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Business Coaching Approach
I work with small business owners and executives who are interested in outside support and are willing to be different in order to achieve their desired results. They are willing to adapt to external influences that are out of their control by acting on what they can control. They understand there is no magic in a business diagnosis or a finely crafted plan. The magic comes with implementation.
My business coaching approach encompasses four areas:
Diagnosis – This can also be referred to as a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). Before dashing off to making new plans it is very wise to assess where you are and the current external conditions influencing the business. We will learn or confirm what the business can leverage, what needs improvement, what should be exploited and what should be monitored for concern.
This process is done through a series of questions targeted on strategic and functional areas of the business. It is conducted in a discussion format. This step is not about developing action plans; it is about examining and understanding the current state of the business and the external environment. Once the diagnostic portion is complete, a report is generated to review what will be used during the planning stage.
Planning – The planning process does not start with the Diagnostic report, it begins with a Vision, where an owner wants their business to be. It answers the question, “What are we building?” We will then develop clear strategic initiatives including a motivating mission slogan as well as measurable goals and action plans that support the vision. We will use the diagnostic report throughout the planning process as a resource to keep things real.
I utilize The One Page Planning methodology with all my clients, large or small. It is the most efficient and effective planning system I have found to help a business owner know where their business is heading and how to keep track of the progress. It is simple, effective and results driven. If anyone has struggled with developing a business plan in the past you will be amazed how fast you will put one together and most importantly how it will support “implementation” of the plan.
Management Meetings – Once the plan is in place, most business owners do not have anyone to report to or discuss results within a formal organized fashion. Large corporations have a board or management team to do this with. The management coaching sessions provide this effective business process. Each month we meet for 60-90 minutes to review the following:
• Review strategic pieces of the plan and monitor alignment
• Review business results against the plan
• Discuss new dynamics
• Agree on old or new action items
• Coach through people management issues
• Re-balance between working on and in the business
Availability to Coaching Clients – My clients appreciate that I do not bill by the hour. This leaves my phone and email available to them at all times. I make it a point to not overbook myself so I am available or can return most calls within an hour. If you have questions about business initiatives, personnel issues or want to kick an idea around, I am there for you. Just pick up the phone or send me an email and we can get to it. |
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