then be allocated to determine ways of generating greater turnover for the business. In this process of change, having a coach or mentor is an extremely valuable ingredient.
In business and in life you can achieve much more, being open to learning, change and the assistance of others. The most successful of people are the ones who realise this and seek all three in earnest.
What separates elite athletes from average athletes with great potential? Only their thought processes, techniques, motivation and of course a fantastic coach. Sure, to be a top athlete you would already have these, but it’s getting there, maintaining it and constantly seeking to improve for that edge over the competition, that makes a winner.
Jim Rohn’s quote, “Never wish the job were easier, wish you were better!” says it all.
Business is simple, people are complicated. Changing your business can be the easy part. Changing yourself and your team can be the greatest hurdle. Having a business coach helps you maintain your motivation, refine your skills, gain constructive feedback and attain constant improvement in your business.
Alan Smith is a Business Coach working with SMEs in Scotland who are passionate about their business and who recognise that they don’t have to do it all alone. Get in touch on 07972 310997.
