Howard Partridge is an internationally recognized business coach, bestselling author, and experienced business owner. Originally from Mobile, AL where he grew up on welfare with six siblings, Howard tells a story with lessons of hard work and intentional action.

Howard shares how his rebellious teenage years got him kicked out of his house and sent off to live with his dad in Texas. There, he waited tables and met his wife Denise, an Italian from New Jersey. When they got married, a friend of the family who was about the same age as Howard gave them $3,000 as a wedding gift. Inspired by the generous gift, Howard decided to try his luck in the home services industry.

“As soon as I got back to Houston from our honeymoon, I spent that entire amount of money starting my service business out of the trunk of my car. Fast forward 35 years later and it’s a multi-million dollar business…I have a great staff, great systems in place.”

After achieving his own success, Howard is now passionate about helping other small business owners stop being a slave to their work and create a predictable, profitable organization.

“F.T.I.: Failure to Implement”

His new book is called “F.T.I.: Failure to Implement.” He shares that this is the number one factor that stops you from reaching your goals.

Howard emphasizes that there is often one obstacle that is stopping you from gaining traction. A coach or mentor can be instrumental in helping you identify what that obstacle is. He shares the example of how Ellen Rohr’s plan and structure helped him overcome his obstacle of debt and start building profit.

You Need to Do It

After identifying the obstacle, the next step is the realization that you have to make the solution happen. You have to replace yourself, step by step. It’s time to stop saying:

1. I know I should market.
2. I wish someone would do this for me.
3. I know I should be a better leader.
4. I know I should track my numbers.

The Turning Point

It wasn’t until Howard was 13 years into running his company that he started going to seminars, learned about systems, and read “E-Myth” by Michael E. Gerber. This was the turning point when he realized he could have his business run without him. With this new inspiration, he started rewriting his vision and plan with Michael Gerber’s principles as a guide:

1. The reason your business exists is to be a vehicle to reach your goals.
2. You need systems to help you get where you need to go.

Another mentor of his, Zig Ziglar, also shaped his new trajectory and taught him the importance of identifying the inspiration and desire behind your vision.

“The inspired person is the one that performs at a phenomenal level.”

Take Action

Howard has written books on everything from dreams and leadership to systems. However, “F.T.I.: Failure to Implement” really underscores the fact that none of it will happen without action. You have to wake up everyday with desire, inspiration, and a vision. His four keys to implementation are:

1. Inspiration: Evaluate your life and realize you can do this. Wake up with a vision.
2. Organization: Take time everyday to think about priority projects that will take your business to the next level.
3. Training: If you’re not a good leader, you won’t train well. Listen to podcasts and learn from people who have already been there.
4. Community: Surround yourself with people who will support, encourage, and hold you accountable.

“That’s my greatest life lesson, I think that I’ve learned...get around people who not only have already done what you want to do, but that know how to help you get there.”

Stay tuned for Part 2 with Howard on The Sharpest Tool™ and visit Howard Partridge to learn more about his coaching services and books.