When it comes to running a business, having the right support can make all the difference.

It can help you take your business to the next level, provide a safe space where you can share the challenges of running a business, or be a place where you can access expertise and the wisdom of people who have walked the entrepreneurial path before you.

This support can take a variety of forms - from mentors whose insight you tap into to staff and professional services who ensure your business runs smoothly, or a business network that acts as a brain trust.

Here, we discuss the different types of support available to entrepreneurs along with the genuine difference it can make to your well-being and the success of your business.

We look at:

With a wide variety of support available, it can be tough to know where to start. Let's explore some of the types of support that you can leverage:

Having a seasoned mentor or coach can be invaluable. They can offer guidance based on their own experience, help you develop skills, and hold you accountable for your goals.

Connecting with other entrepreneurs and business owners can be a great source of support. Whether you're new in business or have been in business for a long time, building relationships and sharing experiences can lead to valuable insights and opportunities.

Depending on your needs, you might require the services of accountants, lawyers, marketing consultants, or IT specialists. Finding the right expert can free up your time and ensure that you're on the right track.

The internet is brimming with resources for business owners. From informative blogs and articles to online courses and webinars, taking advantage of these resources can help you learn new things, stay up to date on industry trends, and find inspiration.

The benefits of having the right support are numerous. Here are just a few:

Increased clarity and focus - Support can help you identify your goals and develop a plan to achieve them. It can provide you with the guidance and direction you need to stay on track.

Better decision-making - Getting different views from people in your support system ensures that you have the opportunity to see different perspectives. This can help you make better decisions and find alternative solutions to challenges.

Improved problem solving - Sometimes, a problem can feel insurmountable, but someone else's opinion can provide you with the clue you need to find a way past it. Brainstorming with your support system can lead to creative solutions.

Increased motivation and accountability - When you have the right support, it's easier to stay motivated and remain on track. Your support system can provide you with the inspiration and accountability you need to keep pushing forward.

Finding the right support system is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It's important to identify your specific needs and challenges.

Take the time to understand yourself and your business clearly. Ask yourself which areas you need support in. Is it marketing, finances, hiring, sales, or something else?

Once you've identified your needs, do some research. Explore different options and compare their offerings. Talk to other business owners, read reviews, and attend industry events. Look for recommendations and evidence of benefit to other business owners.

Of course, budget is always a consideration. Be realistic about what you can afford and prioritise your needs accordingly. Starting with a part of what you need can be a stepping stone to obtaining the support you truly desire.

When building your support system, don't just focus on finding the most qualified expert or service. Look for people you connect with and who make you feel comfortable. Building a strong support system is an ongoing process, so don't be afraid to try different things and adjust your approach as needed.

Remember, as your business grows and evolves, your support needs will change too. Embrace the power of support and enjoy the journey of your business soaring to new heights.

What makes a good business coach?

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How to set and achieve your goals

We all know there’s far more to business than simply delivering a product or service. There’s administration, planning, new projects and deadlines to manage in addition to the daily activities that deliver the business bottom line.

And that’s where streamlined workflows are key. They overcome the inefficiency that is the kryptonite of business success. But where do you start when it comes to streamlining your workflows?

In this podcast, we look at the importance of creating efficient workflows, and why they help make your business a productivity powerhouse, including:

Running a business often feels like juggling tasks on a unicycle. Emails overflow, to-do lists multiply, projects stall, and deadlines loom. Inefficient workflows drain valuable time and resources, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and demotivated.

However, streamlining workflows can be the antidote to this chaos. By optimising your processes and eliminating bottlenecks, you can transform your business into a productivity powerhouse.

In a nutshell, workflows are the invisible choreography of your business. They define the series of steps that transform ideas into tangible results, whether it's onboarding a new client or launching a new product.

Streamlined workflows provide a number of benefits for your business.

Firstly, they boost efficiency by reducing time wasted on manual tasks and searching for files. Streamlined workflows free up your time and allow you to focus on what truly matters.

Additionally, streamlining your workflows leads to a reduction in errors. With fewer handoffs and unnecessary steps, there are fewer opportunities to make mistakes.

An important aspect of streamlining workflows is the improvement in customer satisfaction.

Happier employees, resulting from streamlined processes, lead to happier customers. Smooth and efficient workflows contribute significantly to ensuring a positive customer experience.

Moreover, streamlined workflows make it easier to scale your business.

As your business grows, having well-defined workflows ensures smooth sailing, even in uncharted waters.

Now, let's look at some practical tips for streamlining workflows:

1. Map out your workflow: Begin by creating a plan and visualising the entire workflow process. You can use flowcharts, mind maps, or even sticky notes on a wall - choose whatever method works best for you. The key is to have a clear plan outlining the steps involved.

2. Identify bottlenecks and eliminate unnecessary steps: Take a critical look at your existing workflows and identify any bottlenecks or unnecessary steps. Streamline the process by removing these inefficiencies.

3. Leverage Technology: Embrace technology tools and automation to streamline your workflows where you can. Look for software and apps that can simplify tasks, automate repetitive processes, and centralise communication and data.

4. Regularly review and update: Workflows are not set in stone. Regularly review and update them to ensure they remain efficient and aligned with your business goals. Solicit feedback from your team and make necessary adjustments.

Streamlining workflows is a game-changer for businesses. It increases efficiency, reduces errors, enhances customer satisfaction, and facilitates business scalability.

By mapping out your workflows, identifying bottlenecks, leveraging technology, and regularly reviewing and updating your processes, you can create a streamlined workflow system that empowers your business to thrive.

Be sure to tune in to the next episode of the Business Wisdom Podcast, where we explore more strategies for success in the dynamic world of business.

It’s no secret today’s world is fast-paced with multiple tasks competing for every business owner’s attention. But how can you ensure you leverage your efforts to best effect - achieving the best results possible without wasting time and effort.

It’s all about working smarter, not harder, and in this Business Wisdom podcast we look at how that’s done, including:

If you’re looking to work smarter, not harder, it starts by knowing exactly WHAT you’re trying to achieve.

Set clear long-term goals that you then break down into smaller, manageable tasks and ensure these goals are SMART, as in specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

It’s also about understanding your priorities. Use techniques like the Eisenhower matrix to prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance. Focus on tasks in the ‘urgent’ and ‘important’ categories to maximise your impact.

With time in short supply, it’s critical you manage this resource effectively. Use tools like to-do lists, calendars, and time blocking to allocate your time wisely. Take regular breaks to maintain productivity and avoid burnout.

Where possible and appropriate, tap into technology to automate routine tasks, such as email filtering, data entry, and appointment scheduling. This will free up your time for more strategic and creative work.

Technology can also enhance your productivity, keeping you on track and abreast of what needs to be done, when. Tools that can assist include project management software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and collaboration tools. Choose wisely and use them to their full potential.

Meanwhile, consider whether the task is one that you actually need to be doing. Or could it be completed by someone else? Identify tasks that can be effectively outsourced to other members of your team and empower them to take ownership.

It also pays to consider the things that sap your productivity and distract you from the task at hand. Is it social media, an ever-growing email list that you feel compelled to check, or perhaps noisy co-workers?

Identify and minimise those distractions in your work environment. Create a dedicated workspace, use website blockers, and establish boundaries with colleagues and family members.

Working smarter, not harder is a mindset as well as a practice. Not only does it involve understanding exactly what to focus on, then finding the right tools to assist, and dedicating the required time to completing that task efficiently, it’s about ensuring you gain the work/life balance you deserve.

As part of this, incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, into your daily routine to boost productivity, reduce stress, and enhance concentration and decision-making abilities.

Make a habit of incorporating short breaks into your workday, and make sure to take longer breaks, such as weekends and holidays, to recharge and maintain overall well-being.

Importantly, learn to say no when you need to, and this applies to both your personal and professional life.

Along the way, periodically review your work strategies and performance, reflect on what's working well and what needs improvement, and be open to making adjustments and adapting your methods to better align with your goals and changing circumstances.

Working smarter, not harder is a strategic approach that allows you to achieve more with less effort. By incorporating the principles and strategies, you can take significant steps toward working smarter, achieving your goals in shorter timeframes, with greater ease, and more satisfaction.

Decision-making is a fundamental aspect of human existence. From choosing what to have for breakfast to making life-altering choices. We make decisions every day. However, if we look deeply into the process of how humans make decisions, we find it's far more complex and nuanced than it might initially appear.

In this episode of the Business Wisdom Podcast, we delve deep into the intricate world of decision-making, a fundamental aspect of both personal life and business operations.

Decision-making is a complicated process influenced by various factors. I won't delve into the mechanics but rather focus on its impact on business.

There are two primary categories of decision-making: rational and intuitive. Rational decision-making involves a logical and methodical approach, while intuitive decision-making relies on gut feelings and instincts.

Understanding these types of decision-making can have a significant impact on how we present our products or services to potential customers.

Several factors influence our decision-making process, including:

Decisions are made for two reasons: to gain something or to avoid pain. Every decision is emotional and tied to personal values. Recognising this emotional connection is vital in understanding how to position our offerings effectively.

A Simple Formula for Effective Decision-Making

The final decision always boils down to a choice between two options. Offering more than two choices often results in a "no thanks" as it complicates the decision-making process. Through elimination, we arrive at the best possible outcome.

Understanding the intricacies of how people make decisions positions us better to communicate the benefits of our products or services. It also helps us identify the right clients to work with.

Here's to making better decisions for a better business and a better life!

Many people have difficulty maintaining confidence in business. The imposter syndrome creeps in and it’s easy to begin feeling out of your depth. But confidence is essential for success, so it's important to find ways to build and maintain it.

In this episode of the Business Wisdom podcast, we look at the role confidence plays in business success, including why it’s critical, how to bolster it in times of uncertainty and the essential habits that help you build and maintain confidence throughout your business journey.

Key takeaways

Highlights

Resources

Business Wisdom: Strategies for Success 

Managing Your Business Mindset 

Customers: The Heart of Every Business 

Many people have difficulty maintaining confidence in business. The imposter syndrome creeps in and it’s easy to begin feeling out of your depth. But confidence is essential for success, so it's important to find ways to build and maintain it.

In this episode of the Business Wisdom podcast, we look at the role confidence plays in business success, including why it’s critical, how to bolster it in times of uncertainty and the essential habits that help you build and maintain confidence throughout your business journey.

Key takeaways

Highlights

Resources

Business Wisdom: Strategies for Success 

Managing Your Business Mindset 

Customers: The Heart of Every Business 

How often should you update your business plan? It’s a great question. The reality is any business plan is a living document, and it’s one that needs reviewing and updating as your business changes and evolves.

In this episode of the Business Wisdom podcast, I discuss the key reasons why you might need to update your business plan, including how often to review it, and the importance of creating a document that changes and evolves to help guide your business to success.

Enthusiasm is one of the most important qualities for any successful entrepreneur. It's contagious, and it can help you attract customers, partners, and investors.

But how do you maintain your enthusiasm when you're facing setbacks and challenges?

In this episode, I share my top tips on how to maintain your enthusiasm in business. We look at the importance of remembering why you started in business and how you can stay focused on your goals.

We also look at the role speech and body language plays in projecting enthusiasm and why it’s critical to surround yourself with positive people.

People talk about goals in all aspects of life, and particularly in business. But there’s a big difference between setting a goal and creating one that is clear and achievable.

In this episode of the Business Wisdom podcast, Clive Enever looks at SMART Goals, including what they are and how they can help you grow your business, or meet a specific aim.

He discusses:

Clive notes SMART Goal setting involves setting aims that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.

He then breaks down how each of those components to explain what they are and how they work together to create a goal that is actionable and inspires activity.

0:00 Introduction
0:35 What are SMART goals?
1:00 Goals are about achieving
1:10 What are your business goals?
1:36 Goals are the key to the future direction
2:00 Be clear about what you want with a timeframe around it
2:30 People with goals achieve more
3:00 Outcome-driven goal setting has been known as SMART goals
3:20 Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Timely
3:50 Specific - knowing exactly what it is that you want to achieve
4:50 Measurable - establishing key performance indicators
5:05 If you can't count it, you can't manage it.
5:40 Attainable - we can achieve our goal
6:10 Realistic - setting the expectations to achieve our goals
7:03 Timely - goals need to have a time limit to avoid putting it off
7:40 Spend time monitoring your activities towards achieving your goals
9:01 Expert guidance to help you set SMART goals
9:13 Thanks for joining Clive
9:16 Subscribe to the Business Wisdom Podcast9:20 Work with Clive

People talk about goals in all aspects of life, and particularly in business. But there’s a big difference between setting a goal and creating one that is clear and achievable.

In this episode of the Business Wisdom podcast, Clive Enever looks at SMART Goals, including what they are and how they can help you grow your business, or meet a specific aim.

He discusses:

Clive notes SMART Goal setting involves setting aims that are Specific, Measurable, Achicheable, Realistic and Timely.

He then breaks down how each of those components to explain what they are and how they work together to create a goal that is actionable and inspires activity.

0:00 Introduction

0:35 What are SMART goals?

1:00 Goals are about achieving

1:10 What are your business goals?

1:36 Goals are the key to the future direction

2:00 Be clear about what you want with a timeframe around it

2:30 People with goals achieve more

3:00 Outcome-driven goal setting has been known as SMART goals

3:20 Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Timely

3:50 Specific - knowing exactly what it is that you want to achieve

4:50 Measurable - establishing key performance indicators

5:05 If you can't count it, you can't manage it.

5:40 Attainable - we can achieve our goal

6:10 Realistic - setting the expectations to achieve our goals

7:03 Timely - goals need to have a time limit to avoid putting it off

7:40 Spend time monitoring your activities towards achieving your goals

9:01 Expert guidance to help you set SMART goals

9:13 Thanks for joining Clive

9:16 Subscribe to the Business Wisdom Podcast9:20 Work with Clive