Business Travel - Friend or Foe?
Like a lot of people out there, I have had my share of corporate travel. In a previous life (one I left to join the world of small business to avoid) I was based in the Middle East for nearly 6 years and travelled internationally nearly every week. This takes its toll on lots of things such as- missed family time and outcomes associated with this, time wasted at airports and lounges, eating bad food, another city, another hotel room etc. etc. Not quite the glamour I initially thought. I have early visions as a child thinking that friends who had parents who travelled had the best job, from my experience it isn’t all it is cracked up to be!
So I left this life and came back home to Australia, partially to escape travel, only to end up in Perth and then every few weeks still spend time flying back and forth to Sydney. So I didn’t quite escape! Now I am back on the east coast and spend less time travelling, so the daunting side has reduced, to more of a novelty. The only bit of that past life I miss are the people in all the cities I went to, but social media, email (and phones) can eliminate that gap easily.
As the circle has now nearly turned a complete revolution as a small business owner, I pose the question to all as to whether you now dread the travel side of the business world and why?
Do you work smarter and utilise technology such as Skype, GoTo Meetings, conference calls etc. or do you still insist on the face to face?
If face to face is still important, have you taken the time to consider the cost of a trip to you or your business? It isn’t just the airfares and hotel and meals, but the time you are away at your hourly rate doing ‘other things’, it’s the time away from family events or school events which cant be replaced as well. There is a big sacrifice to those who live this life whether in corporate or in their own business!
Maybe I’m just being all philosophical as I sit in a café in Melbourne after flying down here for two days this week. This has meant re-scheduled meetings, missing an event and being away physically. Some of these things just can’t have a price put on them, but I guess it is a necessary evil as the world gets smaller and smaller!
I would love to hear your thoughts.
Tony Ozanne
Small Fish Business Coaching Canberra
www.smallfish.com.au
Are You "Great" Or Just Doing OK?
In a recent article I posted to our Small Fish Blog ‘What makes a great business owner?’ the behaviours of great owners were discussed. To continue with this theme and to look at some more specific behavioural data, I have conducted some analysis of businesses I have had contact with recently as a coach.
These results come from the mini audits of 87 business owners, who took the opportunity to try the Free Coaching Session Small Fish provides. (I have to plug this and say it is a great way to seek some feedback, ideas or thoughts on how you can improve your business if this is what you want to do!). Just click here or email me if you have an interest in having one for your business!
So, what did I discover?
From the 87 business mini audits, the following was discovered:
-
75 employed staff (balance solo operators)
-
8 actually have regular structured staff meetings
-
7 provide incentives, feedback or reward processes for their team
-
6 have a formal business plan (I think about 2 had actually looked at it since completing)
-
5 have a Marketing Plan
-
4 tracked Marketing activity for ROI each time
-
6 obtain and review financial information on a monthly basis (i.e. P&L)
-
4 knew their break-even point
These are some alarming numbers, and I am sure all those reading will not be on this list!
Clearly not all people I meet want to become clients for a number of reasons such as time, cost, don’t want to change, not ready, feel they’re doing ok, etc. This is fine and to each their own.
The key point and take away from this is not to sell coaching, but to advise if you are guilty of any of the above. The first step is to 
recognise your gap. Once you know where you need to modify things, you have to WANT to change. This is where those who seek external help flourish; they have identified a need and want to amend that gap in their behaviour. Don’t waste money on coaches, consultants, training etc. unless you really are serious about change and willing to commit. It isn’t easy, but the business benefits longer term will truly make you a great business instead of just chugging along and doing Okay.
I wish you all the best and hope to see these hit rates change as we all become better (and even great) at what we do.
Tony Ozanne
Small Fish Business Coaching Canberra
www.smallfish.com.au
Lessons from the Tour de France
After 3 weeks of late nights watching the tremendous efforts of our Aussie, Cadel Evans, in winning the 2011 Tour de France (and the first from our country), I am sure I am not the only one who looks forward to an early night’s sleep after it all ends…the 2 am endings take their toll!
So given the amazing ride of ups and downs and demonstration of true grit, why am I writing about this in our blog?
A few themes have come from Cadel’s ride. He clearly had a plan, he had a great team around him and he never lost sight of his vision- to WIN!
So as we celebrate and reflect, ask yourself if you truly have a vision for your business and where you want it to be at any given point in time, be it 1 year, 3 or 5 years…if not, why not write it down today and spend some time to develop the vision (of course a Business Coach can help).
Once you have a vision established, develop a plan as to how you will get there. This is the classic ‘future back’ activity of looking at what you need to do to achieve the vision.
Is it a Marketing plan, a plan to evaluate and align your people, or is it a sales strategy? It may be a number of these or more!
Finally, don’t forget the power of your team. Just as Cadel Evans had his fellow BMC team mates to help in times of adversity, be it mechanical fixes, driving the chase or keeping him motivated, they were clearly aligned to the overall vision (to win) and the plan (how to do it stage by stage). Do you have your team clearly aligned and aware of your plan and vision? They are the ones who can help you get there, you cannot do it all by yourself. The first thing Evans mentioned, after his yellow jersey on Stage 20, was to say how his team gave 99.9% to 100% effort the entire race, and he couldn’t have done it without them. Can you say the same about your vision and plan and your team? It isn’t a challenging one to do, once your plan is set. Have a strategy sharing session and let your team know how they are a critical part of the end result, then give the recognition, motivation and celebration for the small wins.
As a fellow proud Aussie this weekend, have a look at Cadel’s efforts and see if you can take some of the lessons from it for your business, and maybe you can win your own personal Tour de France in 2012 and beyond.
Good luck and congratulations to Cadel Evans!
Now it’s time for some sleep.
Tony Ozanne
Small Fish Business Coaching Canberra
www.smallfish.com.au
What's A QR Code?
At a recent networking luncheon, aptly named the GAF Luncheon (Grog and Food), I was introduced to a new bit of IT or marketing technology (well at least new to me, I’m sure they have been around for a while, but I may just be a bit slow to catch up with this techno stuff). So I decided to go and use my best friend, Google, and see what they are all about, and obviously decided to share what I have found.
QR codes, or Quick Response codes were initially designed for the tracking of parts in the automotive industry. They are now used to allow a user, who can scan such codes, quick links to website, email links, SMS link, phone numbers etc. They have become a key target in the Mobile technology whereby an App can be downloaded for both IPhone and Android phones to scan and then therefore, make these little black and white boxes usable to us. I found an App for my phone easily on the App Store and for an option of a FREE one or a $1.19 HD version, I am now a man with a scanner, and they are pretty cool!
I have also discovered (again thanks to a quick search of Google and the word "QR code creator") several sites that allow you to make your own QR codes for free, again, how cool? Since finding, creating and playing with this in the last few days, I am amazed at how many QR codes I have come across each day, from magazine advertising, bus advertising etc. They are popping up everywhere, and hey, now I can scan them!
While I don’t know if this is the next big thing, I’m sure the marketing aspect of these will grow by the day but, they are certainly quite impressive, and unless you can scan, you don’t know what you are missing. Finally, when you find and scan one, it is a mystery as to what is going to open up on your phone!
So what are you waiting for? Go and have a play like I have…
Tony Ozanne
Small Fish Business Coaching Canberra
www.smallfish.com.au
What Makes A Great Business Owner?
Jim Collins in his book ‘From Good to Great’ discusses what differentiates a good company from a great one, and how few companies end up being great. It’s a great read and I recommend it for anyone in business or in a management role. When we look at these questions in the context of the business owner, what is it that makes him a ‘great’ owner versus just a ‘good’ one?
Whilst there are numerous lists out there I thought I would throw a few of my own thoughts out there based on insights drawn from conversations and observations with business owners who fit the mould of being ‘great’. They are the ones whom not only have the successful and desirable business operation, but in most cases, have the balanced lifestyle to go with it.
Characteristics of a great business owner are:
-
They have a vision for the business
-
The vision is developed into a working plan and being actioned
-
They are passionate in all they do
-
They’re not afraid to take risks
-
They have access to funds
-
They surround themselves with experts to complement their skill set
-
They are willing and able to change (at short notice)
-
They seek out new opportunities
-
They have strong decision making abilities
-
They solve problems (but sees them as opportunities)
-
They have a sense of humbleness
-
They are strong communicators
-
They can let go of the reigns and allow others to control their business
Whilst I’m sure there are many more characteristics for a great business owner, this is a good starting point. From the list of 13 points above, how do you score in honestly ticking off those that apply to your approach to your business? I think I can confidently tick about 8 to 9, so I guess I still need to get some more focus in various areas…or maybe my humbleness needs some work?
I would love to hear of any additional pointers that great business owners have, or to see how you rate in a score out of 13?
Best of luck in the journey to ‘greatness’!
Tony Ozanne
Small Fish Business Coaching Canberra
www.smallfish.com.au
Somethings Fishy at the MyBiz Expo in Melbourne
If you’re going to be in Melbourne on Thursday 16th or Friday 17th June, you can meet some of the Small Fish team in person at the MyBiz Expo.
The Expo promises to be a fantastic networking event, with the opportunity to meet many people and gather some valuable and useful information that can help you in your business.
We would love the opportunity to meet with you too, to talk about your business. Could your business be more profitable? Is your business and the environment it operates within changing? Does the business leave you with enough time to enjoy your success? Are you in control of your business, or is it the other way around?
Speaking with a business coach in person is a great way to discuss these things, and to find out whether a business coach might be able to benefit you and your business.
Alternatively, you might be considering becoming a business coach yourself. Being a business coach is not for everyone. It is hard work, but very rewarding as you get to work with and help a broad range of people in business.
Come down and talk with the team to find out first-hand what being a business coach is all about. This is also a fantastic opportunity to discover the benefits joining forces with Small Fish!
The MyBiz Expo is being held at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre from Thursday 16th to Friday 17th June, and Small Fish will be at Stand 30. To find out more, and to preregister, click here.
Regards from The Small Fish Business Coaching Team
Picking A Business Coach
From a recent article I wrote, I hoped to give some clarity between the role of a Business Coach and a Consultant.
If you have now decided that your business needs the help and expertise of a Business Coach, here are a few points to ask or consider prior to selecting one. There are many coaches and coaching options available in the market and considering coaching is not cheap, it is important to ensure that you select carefully.
Some good starting points to consider when approaching or if approached by a Coach:
- How will you work with my company and team? I.e. what value will you add?
- What is your business experience?
- What accreditation, experience or training do you have to be a coach?
- Do you have any testimonials or referees I can find out more about you from?
- Have you had any previous work within a system of business development?
- What kind of support do you have from your coaching company and how can it help my business?
- How big is your network of support?
- What’s the track record of your results or record of business experience?
If the prospective person is ticking all the boxes in this area, then some more points to consider when looking at them as a person could include the following:
- Have they defined the difference between coaching and consultant?
- Do they ask good questions to you?
- Will they hold you accountable?
- Are they honest about how you will work together?
- Do they put you and your business needs first, or just simply being a salesman to sell you a service/ product?
- Are they someone who you can feel comfortable working with?
- Are they nice?
The relationship between you, your business and a business coach is one that should be long lasting and beneficial to you and your business and the results. It is critical that you choose carefully. Should you wish to ‘check out’ your Small Fish Business Coach, arrange a Free Coaching session with any of our coaches!
Good luck!
Tony Ozanne
Small Fish Business Coaching Canberra
www.smallfish.com.au
Business Coaching vs. Consultants
One of the common questions we come across in our meetings with business owners is that of ‘what is the difference between and Business Coach and a Business Consultant?’ Quite often the perception is that they are one of the same, but in reality there are many differences. To put it simply, think of a business coach as a personal trainer for your business. They help you meet a goal, work to motivate and drive you, and keep you on track, focussed and recognise achievements. A business coach will help you achieve your goals for your business.
A consultant on the other hand, is another resource available for business owners which are of value as well. A consultant will generally be an expert in a specific area or field who will provide a solution for the issue based on their knowledge or areas of specialisation. The client is generally engaged in the initial briefing and again at the end report presentation then has a choice to implement or not when they get their final report. The level of engagement is limited.
This doesn’t mean that there is one best option as per a coach or a consultant. Even though as a Business Coach myself, I should be saying we are the best option, it isn’t true. The key to the decision is really what does your business and you need. Do you want someone to come in and give you all the answers and a plan and leave you to it, or do you want the ongoing supportive process where you do the work and someone else drives you and holds you accountable? At various stages in a business cycle the need for each may arise…the main point is doing what is best for you.
Below lists some key points of difference between coaching and consulting.
Coaching
-
Cost based on the program (ie 12 months)
-
Focus on your accountability
-
Ask questions to you
-
Like A Teacher
-
Generalist knowledge
-
You do the work
-
Lifelong learning skills for you
-
Plan based on your needs
-
Utilises's your team's skills
-
You do the homework and are constantly involved
-
Applies proven and effective strategies for any category or industry
- SOLUTIONS COME FROM YOU
Consulting
-
Cost generally by the hour
-
Focus on a deliverable
-
Tells you what or they will do it
-
Doer
-
Specialist in specific area
-
Consultant does the work
-
When consultant leaves, so does the experience.
-
Plan is driven by the deliverable definition
-
Uses other consultants
-
You are involved initially in planning and final acceptance, but otherwise little involvement
-
Applies strategies based on industry expertise for every category and industry
- SOLUTIONS COME FROM CONSULTANT
As can be seen, the differences are considerable, but the roles and outcomes of each are also to meet different business needs. Whatever your need, the choice between the two options needs to be based more on the desired business gap you need help with. Good Luck!
Tony Ozanne
Small Fish Business Coaching Canberra
www.smallfish.com.au
Should you manage your staff?
I recently had a meeting with one of my clients- OfficePCs who provide awesome IT support of hardware and software to businesses within the ACT region. Some work was being completed on improving some structured processes around the people management in the business.
For this task, I was fortunate to be able to leverage the resources of my HR guru (and wife) Stacey to help with the process, so instead of just one Small Fish, they got the help of ‘school’ (sorry for the fish pun)! This got me thinking about the performance management process for businesses and although my Canberra Small Fish colleague Richard Everson recently posted a blog on Performance Management I thought a few ideas on the topic were still appropriate.
In my free coaching sessions, it is apparent that the area of process around managing people is often missing. Businesses start with a small team-usually the owner, and as they grow to employ people, quite often the system to implement a structured and detailed process to manage good and not so good performance is overlooked until an issue arises.
So what should you do?
My HR consultant recommends the following simple process loop to implement and manage this from a start-up standpoint:
1. Understand the overall business goals and objectives (Your Vision)
2. Establish individual performance goals linked to the vision, and identify the key skills needed to achieve the vision (this should be a collaborative process with those involved)
3. Improve the performance with ongoing performance coaching and feedback (and document all discussions)
4. Evaluate the performance based on the objectives and targets (so you need to track them)
5. Reward the performance (this can be financially, verbally, or whatever your organisational culture dictates). The old adage of what get measured improves, and what gets rewarded gets repeated is true, we all love positive recognition.
The key message is the same as with most aspects of business. You need to have a process and a system for all aspects, and due to the fact that people are your biggest cost (usually) and your biggest asset as they grow $$ for you, you must establish one now if you don’t have it in place.
The time is right now to review your process in this area and ensure your staff is your number one asset. Should you need any help, of course feel free to contact me for a free coaching session, and who knows you may be able to get the awesome support from Stacey too!
Tony Ozanne
Small Fish Business Coaching Canberra
www.smallfish.com.au
Networking Your Business
As business owners, there is constant effort applied in various forms to seek new business. This is (hopefully) done via a detailed and targeted Marketing plan, which taps into your Target Market and segments to give the most success, but there is one area that costs a lot less and can get you closer to potential clients much easier and quicker. This is by networking.
Networking is ‘creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for mutual benefit’ according to www.Businessdictionary.com. In regards to business and more importantly your business, this means putting yourself in alliances with those of whom you can potentially do business with, or who can refer business to you. This is an extremely powerful method because, as our human instincts work, we would much sooner deal with people we know or trust, and by being part of a network, or referred by one, the level of trust and your integrity in enhanced.
So how do you network? This is often the hardest part mentally, but not in reality. Firstly understand what it is you do in business, then search local business networks in this area on Google as a starting point and I am sure you will find many options. The local business council or Chamber of Commerce is also a good starting point. Talk to people in your field or in business as they will have associations or groups they can recommend, as too will your accountant, lawyer, financial planner, or even your business coach? All these people will be able to point you in the right direction.
Once all your homework is done, the biggest challenge is to actually go! Make a calendar commitment for the events; make it a part of your working week to actually schedule to network yourself and your business. Then attend the events.
There are two different types of people you will come across at a networking event. The first one is one who is blatantly out to promote their business, their product or service and get sales from the group- nothing wrong with this, but some people may find them too ‘in your face’. The second one, is one who attends these events, and focuses more on meeting people, finding out about them and their business and making any relevant suggestions to people they may know who can do business with them. These tend to be more successful longer term as people get to know them and like them, therefore start to refer or give business to them. The question you need to ask yourself is which approach suits and fits your personality, and approach to potential networking.
Networking is powerful and will help your business, make sure it is a part of your marketing strategy.
Of course, as business coaches, we can help direct you to any potential networks that may suit your needs, so feel free to contact us with any queries.
Happy Networking!
Tony Ozanne
Small Fish Business Coaching Canberra
www.smallfish.com.au
