Here we are, almost at the end of 2011. For some of the business owners I know, it’s been a great year of growth, for others not so much. For me, it’s a time of pulling together all the tips, training, coaching, and expertise I possess as I look at 5 issues I see facing many small business owners right now. Which of these fit you and your business?
- While you have customers (or clients) and are making money, your cash flow is tight and makes it scary for you to think about adding staff or contract labor to help with the increasing workload. Yet you are working longer hours and have realized you cannot continue to handle your business as you are doing now.
- As your business has grown so has the demands on your time. While you are serious about taking your business to the next level, you have frequent time crunches and increasing conflicts between your business and personal lives. This often leaves your or a family member frustrated and disappointed, and sometimes makes you wonder why owning your own business seems to take more time than working a job.
- You see and feel the shifts that are taking place in the world economy and it leaves you with a gut feeling that while you are doing OK, it’s getting harder to control your operating costs and keep your profits at a good level.
- You really need to be on your toes, making good use of new marketing methods, but rarely have time to sit and study what might most help you. You need condensed, succinct information about marketing, social media, business systems, best use of staff or personal assistants, and time management.
- While you love being self-employed, it’s hard to be “on” all the time as the face of your business. You truly need and would appreciate feeling less alone and more supported and encouraged by others who understand your situation.
These are issues that, left unresolved, can truly grind you down. They’re one big reason I created my Business Mentorship Program, which is carefully designed to support and help you solve issues with both personal and business time. The deadline for joining the Mentorship Program is January 8th. You can get the program description here, and the application form here. I’d love to see an application from you.
This is my last blog post of 2011, so I’m wishing all my readers a fun, relaxing, and special holiday season, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. I’ll be back on the blog on Boxing Day (12/26). Hugs to all of you!
Hello, Sue. My comments refer to #3 of your article. It’s tough selling high value, high quality products at a premium price when the economy is down. That’s why I’ve come up with different ways to provide service, write an ezine, participate in community collaborations including fundaisers, network with referral sources, and interact with other small business owners. I learn new ideas from them. All these different ways of doing things help keep my energy up and enjoy more fun with people and my business. Since I’ve been doing business this way for the past year, I now have people telling me when a good trade show is coming, a workshop or seminar is coming, I get invited to more networking parties, people are beginning to know my name and business name, and I’m enjoying building relationships. The sales may not come right away, but I know eventually they will. So until I see a huge profit, I will keep my day job and have fun moon lighting. So I’m having fun, keeping my stress level down and learning at the same time. Happy New Year! Thank you for your time in reading this message. Take care. Rosella Young, AA-1 Designs, Invest in yourself P.S. Please note the above website only operates in the U.S. Int’l readers please google Longaberger to find one near your area.
Rosella,
Your consistent action will take you through tough patches.
Sue
Twitter: KatherineCHE
says:
Having great mentors is KEY to success! People in your groups are truly fortunate to work with you! XOXO, Katherine.
Twitter: everywomanovr29
says:
Sue
Your new mentorship program sounds fabulous! and with your expertise I know you will support many lucky biz owners with the issues you outline
Trudy
Thanks Trudy, coming from you that’s quite a complement.
Sue
Twitter: Chiropractic Hand & Foot Clinics Of America
says:
Sue,
You appear to have an intuitive sense with entrepreneurial emotions. Your article is amazing as it allows the business owner to have an ah ha moment – which I believe is the first step to moving forward in a more positive direction. Good words!
Dr. Robert Fenell
Thanks so much, Bob. I hope to create ah ha moments with everyone I work with!
Sue
Yes, I fit many of these. Way to nail them. I may need some private consulting.
LOL, Bill. Maybe over a REALLY fine dinner.
Twitter: debbiemcneill
says:
Sue, your post outlines exactly what I’m feeling right now. Thank you for taking the time to understand business owner’s today and develop a solution. Your program sounds wonderful, I’ve read through it a couple of times so far and I’m very impressed with it. Kudos to you.
Hi Debbie,
I’m glad that my Biz Mentorship program speaks to you.
Sue
Twitter: MarketingMel
says:
Wow. Sue. I feel like you’re speaking directly to me! Sometimes as small business owners we do feel overwhelmed by the demands on our time. Thanks and I will definitely review the information on your new program.
Twitter: TiffanydeSilva
says:
Your post lays out exactly what many business owners are struggling with. It sounds like you’ve designed your mentorship program to be rock-solid. Enjoy the holidays!
Twitter: getunstuck
says:
Well, you’ve nailed all those challenges! Your program sounds like a great and needed resource for entrepreneurs facing those typical challenges of being self-employed! I think that having an mentor like you, and connections with other entrepreneurs can make a world of difference!
Thanks, Linda.
Twitter: writeoncreative
says:
Sue,
You’ve outlined common “growing pains” for successful entrepreneurs and are offering a fabulous solution. I always tell my clients that the smartest investment they’ll make in their business is to continue to invest in programs and coaching to support them as they move to the next level.
Write on!~
Lisa
Thanks much, Lisa. Your “solutions” are on the mark, as well.
Sue
Twitter: jenniferbourn
says:
Sue – Your Business Mentorship Program sounds like a great solutions for entrepreneurs – it is so imperative to get support and have a community of people you can turn to, mentors who can support and advise you, and peers to cheer you on! Congrats on the new program Sue!
Jennifer Bourn, Bourn Creative
Thanks, Jennifer. I appreciate your support, for sure.
Sue
All the best with your Business Mentorship Program – it is so needed out there. Thanks for all you do as you work through your own expertise to increase ours!
Thanks, Jeff.
Twitter: BarbaraHolden
says:
Thanks for articulating the experience so many of us are having in today’s marketplace – and especially thanks for bringing a solution. Entrepreneurs are such an important component in our economy, it’s essential for us to stay in good fiscal shape!
You are truly a brilliant Coach and Teacher – I’m going to check out this program!
Hi Barbara,
I’d be delighted to talk with you about the Business Mentorship Program. Thanks for you comment!
Sue