By Teri A. Coutu
TERIC Enterprise Solutions, LLC
So, you made it through the first quarter of 2022! That is something worth celebrating even if, like many professionals, you feel as though it has been an uphill battle for the past two years.
Every year at this time, I find myself repeatedly advising business owners to assess their business, how it’s performing, and how they can maximize their efforts. Unfortunately, most are so busy handling the day-to-day operations that they don’t have time to evaluate their effectiveness or efficiency. So, this year, I am going to recommend something else….
If you want your business to be successful this season – get some help! I’m not referring to customer service staff and other front-line support, I mean professional support to ensure you’re on track.
When I was growing up, my dad repeatedly joked with me and said “I know everything. Just ask me a question, I know the answer.” So, I would ask a question and he would answer – maybe not the right answer, probably not even a real answer, but he definitely said something. However, aside from my dad, I don’t know anyone who knows everything.
One of the great aspects of business is that you don’t have to know it all in order to make it work. In fact, I believe it’s better if you don’t. When you recognize the gaps in your knowledge or experience, it opens you up to finding and working with other people who can effectively fill those gaps. Your business will be stronger when you get fresh input from other qualified people who don’t carry the history or biases that come along with building your own company or department.
You’re not good with finances? No problem, hire an independent CFO to review your operations and provide you with procedures and solutions that help your bottom line.
Having trouble finding, hiring, and retaining the right team members? Bring in a workforce consultant to help you put together a viable recruitment and retention plan.
Not sure if your webmaster and social media specialist are hitting the mark with your marketing? Contract with a communications expert or marketing coach to help them assess and engage in a comprehensive marketing action plan.
Contracting with independent advisors not only takes a lot of pressure off you and your schedule, it usually saves the company a good deal of money in payroll and benefits. Additionally, independent advisors often initiate positive change faster because they don’t require a learning curve to understand their roles and settle into the culture before being productive.
If you’re still not sure your company will benefit from working with specialized advisors, answer these questions:
What are the primary issues facing your business and how long have you been trying to fix them?
How much energy do you have right now?
When was the last time you asked for help?
How important is it that 2022 be a successful year for you?
You have about seven months left this year to make a positive impact on your business and your life – if nothing else, getting help along the way will make that time easier on you.
“Ask for help. Not because you are weak. But because you want to remain strong.” ˜Les Brown
