How To Find A Good Business Coach

The year is winding down and as we start to look forward to 2023 now is a good time to take a look at your business goals. Create a spreadsheet and start brainstorming the following:

• What is working right now in your business? 

• Write down all your successes. 

• Jot down what isn’t working.

• Write out what your goals are for 2023.

Next, find a coach to help you reach your goals. As business owners, we think we can do it all by ourselves. In the beginning, we are tasked with doing everything inside our business from reception, customer service, bookkeeping, and marketing to delivering the actual service we offer. In short, we wear all these hats out of necessity but the path forward toward growing our business is where we will need some help. This is where a good business coach can make all the difference. 

What Is A Business Coach?

According to BetterUp.com, “Business Coaches are seasoned professionals who enable startups, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders with advice and feedback based on their real business needs. The best business coaches combine real-world business experience with coaching skills like active listening and the ability to ask powerful questions.”

So now that you know what a business coach is, the next question you probably want to know is how can you find one. There are a variety of ways to find a business coach and you can always start with our favorite tool Google. Additionally, there is another resource that you can try called Score.org. Score.org according to their website is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground and achieve their goals through education and mentorship.”

They offer a variety of resources including business coaching via their client mentoring program; the best part is it is all FREE. Let me say that last word again FREE. It is a win/win for you. I have attended numerous in-person events this year co-sponsored by SCORE and have made great business referrals as well as learned a lot. 

So as we look forward to 2023 my challenge to you is to create your spreadsheet of wins, loses, or draws so that you can have a full picture of how successful 2022 was for you. Finally, use some of the resources above to go find a business coach that is a good fit for you that will help you reach your business goals. 

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It All Starts With A Dream

“The danger in dreaming too small is that you might achieve it.”

Mark Wickersham

It all starts with a dream. There was a time when I wanted to be everything in the world. I remember when I was little someone would ask me what do I want to be when I grow up? I would respond with 50 different occupations and believed that I could be all those things. There was a time I wanted to be a veterinarian until I worked at a vet hospital and became squeamish when I saw a cat getting surgery. In another instance, I wanted to be a teacher and would carry around my folders with papers that needed to be “pretend” graded.

Have you ever been asked that infamous question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

I bet you have. What was YOUR answer? Are you doing that now? Maybe yes or maybe you discovered like I did that what you once thought was the right answer turned out to be the wrong occupation for you. That’s completely fine. We all have a tendency to go through a few iterations of career options before we settle on something that is a good fit for us.

What Is Your Dream?

Are you living your dream life right now? Have you ever asked someone how they are doing and they respond with sarcasm in their voice, “I am living the dream.” My hope for you today is that you take a different approach and start dreaming like you once did as a kid and put action behind those dreams to make them a reality. To help you get in the right frame of mind I have included this link to Simon Sinek’s Ted Talk about Start With Why.

It all starts with a dream but first you need to get motivated by discovering your reason for deciding to become an entrepreneur in the first place.

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Welcome To The Month Of December!

It is the final month of the year and I am excited about what’s in store. December is the culmination of all that has happened throughout the year. If it was a good year for you then you stand in gratitude. If it was a tough year then you are ready to start celebrating like it’s 1999 that you made it and the year has come to an end. No matter which side the pendulum falls for you this month of December will be filled with surprises and thoughtful reflection.

This month I will be taking a look at what we can do to get our businesses ready for success in the year ahead.

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Thanksgiving What Does It Mean To You?

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it involves my favorite thing which is eating good food. I like to gather with my family or sometimes fly solo and use it as a time to take in all my blessings and thank God for them. This holiday means many things to a variety of people but for me, it is a time to slow down, take stock and be in a state of gratitude. If you are struggling to find meaning in this holiday, consider using it as a time of personal reflection and refreshment to push you toward finishing strong this year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Systems & Workflows - The Roadmap To A Happy Business Ecosystem

There is so much chatter about systematizing your business. What exactly does that mean?

According to this article on PI world.com:

The systematization definition for small business is: to arrange into a system, plan, or method, how the business operates from start to finish. In other words, simply mapping or writing down, step-by-step, exactly how each process or function in a small business works.

These are known as SOPs or Standard Operating Procedures in the corporate world. 

I remember when I would work on contract projects how the departments that I worked in were in chaos due to someone leaving and taking the information to do their job right along with them. That is and was a recipe for disaster. Thank goodness there are tools to help with creating SOPs so that you don’t fall into this trap. 

Check out this article that has a list of SOP tools that are low-cost or free to use.  Additionally, this article has ideas and practical steps to help create your SOPs. 

I hope these tools help you get your ducks in a row to run your business more efficiently. Check out the blog I wrote last month on tech stacks. Once you have your SOPs ready to go the tech stack will help you to automate some of those processes. 

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Can I Get A Quote For That?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/smartphone-with-calculator-app-showing-total-amount-4386293/

How many times have you heard that question and panic starts to set in because you don’t have a system in place for a simple quote? 

Do you use the back-of-the-envelope system? This is where you frantically start jogging down some figures off the top of your head and use that to give your client or customer a quote. Let me share with you 3 tools that can help you to deliver a professional estimate to your clients or customers that will leave you feeling relaxed and won’t break the bank. 

QBO

If you are already using QuickBooks Online to manage your monthly bookkeeping then you can use the estimating tool embedded in the software. It is available on all subscription levels. Here is a link to a short video to show you how to do estimates in the software. 

Quotient

This great tool allows you to create professional quotes and see when your client or customer has viewed them in real time. It can also be used with Quickbooks Online Advanced subscription level. Check out Quotient here to see what others think about it and all the features it offers. 

Quoter

They are an easy-to-use quoting software that offers automation workflows according to their website. They also integrate with Quickbooks Online and offer other options within their software. Check them out here.

So the next time you are asked for a quote there will be no need to break out into a cold sweat. Check out the tools above to see which one will work best for you and provide your clients or customers with an outstanding quote experience. What system do you currently use for delivering quotes to clients or customers? Share in the comments below

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Welcome To The Month Of November!

Success is No Accident

Famous soccer athlete, Pele who appeared to be born with plenty of natural talent, continues this quote by adding “It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.” source: Forbes.com

I love this quote by soccer athlete Pele that says that success is no accident. It gives me pause and also an inspiration to move toward what I deem as success in my business and my life. 

This month we will look at how systems & workflows can help you succeed in your business. The funny thing is these tools and tips will most likely spill over into your personal life and that is a good thing. 

It’s your turn. What do you view as reaching a level of success in your business and your everyday life? Getting good sleep is a form of success in my life and the ability to work for myself to build the American dream is my business success goal. Share in the comments below.

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October Roundup!

It is almost time for Halloween and to say goodbye to October. I know I always say this but this month felt like it went fast. I hope you are having a ton of fun enjoying all this season has to offer. I have stuffed myself with plenty of cider and donuts to last me until next October.

October is also a signal that we are heading into the end of the year and getting ready for planning for our next year’s business goals. I wrote a few posts on getting tax ready and evaluating your tech stack. I hope you will check out those posts to help you get ready to end the year strong.

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Do You Have An Efficient Tech Stack For Your Business?

First Things First

What in the world is a tech stack you might be wondering. It is all the technology used to systemize your business so that things run smoothly. According to Podium.com, the use of tech stacks is changing:

“The term “tech stack” most commonly refers to the combination of programming languages, software products, web servers, operating systems, and other tools used by software-as-a-service (SaaS) and development teams. However, as more and more brands move their operations onto their computers and mobile devices, tech stacks are no longer exclusive to the app, web, or software development process.”

It’s just a fact that more businesses are seeking ways to use technology to increase productivity, save them time and money, and improve their bottom line.

Now that we know what a tech stack is, let's look at different areas of your business to see examples of how a tech stack can impact your business.

Marketing & Selling - Apps like Hubspot can help with customer relationship management, Quotient can help with generating custom customer quotes and Panda Doc can help you create winning proposals.

Workflow & Accounting - Apps like Trello or Asana can help you with project management. Additionally, apps like QuickBooks Online or Xero can help you manage the accounting activities with the business. 

Meetings & Communication - Apps like Zoom, Google Meet, or Slack can help with efficiently running online meetings with useful screen-sharing tools.

Technology is here to stay and it is important to pick the right tools for your business. Additionally, it is so important that if you are integrating tools to work with each other, they play nicely together. For example, if you are using an app with Quickbooks Online it is best to get advice from an accounting or bookkeeping professional about which tools are proven to work best with the software so a nightmare can be adverted. Running a business can get pretty chaotic fast. I hope these tech stack tips help you run your business more efficiently.

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Quick Tips To Stay Ready For Tax Time!

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/tax-documents-on-the-table-6863244/

Taxes - This word will make grown adults fold into the fetal position. It is filled with dread and stress. It has been around since the biblical days and it isn’t going anywhere. If you work for yourself then taxes can really seem scary. When you worked for someone else it was there problem to take care of and now it is yours.

No Fear

I know all things taxes can really put a damper on your day but I wrote a previous blogpost to help all the stress melt away and prepare you for smooth sailing during tax time. Check it out here.

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Welcome To The Month of October!

Photo by Tim Mossholder: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-piled-pumpkins-383605/

Hello Awesome Entrepreneurs!

It is October and we all know what that means…..the tax extension deadline is upon us. 

You were probably thinking more about Halloween or pumpkins and spice lattes BUT the reality of the season for any business owner who has not filed their taxes yet is that the Boogey tax man is behind the door and is ready to jump all into your finances if you are in this situation. 

How did you get here?

That is a great question. We all have a tendency to procrastinate when it comes to stuff we do not want to do. Think about things like taking out the garbage, cleaning the bathroom, washing dishes, and for some of us making dinner is a chore. The ability to procrastinate is a great talent that we all have mastered. 

No Shame Here

Hey, it happens. The most important thing is not to be an insane person and be in this situation again next year. This month I want to share some helpful tips to help you be ahead of the game for next year so you are not stressed out of your mind. We will discuss tips for staying on top of your finances, getting the most out of your business relationships with your CPA and your professional bookkeeper, and gadgets/apps to help keep everything running smoothly. 

The month of October is known for many things but we can all agree that dreading looming tax deadlines is something that we can live without. 

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September Roundup!

September is winding down and the fall season is upon us. I hope you enjoyed your summer and made fun memories with your friends and family. There was a time when the fall season meant it’s time to start a new school year for me. Now it means it is time to reboot and recharge my business goals and get ready for the final push toward the end of the year.

I hope the posts that I wrote this month help you towards accomplishing your business goals. You can start by checking out the first one here.

What are your reboot goals for your business? Share in the comments below.

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Quick Tips To Help You Stay Organized in Your Business

The life of an entrepreneur and business owner can get crazy busy! You are managing your business operations, employees if you have them, your customers, and you. No wonder the burnout rate is high among entrepreneurs.

According to Forbes, 42% of small business owners said they have experienced burnout in the past month; 24% reported they are currently experiencing burnout.”

That is pretty high!

Don’t worry, be happy. I have a few quick tips below to help you stay organized and avoid burnout. 

Tip#1

Plan the next day before you shut down for the day. 

Tip#2

Automate repetitive activities in your business

Tip#3

Create processes and workflows in your business

Tip#4

Declutter your workspace

Tip#5

Get help with the tasks you don’t enjoy doing in your business. 

I hope these quick tips will help you to avoid burnout and stay organized. Do you have any tips & tricks that allow you to stay organized? Share in the comments below. 

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5 Goals Every Entrepreneur Should Make To Create Success In Your Business

Photo by Engin Akyurt: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-white-dartboard-1552617/

2022 is almost over and 2023 is on the horizon. Now is an excellent time to start creating your business goals to hit the ground running in 2023. I know what you are thinking. You are busy running your business and don’t have time. But that is not true. We all can make time for the things that matter in life; this my friend is a thing that matters.

Yesterday I watched a Youtube video from Mark Wickersham the pricing guru about recession-proofing your business. I was busy multitasking but still tried to follow along. Mark said something that caught my attention. He said that business owners often don’t stop to take a strategic holistic look at their business to assess where they are and where they are trying to go. 

That stopped me in my busy tracks. 

He was right. 

My goal is to STOP and take a strategic holistic look at my business to take an assessment of where I am and more importantly where I am trying to go. These 5 goals will be on my list to help me to grow my business. I hope you will put them on your list too.

Increase and expand my marketing efforts

1. WOW my customers

2. Develop effective systems to help run my business better

3. Increase my business and social networking activities to build referral relationships

4. Set 3 to 5-year goals and create a plan to get there by working backward to get to the goal

The list could go on and on but it is important to remain focused on a few items so that overwhelm doesn’t start creeping in. 

What about you? What are the 5 goals that you want to set so that you can continue to grow your business? Share in the comments below.

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3 Tips To Actually Help Build Your Business At A Comfortable Pace

We have all heard the horror stories of businesses that were off to a great start and then ran into operational challenges and poof they were no more.

A company called Wise Acre Frozen Treats met such a fate.

According to an article in Entrepreneur.com, the organic popsicle company started with humble beginnings by making their product inside a school kitchen. “After a year and a half, the owner hired a single employee, and six months after that hired 13 more employees and entered a 3,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. By the end of the year, the company had gone bankrupt.”

Ouch!

There is a danger in growing too fast.

Here are 3 tips to help you build your business at a comfortable pace so that you don’t run the risk of going out of business. 

Tip#1

Write a business plan

I was at a S.C.O.R.E. seminar recently with local bankers and the key takeaway from that meeting was that a business plan is not just for startups but is a working document to guide you through your business journey. Here is a great resource that will help you to create one.

Tip#2

Track Your Finances

I know this sounds like no fun at all but it is crucial to build your business at a comfortable pace. Almost every business that failed including the one above was due to poor financial management. There are many tools available to help you do this like Excel spreadsheets and accounting software such as Quickbooks Online.

Tip#3

Don’t Hire Too Fast

It can be exciting and a relief to bring on a few extra hands to help grow your business. The key thing to keep in mind is to make sure it makes both financial and operational sense to do so. Here are a few tips to help you make the decision.

Conclusion

Running a business can be much like riding a rollercoaster with plenty of dips and high points. A ton of amazing businesses grew too fast and are no more. That’s why it is so important to make sure you are building a great business at a comfortable pace. I hope the 3 tips shared help you along your business journey. 

Do you have any tips or pearls of wisdom you would like to share? I can’t wait to hear them!

Welcome To The Month Of September!

First Happy Early Labor Day Weekend!!!

I love this time of year. The leaves change colors and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air at Starbucks.

 :)

It is a great time to still accomplish your goals and end the year on a high note. This month we will take a look at what it takes to grow your business at a comfortable pace, and what type of strategic goals should be on your vision board if your business is in a growth stage. We will also take a look at a few tips to help all of us stay organized and move forward.

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August RoundUp!

August is just about over!

Did you plant those proactive seeds yet? If not there is still a little bit of time to get going. This month we focused on learning how to get our finances in shape. It is so important to make sure all your ducks are in a row so that you can take advantage of business opportunities. We also looked at how networking and making connections can help us move forward in our business. The month is almost over but you still have time to dig in and plant those proactive seeds.

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Get Out There & Make Friends!

Photo by Helena Lopes: https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-people-sitting-on-white-mat-on-grass-field-745045/

Are you a hermit?

It is an easy thing to become if you work from home primarily. It can be difficult to get outside and meet new people but it is necessary to grow your business.

No fear!

If you are not quite ready to do face-to-face events I have other options for you. There are so many ways to meet new people and you can do it right from the comfort of your home. So take baby steps by trying out the options that I wrote about in this post.

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Are Your Finances In Shape?

We are almost halfway through the year. I am starting to see clients who are in need of cleanup bookkeeping help to be ready for the tax extended deadline in October. I am here and ready to help. 

It is always good to stay ahead of making sure that the books are in shape to take advantage of opportunities in addition to making sure you are ready for tax time. Last year, I wrote a blog post about this that has tips to help you navigate staying on track with your finances. 

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Welcome To The Month Of August

August is here and for many people, it is back to school time and summer vacation is coming to an end. It feels like summer is getting shorter and shorter. For me, it is a time for regrouping and preparing for the last part of the year. My goal is to always stay “liquid.” I love the show S.W.A.T. with Shemar Moore and he always says to his team to “stay liquid” which means to stay ready. So my goal for this month is to encourage you to do just that. 

We will look at ways to stay prepared to take advantage of opportunities. The 3 areas we will focus on are:

• Professional Development - Conferences, webinars, workshops, courses, and how to get the most out of them. 

• Finances - Keep those books in shape to be prepared for new outside financing loan opportunities or grants. 

• Expansion to take on partners or add team members

Taking the time to prepare now could be a game changer for your business. The seeds you plant now will help you to be in a calm proactive state for your business journey.

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