You Run The Business; The Business Doesn't Run You

Last week, we mentioned on social media this is a topic very close to the Bossman’s heart.

Like many of us, he has done and still does his fair share of being run by the business, but less so these days, as it’s true, you learn by your mistakes!

We all go into business to build a better future for ourselves and our families, so how do we avoid falling into the trap of the business RUNNING and sometimes RUINING our lives?

Here are tips to help you make healthy choices for business.

1.        KNOW YOUR VISION

It’s easy to forget why you went into business, but by holding on to your vision and guiding Northstar, you will avoid confusion and misunderstanding.

Be clear on what you stand for, what your business is there to do, your long-term goals, and the short-term goals you have in place to achieve them.

We suggest you use this knowledge as a framework to operate and remember to communicate to staff and team members, so everyone is singing from the same page.

2. WORK WITH & EMPLOY THE RIGHT PEOPLE

There’s no doubt about it, when you work with the wrong people, and you can’t trust them to do the job properly, it holds you back…whether that’s your accountant - er, we’re not holding our hands up to that! But you might be reading this and feeling fed up with your current accountant! If so, give us a call.

Moving on…….It’s the same for your employees.

You need them to take responsibility for their roles in the organisation - to work efficiently and competently.

If training is an issue, provide it.

And, of course, communication is a two-way street for constant learning, exchanging information, and generally taking care of business and personal interests.

3. PROCESSES - WE LOVE THEM !!

If you don’t have working processes in place, it’s likely to cost you time and money.

Processes drive efficiency.

If you want your business to reach its highest potential, you must make your day-to-day operations as efficient as possible.

In which areas of your business do you need processes?

·         Marketing

·         Customer care

·         Sales

·         Accounting and Invoicing - our Superpower.

Your cash flow is at risk if you’re falling behind with your accounts or invoicing.

4. MINDSET, BOUNDARIES & BALANCE

A mindset for success means taking responsibility for all you do, whether good or bad.

It means remembering why you started the business and operating on the terms that feel right to you and your values.

And when it comes to setting boundaries - set them! If you say your business operates from 9 to 5, don’t be tempted to answer messages at 9 pm.

Equally, if you put in some extra time at the weekend, take some time out one afternoon in the week.

Because all work and no play leads to stress and burnout…it’s about balance.

We could go on and on, but we want to hammer home this: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A LIFE away from work.

We’re here to help you achieve your personal and business goals, whatever they are.

So, if you feel your business is running you and it’s getting too much, call us.

Team ACG