Whilst I was setting up my new business – Lionheart Management – a number of people said I should have a template to work to and should focus on sales and marketing, which has been my experience for the last 30 years whilst running my Advertising Agency.
I firmly believe that there should be a focus, and as business owners, we do need a focus and a plan and direction, or we may not like where we end up. I don’t believe though that we can work to a template, as business does not move in a straight line and there will always be potholes and challenges on the way and various negative impacts to our business that will take us off track. Plus also every business is different and has different issues and the same template will not work for all.
This is where using a supplier with experience is really important to the success of our own business. It got me thinking about the suppliers we use and although I appreciate that we all have to learn when we start up our own business and our experience will invariably come from previous work and business experience, but when we are employing contractors or suppliers to help us in our business, we should ask them about their experience. We all know people who will have been made redundant and purchased a franchise as they see it as a good way to set up their own business. It may well be in an area that they have no experience but they should be given help and support from the franchisor, but this does not always happen. I also personally know people who have bought a franchise and 6 months after they started their franchised business they say they could have done it on their own if only they had looked into it further. The main thing I am saying though is they might not have the necessary experience to help your business.
I remember going to a networking event probably 15 years ago and I was there early and there was one other person there, so I went up and introduced myself to him and asked him what line of business he was in. He said he was a business coach. I asked him how long he had done this for and he said it was his first week. I asked him what he did last week and he told me he was in IT. So going through my mind was this question “So what on earth qualifies you to be a life or business coach”.
We have to be so careful if we employ the services of someone like this, as they can really negatively impact your business and your income and they may have bought a franchise model that works on a template and without the necessary experience, how can they possibly help you. And do they really care deep down if your business fails or succeeds? You need people who are on our side and part of your team and care.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL OF YOUR KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOUR AS IT COULD JUST BE AN IMPOSTER WRAPPED IN TIN FOIL!
So what next? You need to take the next step… Just fill out the form on the contact page and let’s get your business on the road to success!