it's the 31st of January, - the 5th week in January, and my Tax return was filed last week ,- So i've spent the last few days working on my business, not in my business.
Yesterday I spent the day with my Sister, (who happens to be a graphic designer) sorting out my website, I'm astonished at how dire it has got over the last year, and how by adding bits in here and there, it now is too big and unwieldy and doesn't give the right message about my business and knowledge.
We talked about both our business's during the day, - different perspectives really help, so we're going to work on her business for a day next month
Last week I went on a marketing planning course, which gave me a whole load of information about others' perception of what I do
I've also sent out a whole load of surveys to clients that I worked for last year. - The responses have been varied, some raving fans, - some with suggestions of how I can do better, - some wanting me to have done more for them. - Which has
a) given me testimonials for my website
b) given me food for thought about what I need to do better this year
and
c) given me feedback about extra work that my clients want
it has been an extremely focussed and tiring few days, - By the time I picked up my Son last night, I was a lot more drained than if i'd done a whole day of gardening, but i'm hoping that this will make me a lot more profitable this year.
So my Question is - Have you booked days in your diary to work ON not IN your business?
p.s i'll let you know as soon as the website stuff is up, so I can have extra opinions
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Claire, inbetween jobs this month I have been spending a ridiculous amount of time working on my business. There has been the tax return, a lot of website work (set up a new secondary site, and now I have to redo my main site as the host is closing all accounts), marketing in a big way, advertising, changing vehicles, doing a few tenders, and the biggest thing is going through all documentation, updating it all and applying for Safe Contractor accreditation. This is being reviewed at present but will no doubt involve a bit more work. There will also be job advertising in the next few weeks.
This winter has been so busy compared to last winter but I hope by the time things pick up in spring I will be prepared and a lot more flexible and able to expand. I've probably spent more in Dec and Jan than I do during summer months runnig a busy full schedule.
Long term plans and all that!
Claire, one of the biggest kicks up the backside I ever got was from my business mentor when I said some while ago that I never find the time to work on the business - just too busy doing the business.
Well, she set me all manner of homework/assignments (...just like being a naughty schoolboy again ;-) and got me more structured and more focused).
On average I now spend 3-3.5 days in the business and 1-1.5 days on the business (remember as a 'business' owner that can still mean a 10+ hour day.
I know have an organised TO DO list (powered on my now trusty iPad), set times for certain functions, regular meetings with my Accountant, even have time for a regular team meeting over coffee and pastries in Starbucks. All because I was made aware of the benefits of investing time ON our business.
Today, Im back in from site, quick shower and I have an afternoon meeting with a marketing lady we use with great success to plan some more activities. She's given me homework to do and bring to meeting. This time I am being told to come equipped with a dedicated SASCO year planner.......
It was probably one of the biggest mindset changes I had to undergo - let go, delegate and learn to trust a couple of key employees. I've achieved that now (although it doesn't stop the occassional panic attacks !) and I think the business and myself have benefited from it.
Business Mentor - you say ? Yes, I was succesful in gaining a Skills Grant a good few years ago, that allowed me to access a Mentor. Once the scheme finished I have kept in touch and engage her on a regular basis for meetings and I know she is only a phone call away when I'm in a panic.
I not being arrogant, bigheaded or anything here - I am just saying how this has worked for me. I've enjoyed the transition of a being a sole trader to running a profitable business in a trade I enjoy with good staff.
That, ladies and gentlemen has ALWAYS been my goal.
Yes Claire, have allotted a fortnight. Usual stuff..tax return, web site developing, business planning & research etc etc
Itchy feet now though, ready to get back out there!
Good post, it's so easy to let this side slip. When you have an hourly rate in mind that you need to be profitable, any time spent not producing chargeable work can feel like it's wasted, but it is really vital to keep on top of the overall business vision and direction.
The client feedback is so valuable, and as you say even negative feedback should be viewed as a gift, because it gives you information which you can use to make your business better. Then again, sometimes you can have some really pleasant surprises when clients who may have seemed only reasonably satisfied with the work turn out to spend every day thinking what a wonderful garden they now have, and they just hadn't got round to telling you! I think quite a lot of businesses don't ask for feedback, but should, as it's one easy step to improving the service offered.
All of which reminds me, must get back to my web designer tonight!
www.chameleongardens.co.uk (soon to be updated...)
Do you have an analytics package on your website Claire? If so, there is no excuse...monitor, monitor and monitor don't leave it until a gap period, you can and should refine throughout the year. Sure we are guilty of not updating, modifying...especially in the very busy periods but...
I certainly feel Ive spent time on the business recently - and not finished yet, despite (or because of???) accountant, marketing, tweaking website again (cms can be time consuming, people) attending seminars so I approach all of the above 'in the best way' and networking locally...I'd like to go and garden for a rest!
The other half works 'in' the business on Saturdays and I spend 2/3 hours looking at what is working, what isn't and what I feel needs to change.
I have an uncle who ran his own successful business for many years and he is my 'sounding board' for any ideas/suggested changes. His advice as a successful and experienced business man is invaluable.
Unlike some businesses on here we are not looking to expand we just want to ensure that this business delivers what we want it to for us!