What To Do When Your Small Business Is Stuck

What to do when your small business is stuck, and my recommended 10 tips for unblocking business growth!

Every small business owner gets stuck. It’s part of owning a small business. But it does not have to stay that way. There are things you can do to help your stuck small business get unstuck and get to the next level.

10 tips to unblock business growth:

Identify The Root Cause Of Why Your Business Is Stuck

When a small business is stuck or stagnant, it's important to dig into the data and identify the root cause of the issue. Start by looking at key sales, revenue, and growth metrics over recent periods. Analyze any noticeable declines or plateaus to understand where the problems started.

Common causes could include declining conversion rates, shrinking average order values, plateauing website traffic, or rising customer churn. Pinpointing the root cause requires going beyond surface-level financials to understand what specifically is broken in the customer journey, sales process, product lineup or marketing channels. With the core issue identified, you can then develop targeted solutions. Don't assume you already know the cause without backing it up with data.

The root cause may also be a combination of factors rather than one single issue. Approach this analysis without bias and with an open mind to find areas for potential improvement. Identifying the true root cause takes time but lays the foundation for moving forward.

Get An Outside Perspective Like A Small Business Coach Or Mentor

Getting an outside perspective can provide valuable insights when your business is stuck. Experienced mentors or advisors who are not directly involved in your business operations can offer an objective point of view. They may notice things you're too close to see or challenge assumptions you've made.

Some ways to get an outside perspective include:

- Consult experienced mentors or advisors. Identify mentors who have successfully grown businesses before. Schedule regular check-ins to get their take on your business's direction. Be open to constructive feedback.

- Form an advisory board. Assemble a small group of trusted advisors who can provide strategic guidance. Meet with them quarterly or semiannually to discuss high-level issues.

- Hire a small business coach. A professional business coach can work with you regularly to overcome obstacles. A small business coach can help you achieve success. They can help you gain clarity, improve processes, and reach your goals. Ensure you find an experienced coach with expertise in your industry.

- Attend peer advisory groups. Groups like masterminds allow you to regularly meet and brainstorm ideas with non-competing business leaders. Hearing how others approach challenges can spark solutions.

Getting outside perspectives prevents insular thinking. It provides valuable insights you may miss and helps identify your blindspots. Overcome the "we've always done it this way" mindset by regularly consulting experienced advisors.

Analyze Your Business Competition

Analyzing what your competitors are doing that works well is crucial when your small business is stuck. You want to understand their strategies and tactics, and see if any could be applied to your own business.

- Research what competitors are doing better. Look at their products, services, pricing, promotions, customer service, and more. Identify any areas where they are outperforming you or gaining an edge.

- Study their marketing and messaging. See how they position themselves and communicate their value proposition. You may uncover effective approaches you can adopt.

- Check out their customer reviews and feedback. This provides insight into what customers like about competitors that your own business could emulate.

- Sign up for email lists and follow social media. Monitor competitor activities like product launches, campaigns, and events that engage their audience.

- Talk to customers who use competitors. Ask what attracted them to the competitor and what they see as the main differences. Listen for weaknesses you can improve on.

- Secret shop or try competitor offerings. Experience their customer journey first-hand to gain helpful perspective.

- Analyze their web analytics and traffic data if possible. Seeing hard metrics on engagement and conversions allows direct comparison.

The goal is to objectively evaluate competitors' strengths you can learn from. This market research will reveal opportunities for your own business to differentiate and stand out.

Focus On Your Target Audience

When your small business is stuck, it's important to reconnect with your target audience and understand their current needs and preferences. Conduct customer surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one interviews to gain insights directly from the people you aim to serve. Ask about their satisfaction with your existing products/services, where you are falling short, and what they wish you offered.

Analyze all feedback carefully to identify patterns and opportunities. Look for common pain points you could solve or new offerings to fulfill unmet needs. Pay special attention to any changes in your audience's preferences, challenges, or behaviors since you first defined your target segment.

This direct customer insight will help you realign your business around what matters most to the audience you want to serve. You may uncover new ways to tailor your marketing or opportunities to differentiate yourself from competitors by addressing customer needs better. Focusing on target customers will ensure you evolve your business strategically based on real market demand.

Evaluate Your Products/Services

Assessing whether your offerings are outdated or lack innovation is a crucial part of getting your small business unstuck. Over time, customer needs and market trends evolve. If you don't keep up, your products and services can start to feel stale.

Take an objective look at every aspect of your offerings. How long has it been since you introduced something new or made significant upgrades? Do your products or services still solve key customer problems? How do they compare to competitors' offerings in terms of features, quality and value?

Talk directly to customers and prospects to get unfiltered feedback. Ask what they like, what's missing, and where you fall short. Look for common themes in the feedback to identify opportunities to improve.

You may find some offerings are still strong, while others clearly need refreshing. Focus innovation where it's most needed, either through enhancements or all-new products/services.

Don't let outdated offerings hold your business back. Commit to regularly evaluating and improving your products and services. This keeps you competitive, aligned to market needs, and top of mind with customers.

Improve Marketing & Promotions

One of the most effective ways to get an underperforming small business unstuck is to take a hard look at your marketing and promotional efforts. Audit which marketing channels and campaigns are working, and which are falling flat.

First, analyze your marketing budget. Are you allocating spending efficiently based on ROI? Shift budget away from poor performing channels and into the campaigns that are delivering results.

Evaluate your website and online presence. Is your website optimized for conversions? Do you need to improve SEO to drive more organic traffic? An outdated website can significantly hinder lead generation and sales. Consider a redesign or an SEO audit.

Assess your email marketing and social media engagement. Are you sending valuable content to your email subscriber list consistently? Are you actively engaging followers on social media? Improving email and social can help nurture leads and turn fans into customers.

Analyze the customer journey. Where are you losing potential customers along the way? Pinpoint roadblocks in the sales funnel, then develop targeted campaigns to move leads through to conversion.

Getting strategic with marketing and promotions will help you reach new audiences, better engage existing customers, and ultimately drive more sales for your business. With improved marketing, you'll gain momentum to get unstuck.

If you need help, hire a marketing professional for your small business.

Analyze Operational Efficiency

Improving operational efficiency should be an ongoing focus for any business. When growth stalls, it presents an opportunity to take a hard look at processes, costs, and workflows. Start by reviewing each department and function within your company. Look for ways to streamline operations, eliminate redundancies, leverage technology, and reduce expenses.

Some areas to analyze include:

- Manufacturing processes - Are there bottlenecks or inefficiencies in production? Could automation improve output and lower labor costs?

- Inventory management - Is excess inventory tying up too much capital? Can you implement just-in-time practices?

- Purchasing - Are you getting the best rates from vendors and suppliers? Can you consolidate purchases for volume discounts?

- Facilities - Is your physical space being utilized efficiently? Could you downsize or renegotiate leases?

- Staffing - Do you have the right people in the right roles? Can you cross-train employees?

- Transportation/logistics - Are deliveries and shipments being handled in the most cost-effective manner?

- Technology systems - Are your software, hardware, and IT infrastructure current and efficient? Are there new solutions that could streamline operations?

Even small tweaks and changes in processes can sometimes lead to significant cost savings. Approach the analysis with an open mind and look for innovative ways to improve productivity and efficiency at every step. The goal is to do more with less while maintaining quality and service levels. With improved operational efficiency, your business will be leaner, more agile, and better equipped to get back on the growth track.

Develop New Strategic Initiatives

When a small business is stuck, it's often a sign that innovation and growth have stagnated. Developing new strategic initiatives can reignite momentum and open up new opportunities. Here are some tips:

- Brainstorm and identify potential new products or services you could develop. Look for gaps in the market, emerging trends, or customer needs you could fulfill. Prioritize ideas with the most potential.

- Research expanding into new geographical markets or distribution channels. Is there an untapped market you can enter? Can you sell through new retailers or online channels?

- Seek out potential new partnerships with other companies. Strategic partnerships can help you enter new markets, acquire new technology, or share resources.

- Set concrete goals around launching new products and expanding into new markets within a set timeframe. Having measurable goals helps drive strategy.

- Allocate budget and resources specifically for new initiatives. Don't just fit them into existing budgets. Give them dedicated focus and funding.

- Develop new marketing campaigns and materials to promote and support new products and markets. You need fresh messaging and positioning.

- Hire new team members or train existing staff for new initiatives. Ensure you have the right expertise and talent.

- Pursue innovation throughout your operations. Challenge yourself to keep improving systems, processes and business models.

By actively developing new strategic plays, you can breathe fresh energy and direction into your business. Set ambitious goals for growth, and maintain the agility to adapt to new opportunities. This drive to innovate and expand will help pull you out of stagnation.

Invest In Your Team

Your employees are the engine that keeps your business running. When growth stalls, it's important to invest more in your team. There are numerous ways to unlock team potential to build a resilient company culture. Here are just a few:

Train Employees

Additional training and development opportunities show employees you care about their growth and value their contributions. Assess skill gaps and provide training to strengthen capabilities. Encourage employees to share their professional development goals. Support them by providing coaching, classes, books, conferences, and other learning resources.

Boost Morale

Low morale is detrimental to productivity and innovation. During tough times, focus on maintaining positivity. Foster deeper connections via team building activities. Celebrate wins and milestones. Provide opportunities for feedback and listen to concerns. Offer incentives like office perks, flexible schedules, and remote work options.

Reward Top Talent

Your best employees are essential when trying to reinvigorate your business. Recognize and reward their contributions with praise, promotions, and compensation increases. Avoid overworking or taking them for granted. Make sure they feel supported and know their efforts are appreciated. Disengaged top talent may leave, so focus on their job satisfaction.

Investing in your people reminds them you see their value and care about their well-being. It leads to higher engagement, better performance, and improved loyalty. Your team is pivotal to leading your business forward, so empower them to succeed.

Stay Resilient & Adaptable

When your small business is stuck, it's easy to get discouraged and want to give up. However, the most successful entrepreneurs are resilient in the face of challenges. They persist through tough times and make adjustments as needed to get back on track.

Here are some tips for staying resilient when your business is stuck:

- Remind yourself this is temporary. All businesses go through ups and downs. Focus on the fact that this stuck phase will pass if you keep working at it.

- Celebrate small wins. Even tiny signs of progress are worth acknowledging to boost your morale and motivation.

- Learn from setbacks. Don't view obstacles as failures. Analyze what went wrong and what you would do differently next time. These lessons will make you stronger.

- Take breaks. Pushing yourself to exhaustion won't help. Make time for self-care and recharging. A refreshed mindset leads to better solutions.

- Get support. Surround yourself with encouraging people who believe in you. Their positive energy can be contagious.

- Be flexible. If certain strategies aren't working, don't be rigid. Try new approaches to get momentum going again.

- Focus on what you can control. Don't waste energy worrying about external factors out of your control. Pour your efforts into what you can influence.

With the right mindset and adaptability, you can guide your small business through any stuck point. Stay determined and know that better days lie ahead.

Does this sound overwhelming?

Consider hiring a business coach who can provide in-depth guidance and support.

Click Here to schedule a FREE consultation with one of the top small business coaches to help you plan your growth strategies.

Or call 405-919-9990 today!

Proven Strategies For Small Business Growth: A Quick Guide

As a small business coach who has owned numerous small businesses, our team understands how growing a small business can be challenging. In this blog post, we share a quick guide on proven strategies for your small business growth. From understanding your target audience to leveraging technology and measuring your progress, these expert tips will guide you toward faster business growth and success.

Understand the Target Audience Your Small Business Serves

Small business owners seeking growth often face similar obstacles and share common characteristics. They operate in fiercely competitive markets and are looking to expand their customer base, increase revenue, or gain a larger market share. By understanding the mindset and needs of your target audience, you can tailor your strategies to effectively meet their demands and aspirations.

Business Analysis for Small Business Growth

Before embarking on the journey of accelerating your business growth, conducting a thorough analysis of your small business is essential. A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) can help identify areas where your business can excel, areas that need improvement, potential growth opportunities, and any external threats to consider. With this knowledge, you can develop effective strategies and capitalize on your strengths to overcome obstacles.

Cultivating a Business Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is crucial for small business owners looking to scale their enterprises rapidly. Adopting a positive and proactive approach allows you to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Embrace a mindset that focuses on innovation, adaptability, and continuously seeking new ways to improve your business.

Setting Clear Goals and Objectives for Your Small Business

Setting clear goals and objectives is paramount to direct your efforts toward achieving rapid growth. Ensure that your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). These goals will provide a clear roadmap and allow you to track your progress along the way, making it easier to adjust your tactics and strategies as needed.

Identifying the Target Market and Refining Marketing Strategies

Understanding your target market is crucial for effective marketing and business growth. Identify who your ideal customers are, conduct market research, and develop buyer personas. Armed with this information, you can tailor your marketing strategies to reach and engage your target audience through targeted advertising, social media marketing, content marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO).

Leveraging Technology and Innovation

Innovation and technology play a significant role in accelerating small business growth. Review your business operations and identify areas where technology can be implemented to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience. Automating repetitive tasks, utilizing customer relationship management (CRM) software, and staying up-to-date with emerging technologies in your industry can give you a competitive edge.

Financial Management and Strategic Investment

Effective financial management is crucial for fueling rapid business growth. Optimize your cash flow and budget to ensure you have the necessary resources to invest in growth initiatives. Consider strategic investments such as angel investment, venture capital, small business loans, or crowdfunding, depending on your specific business needs. These investments can infuse capital into your business and propel it towards expansion.

Building a Strong Team and Network

Surrounding yourself with a talented team is essential for faster business growth. Hiring skilled individuals who share your vision and goals can help drive your small business forward. Delegate key tasks to capable team members, giving you the time and energy to focus on strategic growth initiatives. Additionally, network with other entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and potential partners to expand your reach, gain valuable insights, and explore collaboration opportunities.

Measuring and Adapting Growth Strategies

Regular measurement and adaptation are key to ensuring the success of your growth strategies. Establish relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) and track your progress consistently. Analyze the data to identify what is working and what needs adjustment. By keeping a pulse on your growth metrics, you can make informed decisions and pivot your strategies to achieve your goals.

Conclusion on Proven Strategies for Small Business Growth

Growing your small business quickly requires careful planning, a growth-oriented mindset, and strategic execution. By understanding your target audience, setting clear goals, harnessing technology, managing your finances effectively, building a solid team, and measuring your progress, you can accelerate your business growth and achieve your desired success.

Embrace the journey, stay adaptable, and continuously seek opportunities for innovation and improvement.

Your small business can thrive and reach new heights with dedication and persistence.

For personalized strategies tailored to your business needs, consider hiring a business coach who can provide in-depth guidance and support.

Click Here to schedule a FREE consultation with one of the top small business coaches to help you plan your growth strategies.

Or call 405-919-9990 today!

How To Delegate Effectively | Tips From Kyle Walbrun

In the realm of entrepreneurship, growth is not merely about financial gain or market share; it's an intricate blend of personal development, delegating effectively, professional acumen, and the perpetual pursuit of balance. In a compelling discussion with Kyle Walbrun, founder and CEO of EfficientAide, listeners are taken on a voyage through the entrepreneur's blueprint for success—a tale rich in lessons on scaling a business through effective delegation without forfeiting life's pleasures.

Kyle Walbrun's story begins in the Midwest, where a blue-collar upbringing laid the foundation for an unyielding work ethic and a commitment to quality. These formative experiences, coupled with a strong influence from an entrepreneurial uncle, set the stage for his ambitions. However, it's the jump from solopreneur to CEO that brings into sharp focus the transformative nature of mentorship and community in an entrepreneur's journey. The early days of EfficientAide were a testament to the power of networking and the significant role of a business coach in navigating the unpredictable waters of business ownership.

Listen to this episode below, find Small Business Pivots here, or keep reading about this episode below the graphic…

How To Delegate and Scale You Small Business | Kyle Walbrun

Entrepreneurial Operating Sysytem

The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) comes into play as a framework that enables structure and process in business operations, underscoring the significance of resilience and the ability to maintain core values amidst scaling. This structure becomes a scaffold upon which business leaders can build their ambitions, ensuring that their vision is met with the traction needed to move forward effectively.

Small Business Pivots

The pivot from an independent business owner to a visionary CEO is underscored by the importance of delegation, particularly the hiring of a virtual assistant. Kyle advocates for the benefits of well-trained assistants who can take on the time-consuming tasks that detract from strategic growth, thereby allowing business owners to focus on what truly matters. The discussion goes beyond the mere act of hiring to the crucial aspect of investing in and empowering these assistants, thus enabling them to contribute more significantly to the business's success.

Building Relationships in Sales

Relationship building is also central to the discourse, as it has been pivotal in Kyle's journey. He shares how a proactive approach to sales, rooted in active listening and genuine connections, has fueled the growth of EfficientAide, with referrals accounting for the majority of new business. This principle of cultivating relationships is equally applicable when it comes to scaling, as hiring the right people for your team becomes critical for sustained growth.

Small Business Strategies

Finally, the podcast episode touches upon the strategies for scaling a business with a small business consultant and coach, the essence of which lies in assembling a supportive team and having the courage to trust in their capabilities. Kyle emphasizes that scaling is not a universal goal for every entrepreneur but rather a path that must be aligned with personal definitions of success. The conversation culminates with advice for small business owners on how to utilize resources such as AI and business coaching to work smarter and create a sustainable, fulfilling enterprise.

Conclusion On How To Delegate Effectively To Scale Your Business

In summary, this episode provides listeners with a well-rounded perspective on entrepreneurship that is both inspiring and pragmatic. The message is clear: with the right mindset, mentorship, and tools, business leaders can navigate growth while achieving work-life harmony, ultimately crafting a journey of resilience and personal fulfillment.

The podcast episode is on Apple, Spotify, and other popular platforms.

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ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR COMPANY TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

If so, schedule a call today with the premier small business coach. We’re ready to help you put in place the habits today that will unlock a lifetime of success tomorrow.

Click Here if you are wondering how much a business coach costs.

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How To Pay Yourself More | Tips From Craig Dacy

Hey Small Business Owner… Pay Yourself More!

Most struggling small business owners are working more and making less than at the job they left to start their business.

When it comes to entrepreneurship, the financial aspect often appears as the most daunting sea to sail. In a world where cash flow is king, maintaining a firm grasp on the financial rudder is essential for the survival and growth of any small business. Financial guru Craig Dacey, a financial coach, joins host Michael Morrison to tackle these topics, offering a lifeline to entrepreneurs fumbling with finances or deciphering the secrets of sustainable cash flow.

Listen to this episode below, find Small Business Pivots here, or keep reading about this episode below the graphic…

Strategic Planning

Craig's transition from education to financial coaching is a testament to the power of strategic planning and the passion for guiding others. His ability to demystify money management by emphasizing behavioral change rather than just numerical understanding provides a refreshing perspective on financial well-being. For small business owners, this shift in focus can mean the difference between mere survival and true financial prosperity.

Profit First System

Throughout the episode, the discussion delves into the profit-first system, a transformative approach to managing business finances. The simplicity of the system lies in its alignment with human behavior, utilizing dedicated bank accounts for income, profit, owner's pay, taxes, and operating expenses to provide a clear snapshot of financial health. By doing so, it offers business owners a straightforward method to handle their finances without the complexity of traditional accounting practices.

Financial Coach

A common pitfall for entrepreneurs is undervaluing their own salary. Craig and Michael address this issue head-on, debunking the myth that higher earnings will automatically translate to increased personal income. They highlight the crucial role of a financial coach, not just in scrutinizing numbers but in overhauling pricing, refining sales strategies, and propelling entrepreneurs towards financial triumph.

Scaling A Business

The conversation also covers the art of delegation and scaling a business, emphasizing the importance of weekly, monthly, and quarterly financial check-ins. Such structured rhythms are key to preventing burnout and promoting growth, ensuring a strong financial pulse for the enterprise. Craig's insights into the emotional and financial metrics that determine business health are invaluable, especially when confronting the anxiety associated with high-churn business models.

Conclusion On How To Pay Yourself More As A Business Owner

In conclusion, the podcast episode serves as a treasure trove of strategies and encouragement for small business owners at any stage. The journey of entrepreneurship is a shared adventure, and having a guide like Craig Dacey can help navigate through every financial twist and turn. It's a powerful message that resonates deeply—entrepreneurs are not alone, and success is a story they have the power to write.

By fostering a strong support network and relentlessly pursuing excellence, business owners can keep their entrepreneurial spirit fueled and chase their dreams with confidence. This episode not only provides the insights but also extends an invitation to stay connected, engage, and reach out when guidance is needed to create a self-sustaining business. The shared wisdom and strategies outlined are not just for immediate application but for long-term growth and success in the ever-challenging financial seas of entrepreneurship.

The podcast episode is on Apple, Spotify, or other popular platforms.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and leave a review. 👈

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR COMPANY TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

If so, schedule a call today with the premier small business coach. We’re ready to help you put in place the habits today that will unlock a lifetime of success tomorrow.

Click Here if you are wondering how much a business coach costs.

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Sales & Marketing | Tips From Randy Crane

Presently, people see or hear roughly 5,000 ads a day.

So how do you get your business to stand out in this crowded world?

In a recent conversation, we had the privilege of delving into the intricate dance of sales and marketing with seasoned expert Randy Crane, The Fearless Marketer. The conversation pivoted around the undeniable truth that relationships are the beating heart of any successful business strategy. In a market saturated with competitors, the distinguishing factor often boils down to how well a business understands and connects with its customers. It's a dimension of business that, when executed with finesse, can lead to remarkable growth and customer loyalty.

Listen to this episode below, find Small Business Pivots here, or keep reading about this episode below the graphic…

Sustainable Small Business Success

With his four decades of leadership in sales and marketing, Randy Crane shares that empathy and a genuine desire to serve are not just nice-to-haves but crucial for sustainable business success. He highlights the shift from a transactional mindset to one of creating value, where understanding the customer's needs and desires becomes paramount. The philosophy here is simple yet profound: it is not merely about the product or service being sold, but about the human connection that's being nurtured in the process.

The Customer Experience

The concept of giving before taking was a recurring theme throughout the episode. Randy stresses the importance of providing value to customers beyond the scope of immediate business gains. This could manifest in various forms—a piece of advice, a helpful referral, or even just a listening ear. By focusing on what the customer values, not just on what we think they should value, we open up the pathway to trust. Trust, after all, is the foundation upon which lasting business relationships are built.

The Sales Process

Another key takeaway from the episode was the idea that sales should not be a rush to close a deal but rather a journey towards understanding and meeting customer needs. Randy shares his personal strategy of approaching sales with a three-day close, allowing for genuine engagement and value delivery before ever talking numbers. This method not only allows for a deeper understanding of the customer but also positions the salesperson as a trusted advisor rather than just another vendor.

As we delved further into the conversation, the significance of the 'why' behind a business became clear. Drawing inspiration from Simon Sinek's "Start With Why," the episode emphasized the transformative power of aligning business actions with a purpose that goes beyond financial gain. When a business operates from a place of purpose, the connection with customers becomes more meaningful, leading to a more passionate and committed clientele.

Finally, Randy shared insights on the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all strategies and the dangers of a quick-fix mentality, especially in the realm of social media marketing. A tailored approach, grounded in a deep understanding of one's unique customer base, is the key to creating effective sales and marketing strategies.

Conclusion For Small Business Growth Through Marketing & Sales

As we conclude, the message is unmistakable: the road to business growth is paved with the stones of empathy, service, and genuine relationships. Randy's expertise serves as a clarion call for small business owners to infuse their operations with these principles, transforming their approach to sales and marketing for the better.

Remember, it's not enough to listen to wisdom; one must act on it. So, embrace the challenge from our coaches' corner: find one thing of value to give in every conversation, and let your business thrive on the power of giving. And for a deeper dive into the essence of relationship-driven business strategies, "The Go-Giver" by Bob Berg and John David Mann is a highly recommended read.

The podcast episode is on Apple, Spotify, or other popular platforms.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and leave a review. 👈

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR COMPANY TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

If so, schedule a call today with the premier small business coach. We’re ready to help you put in place the habits today that will unlock a lifetime of success tomorrow.

Click Here if you are wondering how much a business coach costs.

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Scaling A Business | Tips From Brett Gilliland

How do you scale a business?

Scaling a business involves strategically increasing its capacity, resources, and operations to meet growing demands while maintaining efficiency and profitability.

Sound complicated?

Brett Gilliland, founder and CEO of Elite Entrepreneurs, explains and shares his vast experience scaling businesses from seven figures to astonishing heights exceeding $100 million. His journey offers invaluable insights into the transformative power of strategic self-investment and the importance of a strong leadership group for any entrepreneur.

Listen to this episode below, find Small Business Pivots here, or keep reading about this episode below the graphic…

Scaling a Business with Brett Gilliland of Elite Entrepreneurs.

Scaling a Business

Scaling a business is similar to navigating a complex maze where each turn could lead to a new challenge or opportunity. Gilliland's conversation on the Small Business Pivots podcast with host Michael Morrison unveils the importance of pivotal moments that can either bolster or impede growth. Their discussion delves into the strategic shifts necessary for a business's survival, underlining the resilience required to push through dips in revenue and market fluctuations.

A particularly interesting facet of the podcast episode is the exploration of the role played by a character named Stephanie, whose influence in the evolution of the business is undeniable. Her impact in establishing a new sales funnel and online presence during a tough transition paints a picture of adaptability and foresight as cornerstones of business longevity, especially in the face of unforeseen global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Business Coaching for Scaling a Business

The episode further explores the essence of leadership coaching and strategic business planning to learn how to scale a business. Listeners are introduced to the concept of 'elite ignition,' a program designed to help entrepreneurs transcend the daily grind of operations and instead master the art of working on their businesses. Gilliland's account of dedicating time to strategic planning reveals the pathway to sustainable and scalable business success.

For those entrepreneurs who recognize the value of a robust support network and peer guidance, the episode is a goldmine of encouragement. It highlights the incredible growth potential within 18 to 24 months through commitment and a willingness to evolve. This is not merely about reaching new heights but sustaining them and pushing the boundaries of what is possible to scale a business.

Conclusion For Scaling a Business

In conclusion, this episode serves as a playbook for entrepreneurs seeking to transform their businesses. It underscores the value of mentorship, the necessity of embracing change, and the impact of investing in oneself. As Gilliland's story unfolds, it becomes evident that the journey of entrepreneurship is perpetual, demanding a blend of courage, discipline, and vision to scale your business to success.

The podcast episode is on Apple, Spotify, or other popular platforms.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and leave a review. 👈

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR COMPANY TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

If so, schedule a call today with the premier small business coach. We’re ready to help you put in place the habits today that will unlock a lifetime of success tomorrow.

Click Here if you are wondering how much a business coach costs.

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Sales Success | Tips from Joe Rockey

The roadmap for business success!

Learn how to replace your outdated sales system and delegation processes to create a business that can work without you!

In a recent podcast hosted by Michael D Morrison, our guest, Joe Rockey, the entrepreneurial guru and force behind Elite Business Conversations, laid out a transformative roadmap for business owners aiming to establish a self-sustaining business legacy and drive exponential sales and business growth. Throughout the episode, the emphasis was on fostering emotional connections with customers and strategically delegating tasks to achieve business autonomy, ultimately leading to increased sales and scalable business expansion.

Listen to this episode below, find Small Business Pivots here, or keep reading about this episode below the graphic…

Driving Sales and Business Growth

Joe Rockey's journey from overcoming recession challenges to his current status as a master coach exemplifies resilience and strategic foresight, key components for driving sales and business growth. He shed light on the critical role of sales in business success and how personal experiences shape an entrepreneur's sales approach and overall business management strategy. The podcast explored the three pillars of a thriving company—marketing, sales, and operations—and emphasized the importance of adopting different mindsets for each pillar to drive sales and spur business growth.

A notable aspect of the discussion focused on the misunderstood concept of delegation. Michael introduced the delegation quadrant, a vital tool empowering business owners to identify tasks for delegation based on their preferences and skill levels, thereby freeing up time to focus on sales and strategic growth initiatives.

Sales Strategy For Small Business Growth

The conversation also delved into sales strategies and relationship-building techniques essential for small business growth. Joe Rockey shared his experiences in real estate and highlighted the significance of authentic connections in driving sales and fostering business growth. They discussed the inadequacy of outdated sales methods that prioritize transactional interactions over relationship-building, stressing the need to adapt to contemporary business dynamics for sustained sales and business growth.

Building Sales Relationships

Furthermore, they explored the importance of vulnerability in building sales relationships, emphasizing the value of genuine interactions in understanding and meeting customer needs, a crucial aspect for driving sales and business growth.

Conclusion For Business Growth

The episode concluded by underscoring the power of introspective exercises in mastering sales conversations and driving business growth. Joe shared visualization techniques to enhance confidence and adaptability in sales interactions, and highlighted the resources available through Elite Business Conversations and Casino Sales Master for continuous learning and business growth acceleration.

In summary, the podcast episode served as an insightful exploration of how emotional intelligence, strategic delegation, and effective sales techniques can fuel business growth and ensure long-term success in today's competitive market landscape.

With these strategies, you're well on your way to building a successful business and a wealthy empire.

The podcast episode is on Apple, Spotify, or other popular platforms.

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If so, schedule a call today with the premier small business coach. We’re ready to help you put in place the habits today that will unlock a lifetime of success tomorrow.

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How To Work On Your Business And Not In Your Business

As an entrepreneur, being involved in every aspect of your business can be tempting. From managing day-to-day operations to making critical strategic decisions, it feels like you have to be present at every step. However, if you want your small business to grow and succeed, learning how to work on your business and not just in it is essential.

So, let's begin with what it means to work 'in' your business and the challenges this presents to any small business owner.

What Does It Mean to Work 'In' Your Business?

Working in your business refers to the day-to-day operational tasks and activities necessary to keep your business running smoothly. This includes activities such as delivering products or services, managing customer inquiries, handling administrative tasks, and overseeing daily operations.

When you work in your business, you often focus on executing tasks and addressing immediate needs. It involves being hands-on in every aspect of the company and working directly with customers or clients. While this is important for the smooth functioning of your business, it can also limit your ability to work on more strategic aspects of your business that contribute to long-term growth and success.

The Challenges of Working In Your Business

Lack of Time for Strategic Planning:

You may be constantly busy with daily tasks when working in your business. This leaves little time for strategic planning and working on long-term goals. Without dedicated time to focus on strategic initiatives, your company may struggle to grow and adapt to changing market conditions.

Limited Perspective:

When you are constantly involved in day-to-day operations, gaining a broader perspective on your business becomes challenging. You may become too focused on the immediate tasks and lose sight of the bigger picture. This can hinder your ability to identify new opportunities, make informed decisions, and steer your business toward success.

Overworked and Burnout:

Being involved in every aspect of your business can lead to burnout and exhaustion. You may constantly work long hours and struggle to take breaks or time off. This can hurt your mental and physical well-being and overall productivity and effectiveness as a business owner.

Inefficiencies and Lack of Scalability:

Working in your business can hinder your ability to identify inefficiencies and implement processes that increase efficiency and scalability. You may find yourself stuck in repetitive tasks that could be automated or outsourced. This limits your ability to focus on higher-value activities that can drive growth and success.

Striking the Right Balance

While it is necessary to work 'in' your business, it is equally important to strike the right balance and allocate time to work 'on' your business. This balance will allow you to shift between the operational tasks and the strategic initiatives required for business growth.

What Does It Mean to Work On Your Business?

Working on your business means taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture. It is about taking time away from daily tasks and focusing on the long-term goals and strategies that will drive your business forward. This shift in perspective is crucial for sustainable growth and creating a business that runs without you.

When you work on your business, you focus on activities that help you improve and scale your operations. This may involve developing marketing plans, defining your target audience, streamlining processes, outsourcing tasks, and expanding your network. In short, it is about working strategically to ensure your business is on the right track.

The Importance of Working On Your Business

Gaining Clarity:

Working on your business allows you to gain clarity about your vision, mission, and goals. It helps you understand where your business is headed and the steps needed to get there. This clarity empowers you to make informed decisions and align your actions with your long-term objectives.

Maximizing Growth Potential:

By working on your business, you can identify opportunities for growth and take advantage of them. You can analyze market trends, identify customer needs, and develop effective strategies to expand your business. This proactive approach can lead to increased revenue and market share.

Improving Efficiency:

When you work on your business, you can analyze your current processes and identify areas for improvement. You can increase efficiency and productivity by streamlining your operations, outsourcing non-core tasks, and leveraging technology. This allows you to focus on high-value activities that contribute to the overall success of your business.

Building a Strong Team:

Working on your business involves delegating tasks to a competent team. By focusing on strategic activities, you create opportunities for your team members to develop their skills and take on more responsibility. This empowers your employees and frees up your time to focus on higher-level tasks.

Staying Agile:

In today's fast-paced business environment, it is essential to stay agile. By working on your business, you can continuously monitor market changes, spot emerging trends, and adapt your strategies accordingly. This adaptability allows you to stay ahead of the competition and seize new opportunities.

How to Work On Your Business Effectively

Schedule Dedicated Time:

Set aside regular blocks of time to work on your business without any distractions. Depending on your business needs, this could be daily, weekly, or monthly. Treat this time as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself and prioritize working on strategic initiatives during these dedicated sessions.

Define Your Priorities:

Clearly define your long-term goals and break them down into smaller actionable steps. This will help you prioritize your tasks and ensure that you focus on activities that will significantly impact your business. Regularly review and reassess your priorities to stay on track.

Delegate and Outsource:

Identify tasks that can be delegated or outsourced to others, allowing you to focus on higher-level activities. Surround yourself with a competent team and trust them to handle day-to-day operations. This frees up your time and empowers your team members to take ownership and contribute to the success of your business.

Invest in Continuous Learning:

Keep learning and updating your skills and knowledge. Attend industry conferences, join relevant professional networks, and read books and articles related to your industry. Constantly seeking new knowledge and staying up-to-date with industry trends will help you make better decisions for your business.

Measure Your Progress:

Regularly track and evaluate your progress toward your business goals. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) and other metrics to measure your success. Analyze your data to identify areas that need improvement and make data-driven decisions to drive your business forward.

Invest in Business Coaching and Mentorship:

Don't hesitate to seek support and mentorship from other entrepreneurs or a good business coach. They can provide proven guidance and insights into how they have successfully balanced working in and on their businesses. Why reinvent the wheel when others have already done it?

Conclusion

Working on your business is essential if you want to achieve sustainable growth and success. By taking a step back from day-to-day operations and focusing on strategic initiatives, you can gain clarity, maximize growth potential, improve efficiency, build a strong team, and stay agile in a competitive business landscape. By implementing the tips in this article, you can effectively work on your business and propel it towards greater heights.

Click Here if you would like one of the top small business coaches to help you with your SEO strategies.

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Small Business Growth | Tips from Erica Rankin

In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, every success story includes challenges, learnings, and unwavering determination. In a recent episode of the Small Business Pivots podcast, entrepreneur Erica Rankin, the innovative founder, and CEO of Bro Dough, a Canadian edible cookie dough company, shared her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. Despite the hurdles and setbacks, Erica's narrative illuminates essential lessons for aspiring business owners, offering a beacon of guidance amidst the complexities of building a small business empire.

Leading by Example 

Erica's words echoed the importance of leadership grounded in personal example. By embodying the values and work ethic expected from the team, entrepreneurs cultivate a positive and productive work culture. Setting high standards, she stressed, is not just a managerial choice but a cornerstone of effective leadership.

““One of the biggest things I’ve learned growing my business is having non-negotiables. Taking care of your mental well-being, and physical are huge things for me!””

— Erica Rankin

Vision and Sacrifice

Erica's entrepreneurial journey underscored the significance of a crystal-clear vision. Entrepreneurs must meticulously assess every decision's alignment with their long-term goals. Additionally, she emphasized the willingness to make sacrifices that others might not comprehend. Entrepreneurship, she noted, often demands unconventional choices, necessitating a steadfast commitment to the greater vision.

Continuous Learning

Education, Erica asserted, is not confined to classrooms. Entrepreneurs must be perpetual learners, adapting to new insights, technologies, and market trends. She recommended the book "E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber as a valuable resource. Erica encapsulated her belief in the phrase, "Lessons are caught, not taught," highlighting the experiential nature of entrepreneurial learning. Being receptive to lessons derived from real-life experiences equips entrepreneurs with a multifaceted understanding of the business realm.

Persistence and Focus

In a world where instant gratification often overshadows long-term goals, Erica's mentor's advice resonated deeply: "Outlast temporary." This wisdom encapsulates the ethos of unwavering determination. Entrepreneurs must resist transient temptations that divert them from their enduring vision. Persistence, she emphasized, is the bedrock upon which successful ventures are built.

A Roadmap to Success for Aspiring Business Owners

With strategic planning, adaptive learning, persistent focus, and a willingness to embrace growth, entrepreneurs can navigate the path of business ownership. Erica's story serves not merely as inspiration but as a practical roadmap, illustrating that with tenacity, resilience, and an never-give-up spirit, anyone can transform their passion into a flourishing business venture. Aspiring entrepreneurs, take heed; the journey might be challenging, but as Erica's story illuminates, the destination is worth every penny.

The podcast episode “Bro Dough: Unleashing the Sweet Success Of An Edible Cookie Dough Empire With Erica Rankin” is on Apple, Spotify, or other popular platforms.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and leave a review. 👈

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR COMPANY TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

If so, schedule a call today with the premier small business coach. We’re ready to help you put in place the habits today that will unlock a lifetime of success tomorrow.

What a CRM is and Why Your Business Needs One to Succeed

Let’s demystify the concept of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and explore how it can power sales, marketing, and business growth for small business owners. As entrepreneurs who are bootstrapping their businesses, understanding how CRM works and its benefits for your sales and marketing strategies is crucial. So, let's dive in!

What is a CRM?

CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. At its core, CRM is a software system that helps businesses manage and nurture their customer relationships throughout their journey. It allows businesses to efficiently store customer information, track sales opportunities, manage marketing campaigns, and more.

How a CRM Works:

Centralize and Manage Customer Information:

CRM provides a unified database where you can store all your customer data. From basic contact details to purchase history, CRM gives you a holistic view of each customer, ensuring personalized interactions and improved customer service.

Track Sales Opportunities and Manage Pipelines:

CRM allows you to track your sales opportunities, from initial contact to closing the deal. With features such as pipeline management, you can effectively monitor your sales team's progress, identify bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions.

Manage Marketing Campaigns and Automation:

From targeted email campaigns to automated follow-ups, CRM empowers your marketing efforts. By leveraging customer data stored in CRM, you can segment your audience, send personalized messages, and track campaign performance for better ROI.

Seamless Integration with Other Tools and Systems:

CRM integrates with various tools and systems you already use, such as email marketing platforms, social media, and customer support software. This integration streamlines data flow, improves collaboration, and enhances overall efficiency.

Empowering Sales with CRM:

With CRM, sales teams can:

Centralize customer data for better insights and enhanced customer experiences.

Streamline sales processes, saving time and effort.

Improve lead management, ensuring no opportunity falls through the cracks.

Enhancing Marketing with CRM

For marketers, CRM enables:

Targeted marketing campaigns based on customer data, increasing conversion rates.

Tracking and measuring marketing performance, enabling data-driven decisions.

Personalizing customer interactions, nurturing relationships, and improving engagement.

Driving Business Growth with CRM

The benefits of CRM for business growth include:

Strengthening customer relationships, leading to increased loyalty and customer retention.

Identifying and capitalizing on cross-selling and upselling opportunities.

Enhancing customer service and satisfaction, resulting in positive word-of-mouth and referrals.

Choosing the Right CRM Solution:

When selecting a CRM solution, consider:

Your specific business needs and objectives.

Scalability and flexibility of the CRM platform.

Ease of use and the availability of training and support.

Integration capabilities with existing systems.

Pricing structure and affordability.

Understanding how a CRM is a game changer for Small Businesses:

For small business owners, CRM offers unique advantages that can level the playing field with larger competitors. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Cost-Efficiency:

Many small businesses have limited budgets, and investing in expensive CRM software may seem intimidating. However, there are affordable CRM solutions available that cater specifically to the needs of small businesses. These solutions often offer flexible pricing models, allowing you to pay as you grow.

Customization and Scalability:

Small businesses have unique requirements, and CRM systems acknowledge that. Look for a CRM solution that allows you to customize fields, workflows, and reports to align with your specific processes. Additionally, scalability is essential as your business expands. Ensure that the CRM platform can accommodate the growth of your customer base and team.

Ease of Use:

As a small business owner, you may not have a dedicated IT department to handle complex software implementation. Look for a user-friendly CRM system that is intuitive and easy to navigate. Avoid solutions that require extensive technical expertise or significant training for your team to get started.

Mobile Accessibility:

In today's digital landscape, having access to your CRM system on the go is essential. Look for CRM platforms that offer mobile apps or are optimized for mobile browsing. This feature allows you to access customer information, manage leads, and stay connected to your business even when you're away from the office.

Integration Possibilities:

Your business likely already uses various software tools like email clients, project management platforms, or accounting software. Ensure that the CRM system you choose integrates seamlessly with these existing tools. This integration minimizes data silos and ensures a smooth flow of information across different applications.

Support and Training:

While CRM systems are designed to be user-friendly, it's always helpful to have access to support resources and training materials. Look for CRM providers that offer comprehensive documentation, video tutorials, and responsive customer support. Having reliable support ensures that you can maximize the value of your CRM investment and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

By considering these aspects, small business owners can choose a CRM solution that aligns with their unique needs, providing all the necessary tools to boost sales, streamline marketing efforts, and foster business growth.

Conclusion:

CRM is not just for large enterprises. Small business owners can leverage the power of CRM to manage their customer relationships, streamline sales and marketing, and achieve significant growth. With the right CRM solution tailored to their specific needs, small businesses can level the playing field and compete effectively in today's market.

Remember, your path to success starts with embracing the power of CRM.

If you're ready to explore CRM solutions tailored to your business needs, contact our team today for a personalized consultation.

Want a small business coach to help you build a profitable business that can run without you? Click Here.

If you are ready to talk to one of the top-rated small business coaches centrally located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in the United States, CLICK HERE to chat or CLICK HERE to call us at 405-919-9990 today!

The Ultimate List of The Top 20 Business Books for Small Business Owners

For small business owners, continuous learning and personal development are crucial for staying ahead in today's competitive market. Reading insightful business books provides valuable knowledge and guidance and offers inspiration and fresh perspectives. In this blog post, my team and I present the top 20 business books that we feel are essential for small business owners. From leadership and management to marketing and growth strategies, these books cover a wide range of topics to help you succeed. As a bonus, we will also highlight "Do Not: Start or Run a Business My Way," a book I wrote as your small business specialist, Michael Morrison, which provides unique insights and unconventional advice for entrepreneurs. 

Let's dive in!

1. "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries: This groundbreaking book introduces the lean startup methodology, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation, customer feedback, and iteration. It provides valuable insights on how to build a successful business while minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.

2. "Good to Great" by Jim Collins: Jim Collins explores the key differentiators between good companies and truly great ones. The book presents valuable lessons on leadership, sustainable growth, and the importance of building a strong organizational culture.

3. "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber: In this classic, Gerber explains the entrepreneurial myth and offers guidance on how small business owners can avoid common pitfalls. It emphasizes the importance of working on the business for long-term success rather than in the business. This book is one of our all-time favorites that my team and I often read from cover to cover.

4. "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill: An all-time classic. This book explores the mindset and principles necessary for achieving financial success. It offers timeless wisdom on goal setting, perseverance, and the power of positive thinking. This is a book that continues to stand the test of time.

5. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey: Covey's book presents a holistic approach to personal and professional effectiveness. It outlines seven habits that can transform individuals into highly successful and fulfilled business owners.

6. "Crushing It!" by Gary Vaynerchuk: In this book, Vaynerchuk provides valuable advice on leveraging social media platforms to build a personal brand and grow a business. It's a must-read for small business owners looking to harness the power of social media marketing.

7. "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton M. Christensen: Christensen examines disruptive innovation and explains how established companies can navigate the challenges of disruptive technologies. The book provides insights into staying competitive and fostering business growth in a rapidly changing market. Innovation is critical for success!

8. "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek: Sinek's book explores the power of purpose and why it is crucial for business success. By identifying and communicating the "why" behind your business, you can inspire loyalty and differentiate yourself from the competition.

9. "Purple Cow" by Seth Godin: In this book, Godin emphasizes the importance of standing out in a crowded marketplace. It encourages small business owners to create remarkable products or services that are truly unique, attracting customers and driving growth. The title itself is fun and easy to read!

10. "The Four-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss: Ferriss challenges the traditional notion of work and introduces strategies for achieving more with less. The book provides practical tips on outsourcing, automation, and time management, enabling small business owners to achieve greater efficiency. This book will challenge you to think differently and not how you think.

11. "Scaling Up" by Verne Harnish: A practical guide to scaling businesses, Harnish's book covers essential strategies and frameworks for sustainable growth. It focuses on the four critical areas of business: people, strategy, execution, and cash. An abundance of nuggets is in this book.

12. "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle: While not specifically a business book, Tolle's masterpiece teaches the importance of living in the present moment. By adopting a mindful approach, small business owners can enhance their decision-making, reduce stress, and improve their overall well-being.

13. "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell explores the tipping point concept and how small changes can lead to significant impacts. The book provides insights into marketing, social trends, and the art of creating viral growth for businesses.

14. "The One Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan emphasizes the power of focus and prioritization. It guides small business owners in identifying and focusing on the most critical tasks that drive business success.

15. "Delivering Happiness" by Tony Hsieh: Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the importance of delivering exceptional customer service. The book highlights the impact of company culture and how it contributes to business growth.

16. "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu: Though a military strategy book, "The Art of War" offers valuable lessons on leadership, strategic planning, and competitive advantage. Small business owners can apply these principles to outmaneuver competitors and achieve business success.

17. "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini: Cialdini delves into the principles of persuasion and how they can be applied to influence others. Understanding these psychological triggers can help small business owners improve their marketing, sales, and customer relations.

18. "Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz: Michalowicz introduces a unique approach to managing finances in small businesses. The book advocates for allocating profit first, transforming how entrepreneurs handle their cash flow, and ensuring long-term profitability.

19. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck: Dweck explores the power of mindset and how it impacts our achievements. By adopting a growth mindset, small business owners can overcome challenges, embrace learning opportunities, and achieve personal and professional growth. One of our podcast guests highly recommended this book.

20. "Do Not: Start or Run a Business My Way" by yours truly, me: This book is a memoir of things I did wrong and things I learned to do right. It offers a fresh perspective on small business ownership, challenging traditional norms and encouraging innovation, business coaching, and exponential growth.

Learn To Earn!

Reading is an invaluable tool for small business owners seeking growth, inspiration, and fresh perspectives. The top 20 business books listed above cover a wide range of topics, from leadership and marketing to personal development and strategy. Additionally, "Do Not: Start or Run a Business My Way" offers unique insights for entrepreneurs, complementing the other books in this list. Small business owners can enhance their skills, make informed decisions, and unlock new opportunities for business success and growth by investing time in reading and continuous learning.

BONUS: Every entrepreneur who has hit the million dollar mark or more in annual revenue on our podcast Small Business Pivots has mentioned they contribute much of their success to learning and investing in a small business coach or mentor.

If you are ready to talk to one of the top-rated small business coaches centrally located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in the United States, CLICK HERE to chat or CLICK HERE to call us at 405-919-9990 today!

Finding The Right Business Coach For Your Small Business Success: Expert Tips And Outcomes To Expect

As a small business owner, it's natural to seek guidance and support to enhance the growth and success of your venture. However, the business coaching industry is saturated with individuals claiming to be experts without the necessary qualifications or experience. This abundance of unqualified small business coaches has left some entrepreneurs disillusioned and skeptical about the effectiveness of business coaching as a whole. 

In this article, we will discuss the essential steps you can take to find the right small business coach who can positively impact your business's success.

1 - Define Your Goals and Needs:

Before embarking on the search for a small business coach, clearly understanding your goals and needs is crucial. Reflect on the specific areas in which you require guidance and support. Are you struggling with marketing and sales? Do you need help with strategic planning or leadership development? Identifying your needs will help you find a coach with expertise in the areas that align with your small business challenges.

2 - Look for Relevant Experience:

One of the primary criteria for selecting a small business coach is their relevant experience. A coach with hands-on experience as a successful entrepreneur or business leader can provide invaluable insights and practical advice. Look for small business coaches with a track record of building and scaling small businesses. They will have firsthand knowledge of your challenges and can guide you through potential obstacles. Ask questions!

A few example questions are:

Have you owned a business other than your consulting practice?

What product or service did they offer?

How many have you owned?

Were they successful?

How much annual revenue did they generate?

How many employees did you lead in your biggest company?

Do you follow a specific business coaching framework?

3 - Seek Recommendations and Referrals:

Remember to consider the power of word-of-mouth recommendations when searching for a small business coach. Reach out to fellow entrepreneurs, business networks, or industry associations for referrals. Ask for specific feedback regarding the coach's expertise, approachability, and ability to adapt to unique situations. A referral from a trusted source significantly increases the likelihood of finding a reliable and competent business coach.

4 - Evaluate Coaching Style and Approach:

Every small business coach has a unique coaching style and approach. Schedule introductory calls or meetings with potential coaches to understand their methodologies. A good coach should fit your personality, communication style, and learning preferences well. Ask about their coaching process, whether it involves a structured framework or a more flexible approach. Find a coach who can adapt their strategies to your specific needs and can provide personalized guidance.

5 - Assess Communication and Rapport:

Effective communication and a strong rapport are essential for a successful coaching relationship. During your initial interactions with prospective coaches, pay attention to how they listen, respond, and engage with you. A skilled business coach should be an active listener, empathetic, and able to ask insightful questions. Their communication style should encourage open dialogue, trust, and collaboration.

6 - Request Testimonials and Case Studies:

To gain further insights into a coach's effectiveness, ask for testimonials or search their Google business page for testimonials from past clients or case studies that showcase their success stories. Genuine testimonials can provide evidence of a coach's ability to drive positive outcomes and deliver tangible results. Look for testimonials highlighting the coach's expertise in problem-solving, strategic planning, or small business growth, depending on your specific needs. Check out our testimonials here.

7 - Discuss Expectations and Boundaries:

Before committing to a business coaching relationship, have a candid discussion about expectations, boundaries, and the terms of engagement. Clearly define the frequency and duration of coaching sessions, the mode of communication, and the financial arrangements. Discuss the coach's availability and commitment to your success. This conversation will help establish a mutual understanding and ensure a productive coaching experience.

Finding the right small business coach can be a transformative experience for your small business. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of selecting a qualified and competent business coach who understands your unique challenges and can guide you toward success. 

Remember, a skilled business coach with relevant experience, strong communication skills, and a personalized approach can make all the difference in helping you overcome obstacles, maximize your potential, and achieve your small business goals.

What To Expect From A Small Business Coach

Small business owners can expect several valuable contributions to their entrepreneurial journey when engaging with a business coach. Here are some key expectations that small business owners should have from their business coaches:

1 - Expert Guidance and Industry Insights: 

A competent business coach brings in-depth knowledge and expertise to the table. They offer guidance on various aspects of running a small business, such as strategic planning, marketing, sales, finance, operations, and human resources. They can provide insights into industry trends, best practices, and proven strategies to help small business owners make informed decisions and navigate challenges effectively.

2 - Objective Perspective and Feedback: 

A business coach serves as an objective third party who can offer a fresh perspective on your business. They can provide:

• Honest feedback and constructive criticism.

• Highlighting blind spots.

• Identifying areas for improvement.

• Challenging your assumptions.

Their objective viewpoint helps you see your small business from a different angle, enabling you to make necessary adjustments and enhance your decision-making process.

3 - Accountability and Goal Setting: 

A business coach helps small business owners set clear goals and holds them accountable for achieving those goals. They assist in defining measurable objectives, breaking them down into actionable steps, and creating a roadmap to success. A coach can monitor your progress, provide support, and help you stay on track, ensuring that you follow through with your plans and make consistent strides toward your desired outcomes.

4 - Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Support: 

Running a small business involves facing numerous challenges and making critical decisions along the way. A business coach acts as a trusted advisor, helping you navigate complex situations and solve problems effectively. They can provide frameworks, tools, and methodologies to analyze and address challenges, enabling you to make informed decisions that align with your business objectives.

5 - Personal and Professional Development: 

Beyond the business aspect, a business coach can support your personal and professional growth as a small business owner. They can help you identify and leverage your strengths, enhance your leadership skills, and build self-confidence. They may provide guidance on time management, work-life balance, and stress management, ensuring that you are equipped with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive as an entrepreneur.

6 - Tailored Strategies and Action Plans: 

A skilled business coach recognizes that every small business is unique. They understand that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Therefore, they develop tailored strategies and action plans that suit your specific business needs, goals, and challenges. A coach should be flexible and adaptable, adjusting their methodologies to accommodate your individual circumstances and ensuring that the guidance provided aligns with your business's vision and values.

7 - Support in Overcoming Obstacles: 

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, and overcoming obstacles can sometimes feel daunting. A small business coach acts as a supportive partner, helping you navigate through tough times, offering encouragement, and providing guidance when faced with setbacks. They can assist in developing resilience, offering solutions, and motivating you to persevere during challenging phases of your business.

It's important to note that while a business coach can provide valuable guidance and support, the ultimate responsibility for implementing strategies and achieving small business success rests with the small business owner. The coaching relationship should be built on mutual trust, open communication, and a commitment to collaboration to ensure the best possible outcomes for the business.

If you are ready to talk to one of the top-rated small business coaches centrally located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in the United States, CLICK HERE to chat or CLICK HERE to call us at 405-919-9990 today!

10 Ways to Increase Sales During Business Development

You have started your business, and now it's time to hit the ground running! Those initial sales will be vital to growing your business—but what are the best ways to get there?

Of course, we want to do anything and everything to bring in sales. But on a finite amount of time and energy, you'll want to focus on what is the most effective.

Sales are about a relationship with the customer. By using these strategies, you can increase sales and build a customer base that will last.

1. Understand Your Customer

It may seem basic, but you need to know who your customer is. Ask yourself questions about your potential customers:

• What is their pain point?

• What will motivate them to buy?

• How will they find you?

• What do they need to make a decision?

By answering these questions and anything else relevant to your industry, you can make sure that your customers will be receptive to your messaging. Use this information to your advantage.

When you identify your customer, you can also clarify who isn't your customer. Don't focus on these—move on. They are not your customers, and you should not waste your resources on chasing them.  

2. Identify What Sets You Apart

With a quick search, customers can find almost anything online. Why should they choose you?

You should be very clear about what sets you apart from your competition—and be able to articulate it. From your website to sales calls, you want your customers to know who you are and why you are different.

Spend some time learning about your competitors. What are their weaknesses? Figure out how to turn their weaknesses into your strengths.

3. Put the Customer at Ease

The customer is investing in you. The more you can put their minds at ease, the more quickly you can turn a "maybe" into a "yes."

If you have customer testimonials or reviews, use them. Develop case studies or success stories. You want your customers to see that "other people have been in their shoes," and you were able to help solve a problem.

Assure your customers that they will be satisfied with your product and service. If you offer a guarantee or refund, make sure the customer knows it. It shows that you stand by your products.

4. Ask Questions

...and listen. The more you know about the customer, the more you will be able to position yourself and the value you bring.

Often, salespeople get caught up in wanting to show every detail and how every problem can be solved... without listening to the customers and the specific problem. By asking the right questions, you can show how you are the solution.

5. Share Information and Content

You may find that you don't want to "give away too much," but information is everything in today's world. The more accessible you can make yourself and your brand, the more the customers will feel like they know you.

Your digital marketing strategy should include both content marketing and social media. Meet your customers where they are, and provide them with material that they will find useful. Allow them to engage with you—and embrace it.

All of this is about building the relationship and positioning yourself in the marketplace.

6. Assume You Have Won the Business

You will want to frame your questions as if the sale has already happened. Don't ask if they would like to buy your product or service, but how they see themselves using it.  

Assume your prospective customers have done some research in advance. Unless you used cold calling, the customer likely has already been on your website or done some initial digging. They made a choice to continue looking at you as a solution.

By assuming you have already won the business in your conversations, it shows your confidence in the sale and helps to build the relationship.

7. Be Prepared to Overcome Objections

Now comes the tricky part of the sales process: overcoming objections. Customers always want it all: the best price, the best quality, and the best service.  

The more prepared you are to answer the objections, the more you can increase your sales. If you get stuck, you may find yourself losing a lot of potential business.  

Instead of being frustrated by objections, think of them as a request for more information. The more you know about the reasoning behind the objection, the better you can address them.

Here are some examples of common objections.

Example #1: Too Expensive

An objection to cost is where you will need to convince the customer of your value. If you have an ROI example, share that information. Or make the customer aware of the high quality of service that will be received.

It helps to dig into the objection of "too expensive." Expensive compared to what? Sometimes customers throw cost out there in the hopes of negotiating, so press the customers on what "too expensive" means to them.

Example #2: Product/Service Doesn't Meet Needs

You want your customers to see themselves with your product/service. This is where the "assume the sale" strategy comes into play and also "ask questions and listen."

Sometimes, customers may not think the product/service meets their needs, but they have not articulated their pain points well or need you to clarify what you can offer as a solution. Provide examples from other customers that have been in similar situations.

Example #3: Unsure of Change

People don't like change, and perhaps your prospective customers are hesitant to make a change. If the investment is a large one, they may be even more reluctant.

Here is where you can point to success stories from other customers or reviews. Help the prospect see that other satisfied customers made the change, and they saw an improvement and results.

Example #4: Unsure of the Relationship

This is a nice way of saying "lack of trust." Maybe the customer is not familiar with your company and your brand. Maybe this is where your competitors have an advantage.

This is also where testimonials and reviews can help, but you will also want to establish yourself as an authority. The content that you share as part of your digital marketing strategy should help you here. You want the customer to trust that you know the industry and can deliver.

Example #5: Lack of Urgency

Timing is always an issue, and the customer may not see a need for a purchase right now.

You can attempt to force more interest with promotions or limited time offers to make a deal seem too good to pass up. You'll want to do this in such a way that you don't devalue your brand too much.

The information that you learn about your customer may also help you identify certain patterns or cycles to your sales. Are customers more likely to buy at a specific time of year (as an example)?

Ultimately, you want to have a good follow-up process in place so that if "not now, maybe later" comes up, you can catch the customers when they are ready to buy. Whether it is email campaigns or phone calls, you want to be sure you are on their minds.

8. Push for a Decision

One of the worst things for a sale is indecision. You may be spinning your wheels on a "maybe."

Keep asking questions, and try to force a decision out of the customer. Even if the answer is "no," then at least you can move on with life.

You don't have to directly ask, "Are you going to buy?" Instead, you can ask, "Are you ready to make a decision?" If not, you need to figure out what other information you need to provide or determine if the customer will be stuck in indecision forever.

9. Never Over-Promise

The phrase "over-promise and under-deliver"? It probably goes without saying: don't do that.

In selling yourself, you need to ensure that you can deliver on what is promised. Better yet—you want to exceed the customer's expectations.

Unhappy customers will lead to refunds, bad reviews, and short relationships. None of these will lead to growth in your business.

10. Have Your Negotiation Skills Ready

Your customer is ready for "The Close." Some salespeople thrive on the art of negotiation, while others shy away from it.

The best thing you can be is prepared. Continue to ask questions throughout the negotiation process and be patient. Try to get the customer to commit to a timeline to close.

When customers have decided to buy, they have formed some attachment to what is being sold. They can see themselves using the product or service. Use this to your advantage without pushing too hard.

Use These Strategies to Increase Sales

Now that you have some strategies to grow your business, you can set some goals for sales. Your plan for success will depend on implementing the sales strategies that make the most sense for your company.

Are you ready to put your plan into action and increase sales? Book a discovery call with Michael Morrison today.

Business Coaching: What It Is and Why You Need It

If you have just launched your own company, you are probably juggling a million different responsibilities at once. As CEO you are not only in charge of the company's vision but its financials, hiring, marketing, and operations.

It is extremely difficult to excel in all of these areas. It's also hard to learn how to delegate, lead, and manage. 

Business coaching is a great way for new company leaders to handle the myriad duties required. Even the boss needs a coach in his corner from time to time! 

Here are ten reasons why you may benefit from consulting a business coach.

1. Set Specific Goals

When you are caught up in the excitement of a company launch, it is easy to lose sight of your initial objectives. Often your overall goals get forgotten in the whirlwind of making sure you have accomplished everything on your to-do list. 

Companies succeed when they keep a clear eye upon the prize. They articulate their goal for their product or service, and how they expect to achieve it.

 A business coach can help you set specific goals that you can remember throughout the process to keep your eye on the ball. They can help you create long and short--term plans that accomplish long and short term objectives.

For example, your overall goal could be something like: to deliver top-quality educational books to regional school systems. Or, to provide clients with top-notch accounting services to companies making over $5 million or year.

When you have a specific mission, you will pause if you find yourself expanding into blackboards for schools, or spending a lot of time chasing a potential client that makes $500,000 per year.

Your business coach can also help you be realistic. While everyone wants to make a million bucks their first year in business, depending on your plan you might want to focus on earning enough to pay off your loans. Your coach can help you create goals for the first year, the fifth year,  and a ten year plan. (Then you can earn a million dollars!). 

2. Time Management 

One of the toughest things for company founders to learn is how to manage their time. As a company takes off, its leader may found herself drowning in email, overwhelmed by meetings, and floundering. 

When it is your company, you may feel responsible for everything. It's easy to start micromanaging.

Successful CEOs must learn a variety of skills they may never have mastered before. They must learn to hire reliable staff who can take tasks off their plate. They must research appropriate technology that can streamline processes.

CEOs that are overwhelmed and stressed tend to be less productive. They may alienate colleagues and make mistakes. 

A good business coach can help a new business leader learn ways to use his time more effectively. That means learning how to prioritize. It means learning how to say no. 

3. Build Better Habits 

It's easy to tell someone that they should not yell at their employees, but it is harder to teach them better ways to handle their stress. You may know in your heart that it is not doing your job or your family any good to stay at the office until midnight every night, but that doesn't mean you know how to change this habit.

A business coach will help you learn specific skills designed to make you a better leader and a more productive worker. You will learn how to do more in less time. You will learn tactics to help with brainstorming, boundaries, and incentivizing employees.

A business coach may also help you shift your bad habits to healthier ones, by encouraging you to leave your desk every few hours or by eating a healthy lunch.

Sometimes a business coach will provide in-depth insight into the root causes of your unproductive habits. Others may choose to give you simple easy tricks that help you stay on track. A good coach will find which approach works best for you.

You'd be surprised how much more effective you can be when you adopt better habits. That goes for your personal and professional lives. 

4. Metrics 

Another way a business coach can help you stay on track and be successful is by helping you define the metrics by which you will measure your own results. 

Will you be successful depending on the number of widgets you sell? The number of dollars you net?  Or how much your company is worth to a private equity firm? 

You want to know how to measure growth in a way that shows you when you are and are not on track. Your coach can show you how to align your metrics with your goals and how to review them regularly to see where you need to refocus or recalibrate.

5. Motivation  

It's lonely at the top.  It's hard to cut jobs, slash budgets, and discipline people when they do not do their jobs well.

It can also be hard to maintain a confident facade when the economy looks shaky, an investor pulls out, or a critical shipment is late. Sometimes you just may want to go into your office, put your head down on the desk, and cry.

A business coach can be the person you turn to when you don't want your employees to see you sweat. They can help calm your fears and show you the bigger picture.

They can also instruct you in ways to stay motivated. They understand the ups and downs of the market, and how human beings need to sometimes unplug, vent, or just let down their guard.

Like a sports coach, a business coach understands your frustrations and can help you channel them towards the win.

6. Leadership

Not everyone is a born leader. But leadership skills can be learned. Some people are naturally charismatic. But even if you are a more introverted type, you can inspire others to do their best. 

Whether you are outgoing or not, a business coach can help you identify certain traits you have that you can nurture to become a better leader.

Most leaders admit their mistakes and move on. They can be honest when they have tried something and it has not been successful. This kind of honesty and resilience is inspirational to others to do the same. 

Good leaders also listen to others and practice empathy. If these are not your strong suits,  a business coach can teach you ways to improve your listening skills so that the people who work for you feel they matter. 

Leaders are also not afraid to make bold decisions. If this is a terrifying concept for you, consider working with a business coach. He or she can help you increase your confidence and develop more ease with risk so you can do what needs to be done to grow your business. 

7. Accountability 

When you are the boss, you can take the day off and go water skiing whenever you want! You can revel in your success and take a break anytime.

It's important to be accountable to someone so that success doesn't go to your head.  Your colleagues may be hesitant to say anything if they see you slacking off or going on wild tangents.

A business coach is there to keep you on the straight and narrow. They are there to remind you of your goal and check in to see whether you are still focused on it.

By scheduling monthly meetings with a coach,  you are forced to be accountable.  You will have to report your progress and admit to where you have fallen short. You will find that accountability is a great motivator for getting things done and staying true to your objectives. 

It also requires that you judge your own actions clearly and honestly. Regular, honest self-assessment can propel you towards more effective leadership and productivity. 

8. People Skills

You may be a terrific engineer or inventor. You may be a whiz at finance and accounting. But without people skills, your business may suffer.

Every business requires others in order to thrive. Employees need to feel valued and appreciated. Clients want to know you understand their needs. Bankers want to know you know what you are doing.

A business coach can assist in improving your people skills so you can be more authoritative and approachable. They can help you "rehearse" difficult conversations so you are prepared. They can give tips on how to make employees appreciated and how to handle personal crises when they enter the workplace.

9. Networking

As a company leader, networking is a critical part of the job. You need to get to know potential clients, partners, government officials, and community leaders. You may have to attend council meetings, chamber of commerce events, and industry association get-togethers.

Networking can seem awkward and a waste of time. Let a business coach show you how to maximize your time at these events, and how to use your personality to your best advantage. 

10. Crisis Management 

Every company leader must at one time face a crisis. It could be an economic turndown, a lawsuit, or a disgruntled employee. 

How you handle a crisis could make or break your business. You need special training on how to maintain morale, handle publicity, and keep things going when things get rough. A business coach is well equipped to guide you through this challenging terrain.

Business Coaching: What You Need to Succeed

Business coaching can guide new and seasoned business leaders towards greater productivity and growth. They can advise on how to handle everything from employee or product complaints to crises of confidence to long term strategy. 

Everyone needs some help now and then. If you think you and your business could benefit from this kind of support, contact us for more information. 

15 Time Management Strategies and Tips You Need to Know

Managing your time wisely is a must, but let's be honest—it's not a very easy thing to do. 

We all wish there were more hours in the day, but that's not going to happen anytime soon…at least not for a few billion years. Many of us feel like we don't have enough time, but the good news is there's plenty we can do about it. 

Want to know how to manage time? Check out these great time management strategies. 

1. Create a List of Daily Tasks

First, begin each day by jotting down a list of tasks you wish to complete. 

If you want to learn how to manage time better, list-making is right up there at the top. Formulate a picture of what you want to accomplish before the end of the day, and then break that down into realistic milestones. 

Check off each item as you go, and watch the completed tasks pile up. 

2. Learn to Prioritize

Of course, writing a task-list in random order isn't going to cut it. 

This is where prioritization comes in. Emphasize the more important tasks first, and relegate the less important to the back of the list. 

Priority tasks are those that are more difficult to complete or come with a time limit. If necessary, disassemble these big tasks into smaller, incremental steps that are easier to complete. 

3. Set Time Limits

As time management strategies go, this is big. 

Leaving yourself an open-ended time period to complete a task is just asking for procrastination and time-wasting. Don't acquire this bad habit. 

Set firm but realistic goals for each of your tasks. By now, you should know about how long it might take you to perform a specific task. Try to finish your work within the designated timeframe, and keep aiming for faster finish times. 

4. Avoid Distractions

A major part of learning how to be better at time management is avoiding distractions. 

Sometimes, distractions are unavoidable. But let's be honest—you could do a better job eliminating some very avoidable ones. 

So use the "do not disturb" function on your phone or computer, don't go down the rabbit hole of reading junk articles on the internet, and turn off the TV. Distractions are your enemy—vanquish them! 

5. Avoid Multitasking

This is related to the above. Time management at work is difficult, and sometimes it's tempting to try to do several things at once. 

Sometimes, you don't have much of a choice. But try to pare down the multitasking as much as possible. Focus on one thing, do it well, and follow it through to completion. Then move to the next thing. 

Trying to do everything at once will only leave you with nothing accomplished. 

6. Time Management Apps Are Your Friend

This age of computers and digital devices comes with innumerable distractions. 

But there are also plenty of newfangled applications to help you focus and manage your time. Organizational apps like Trello and Toggl, and time managers like RescueTime and Remember The Milk help you organize your tasks and boost your productivity. 

7. Set Aside Time for Emails

Look, we all get caught up scrolling through the inbox, checking and responding to emails. Or we instantly respond to emails as they roll in. 

But this is another distraction, and if you can help it, set aside a chunk of time during the day for answering emails. Turning off email notifications would also help out. 

Either way, this is about prioritization (see #2). Designate certain times to check and respond to emails (in the morning, at lunchtime, and late afternoon), and ignore them the rest of the time (if you can). 

8. Perform Weekly Time Audits

Auditing your performance every week will help you track your progress and better understand your time management. 

Keep a record each day of how much time it takes you to complete your tasks. Then, at the end of the week, you can see how you've done. Look for those areas where you performed better than you thought, and find where you need some more work. 

9. Change up Your Schedule

Sometimes you need to shake things up a bit. 

If you find that you're still having trouble organizing your time, despite using various management tricks, you might consider a schedule change. Maybe you need to wake up earlier or focus on certain tasks in the morning and others in the afternoon. 

Change your routine every once in a while, and see if that helps out. After all, everyone gets into a rut sometimes. 

10. Always Have Backup Tasks

It's good to have a little ancillary list of low-priority, but still important tasks always on hand. 

The reason is that sometimes unforeseen circumstances insert a hard break in your main task routine. A computer program stalls, the network is down, or the internet has a meltdown. Could be you're waiting on someone else in order to complete your task, and they're not cooperating with your schedule. 

Whatever it is, it's always a good idea to have a few backup tasks that need to be done and that can fill up your wait-time. 

11. Organize Your Space

Time management strategies are always helped by efficient space management strategies. 

If your workspace is a sloppy mess, get in there and get organized. Put your desk in order, and remove all that clutter and those piles of papers that have been accumulating for at least a decade. 

The same goes for your digital space. Take the time to organize all the files and apps on your computer, and put your inbox in order by using all those handy folders and other organizational features. 

12. Use the Calendar!

A calendar is your friend. And it's also a great way to organize your tasks and manage your time. 

If you prefer the old, physical kind of calendar, then go nuts. Schedule tasks with differently colored pens and markers, fill it with Post-It notes, and do whatever else you need to organize your time. 

If you'd rather use the digital kind, avail yourself of all the many features. Set up reminders, devise schedules, and use alerts to keep you focused and on track. 

13. Don't Try to Be a Perfectionist

Obsessive perfectionism is the nemesis of good time management. 

If you suspect you're a perfectionist, figure out a way to moderate this behavior. If you're always trying to follow your tasks through to an unrealistic standard of perfection, you'll be spending hours on it. 

Oftentimes, what's needed is for the work to be completed, not completed to the point of being a masterwork. Sometimes, good is good enough. Stop trying to be perfect. 

14. Learn to Delegate

It can be a little unnerving to entrust one of your tasks to someone else. But if it's possible to delegate some work to a teammate, then by all means do it. 

If you offload some of your tasks to others, this will lessen your workload and allow you to concentrate on the more important tasks of the day. Start with the less important tasks, and see how the teammate does. If they do a good job, you can begin to share more important tasks. 

15. Nope Out When You Have To

There comes a time when you have to put your foot down and say "no" like you mean it. 

If you're always taking on extra work from co-workers, or fielding their requests, you won't have time to complete your work. And what response will you have when asked why you didn't finish your tasks? 

Create some boundaries, and maintain them. When your work is completed, then you can assist others. You can only do so much, and there are only so many hours in the day. 

Bonus Time Management Strategies

So those are fifteen time management ideas to help you get the job done. 

If you focus on them, you'll start to see results in managing your time. But let's look at a few bonus tips to further help you get organized: 

Bonus Tip #1: Do the Most Important Tasks in the Morning

That's right. Get the most serious chores done right away, when you've got the energy and drive to tackle them. Leave the lesser stuff for the afternoon. 

Bonus Tip #2: Don't Wait on Inspiration

Sometimes you're just not feeling it. You haven't got the divine "spark" instilled in your brain by the Nine Muses. Never mind—dive into the work and the motivation and inspiration will follow. 

Bonus Tip #3: Do Less

Understand that you can't always get everything done in a single day. Look at your list of tasks, and decide which ones are really important. Focus on fewer tasks, and do them well. 

Use These Time Management Tips to Meet Your Goals

We hope these time management strategies will help you better organize your time and achieve your daily goals. Remember, all it takes is determination and a little chutzpah. 

Are you ready to explore the many ways you can succeed in life? Go ahead and book a discovery call with Michael Morrison.  

In Times of Crisis, A Business Must Have A Plan

"A goal without a plan is just a wish." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail." - Benjamin Franklin

The Covid-19 virus has certainly caused disruption and desperation, affecting most if not everyone around the world. At this moment, most small business owners are desperately trying to figure out what to do next. Many consumers are trying to figure out how they are going to pay bills in the future.

Like most, I have never experienced anything like this in my lifetime. Like most, I try to spread encouragement and inspiration. Like most, I try to help guide and inspire others with my knowledge and experience to help others who are desperately looking for solutions. 

Right now, small business owners would fit that category. And although my small business coaching services are primarily for small business owners, they are also applicable to most leaders, executives, and company culture builders.

Realizing, most of us do not have time to read a lengthy article, let's get to the meat of the subject.

In times of crisis, time is of the essence.

In times of crisis, time is of the essence to make a plan.

A crisis plan is not the same as a typical business plan. A business plan is more about purpose, mission, and vision in a stable economy. A crisis plan is more about prioritizing areas that can help a business navigate through uncharted waters.

A crisis plan addresses areas of your business that affect your outcomes like profitability and the ability to operate in the future.

Realizing that every business is in a different season of vulnerability, the areas addressed may or may not make sense for your business or apply to your business at this time of crisis. 

As a small business coach and marketing professional, I must also state this is not a public relations management crisis plan. This plan is to help guide and direct management to effectively recognize strengths and weaknesses to help navigate your business to the other side of the crisis.

Here are some areas to consider for a crisis plan:

• Action Plan - high, medium, and low priorities

• Innovation Assessment - opportunities thinking outside the box

• Cash is King - catch up invoicing, collections, etc.

• Purchasing - eliminate unnecessary costs

• Vulnerability Assessment - weak areas

• Telecommuting - equipment, systems, processes, compliance

• Systems & Processes - rethinking status quo

• Communications - team leaders and staff

• Contact list - for quick distribution

• Designated chain of command

• Forecasting - cash flow for riding out the storm

• and many more depending on the current state of your business.

If you already have a plan, congratulations! You are ahead of most small businesses. If you would like another set of eyes to review, I would be happy to help you.

If you do not have a plan and would like assistance, I would be happy to help you.

You may reach out to michael@michaeldmorrison.com.

5 Stress-Reducing Strategies For Business Leaders

No matter where we live, most people are bombarded with a tsunami of marketing. Marketers everywhere are screaming for our attention. Digital marketing researchers claim we see anywhere from four to ten thousand advertisements or brands every day.

It is not a secret that marketers do their best to create a call to action. A call to action tells you what to do or gives a specific task to take right now. Our lives can become very distracted when we are told what to do subconsciously through advertisements four thousand times or more per day, as well as the hustle and bustle demands of everyday life.

Our lives can get very stressful in no time at all, with advertisers trying to get a piece of our attention. Soon, we are chasing rabbits, squirrels, or those shiny new pennies that seem to appear out of nowhere, all day, every day. It’s easy to forget what is essential, but following these five simple tips can help reduce stress in our life.

Focus On One Thing At A Time

Research has proven that the brain is incapable of keeping laser-focused on two things at once. It is time that we accept the fact that the brain cannot multitask. Those who think they are efficient multi-taskers are just master switchers who can quickly switch from task to task. 

By focusing on one thing at a time, your memory will remember more in the future, you will get more tasks completed quicker, you will be able to work smarter, and you will make better decisions. The rewards for focusing on one thing at a time? Less stress and a quicker satisfaction of accomplishment.

Establish A Routine

Successful business leaders are adamant about having structured routines. Knowing in advance the tasks you need to accomplish is vital to your overall well-being. There is nothing more stressful than having a bucket list of things to do and not knowing where to start.

As well, a solid routine can help you in other areas such as: building good habits and breaking bad habits, motivation, momentum, efficiency, reducing procrastination, eliminating distractions, feeling of accomplishment, personal development, consistency, regularity, and most importantly, your success as a business leader.

Organize Your Life

Disorganization is one of the biggest stress triggers. It becomes frustrating and stressful very quickly when we cannot find something that we need right now. More times than not, the reason we need something right now is that we are behind schedule. The culprit for all of this? Disorganization

To stay motivated, we all need some control in our life. Being organized and knowing where things are can help with that sense of control. Organizing our work area and home are great places to start, but many fail to organize their life.

Setting routines, reducing our commitments by learning to say no, and learning to delegate are just a few areas that could reduce our stress level in life if well organized.

Write It Down

The brain is a mighty processor of information. Research has estimated that the whole brain processes 400 billion bits of information every second. The human brain has 10 billion neurons transmitting data to other cells. Your mind has 10 trillion synapses that this information travels over. And, our mind never sleeps. Your brain never stops processing, nor does it ever stop growing.  

With all this processing going on, it is impossible to hold too many thoughts in your head at once. Your brain works mysteriously. It’s a wonder how it remembers anything at all with as much as it is processing for survival.

Ever had one of those “spectacular” ideas that pop in your brain out of nowhere. One of those ideas that is so good you will never forget? And then not even ten minutes later, well, you forget. It happens, and now you know why.

The process of knowing something and trying to remember it can add levels of stress. You know that thought was right there, and you use so much energy, not just trying to remember what it was but also why or how you forgot it.

For this reason, enter the pencil and paper. Better yet, a journal. Ask Richard Branson one of the keys to his success, and he will proudly tell you, his journal. He carries it with him everywhere he goes. And he writes every thought, comment, or bright idea moment down. He has credited some of his best successes to looking back through his journal.

Writing things down is easy. Remembering to write it down is the hard part.

Learn To Say “NO”

“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” – Warren Buffet

Is your schedule crammed full of appointments, family obligations, to-do lists, and honey-do chores? Then learn to say no like Warren Buffet and many other successful business leaders.

Their reasoning? They know that everyone has the same amount of time in the day. They also know that no one can add more time to their day just because they overcommitted. They fulfill their agenda first to accomplish their top priorities, and then they prioritize other requests.

Learning to say no can be challenging to say, but saying yes isn’t healthy. Saying yes can leave you overcommitted and put your body under too much stress. Leaving you run down and susceptible to illness.

Decide what matters most, and it will be easier to say no. Without having clarity with what is most important, you are more apt to say yes.

Closing

Stress is a significant health issue for many people. The symptoms of anxiety can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and numerous other areas of your body. To significantly reduce stress in your life, make a plan, follow a routine, organize your life, write things down, and learn to say no.

Your Business Reputation Is On The Line! And It's Not With Your Client's!

Welcome to the Morrison Minute where we focus on personal development and business strategy. Today we're going to focus on the small business.

 If you were to ask most business owners to prioritize employees, vendors, and clients, most business owners would say clients first. And, although clients bring in sales and they are important to the growth of the company, they're not your number one asset.

 In my opinion, the employees are. Because if you don't have great employees, you don't have customers. They're not going to stick around.

 But what's more important than that, is venders. Vendors can destroy your reputation. Customers are transactional. You provide a service; they pay the bill. You provide bad service; they provide a bad review. You refund the money and they move on.

 Venders know your deepest darkest secrets! They know if you pay on time. They know their experience of when they deliver products to your business to resell, how they were treated when they went to the dock. They know just about every mmm… from one end of your building to the other. Let me give you an example of another way that vendors can destroy your reputation.

 I had a prospective client that hired me for coaching services, and we were to meet once, once, a week for an hour. On the first visit, I drove 45 minutes from my office to meet there. I texted him and let him know that I was there. And right when we were supposed to begin, he texted me back saying, “I thought that was tomorrow.” Okay, my bad.

 The next week I called him, actually, I emailed him a week in advance, confirmed. I called about three days before, confirmed. I get to the meeting place… I text him where I was located at and he never replied. I texted again, no reply. Phone call, no reply. This went on several times. and some of you may be asking, “why did you keep going back?” Well, we had a non-contractual, but a verbal agreement, that I were to provide services for a certain dollar amount. I wanted to hold up my end of the bargain. I'd already committed those hour blocks to that person.

 And guess what? I now share that with other people in the industry of my experience with that person. Because I'm a vendor and if he treats me that way then he's just providing a facade to his clients or employees.

 If you’re a business owner that would like a business coach that can think outside of the box, things like this, not your typical everyday situation, let's have coffee. And if you'd like more personal development skills and more business development strategies, sign up for more Morrison Minute. I'd love to see you again!

Marketing Your Logo Could Be Costing You Future Business!

Welcome to the Morrison Minute where we focus on personal development & business mastery. Today, we're going to focus on the small business owner. You see, just the other day I was waiting at an intersection, the light was red, the windows were down, the tunes were going, and the light turned green.

 As I proceeded into the intersection, out of the corner of my left eye, I see a large service vehicle with a trailer behind it come barreling through the intersection. It's clear they ran a red light! Like most humans, I honked on my horn! Just as quick as I honk my horn, the driver of that vehicle rolls down his window and flips me, the bird!

 A friend of mine who has a lot more internet followers than I do had a similar experience. Except, he took his experience a step further. I didn't post my experience on the internet, he did. He took a picture of the vehicle that endangered his life, he said how they endangered his life, how they responded to their action, and asked people not to use that company.

 Back to the intersection I was at, there were probably a hundred or so cars waiting from all directions to get through the stop lights. And, I would venture to guess that probably half of them saw, what I saw. They saw a commercial vehicle endangering other people's lives, running a red light, and how they took ownership of their mistake by flipping others off.

 If you’re a small business owner and you’d like to visit about things like this, how we can make sure that your employees are representing your company in the most professional away. Or, maybe it's you the owner, that we need to talk about! If you're not willing to take ownership of your actions with your logo on your chest on your apparel or on your vehicles, then maybe it's time to not wear the logo.

 If you're looking for more personal development skills or business Mastery skills sign up for more Morrison Minute. I'd love to see you again!