Why You Should Not Choose Traditional Business Coaches...

It is not hard to create a business. Every day new business owners launch their concepts using all their accumulated expertise, a heap of passion and, usually, a fair amount of cash. The good news is that, generally speaking, if you cover most of the big bases like cash flow, supply and demand, and so on, you should be able to make a profit. Ideally you may even be able to generate enough cash to exceed your earning potential as an employee. But my guess is that, if you are reading this article, you have bigger plans.

Let me start by saying that I have absolute respect for every person who takes that first shaky step out of the comfort zone of regular pay cheques and trusts their own ability to become successful. It may not all fall into place straight away, but having enough faith in yourself to take the plunge is more than half of the journey toward success.

Fact; each of us (yes, us!), takes that step for different reasons. Some have a business concept that they truly believe in. They see a gap in the market and believe that they can fill a need like no-one else. Others are lured by the freedom owning their own business invariably provides. Perhaps the most common reason is the opportunity to establish financial prosperity that most employees only ever dream about.

The key is, whatever your reason for starting the business, the same rules apply to EVERYONE once your business is up and running. As a business owner, you are faced with two clear choices; you can set up your business, apply all of your expertise and run like hell, or you can take the path less travelled – targeted analysis, measured strategic planning and deliberate implementation. This article could be the beginning of your journey towards strategic and measured business success.

ANALYSE

Analysis: “A systematic approach to problem solving. Complex problems are made simpler by separating them into more understandable elements. This involves the identification of purposes and facts, the statement of defensible assumptions, and the formulation of conclusions.”1

This is a great definition of analysis. It identifies so many of the factors that underpin successful business management and it is at the heart of Business Boot Camp’s profitability turnaround model. Business Boot Camp begins every turnaround program with the analysis phase. It is during this “Analysis Workshop” that each organisation is reviewed in four separate, but entirely related, parts:

1. Strategy
2. Sales and Marketing
3. Human Resource Management
4. Operations

Business Boot Camp has built its entire value proposition around its ability to get results fast, and the uniquely structured full day workshop is no exception. There is always a fascinating blend of enthusiasm elation and total exhaustion at the end of every analysis workshop. The process is tough – gruelling even, but it allows the Business Boot Camp team to extract massive amounts of pivotal information in a totally unique and highly effective way. The Business Boot Camp team deliberately extracts the “purpose and facts” from within the organisation and supports these artefacts with extensive market research. Once the analysis phase is complete, Phase 2 begins.

STRATEGISE

One of my favourite business philosophies is Tuckman’s “Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing”. In my experience these four phases of organisational change are always pivotal in the success of any business turnaround program. Think of Phase 1, Analyse, as the Forming stage – we meet, we collect an enormous amount of information; we spend time becoming part of your team. In short, we establish the basis of our ongoing relationship. But once this phase is complete, the Business Boot Camp team moves the program into its most vital phase, and Storming commences. Using information you have provided about your goals, Mission, Values and organisation, coupled with industry and business statistical data, the strategy of the organisation is tenaciously inspected, tested and, if necessary, redefined.

Our second workshop, Profits Now! marks the end of Phase 2… but be warned – this presentation is not simply the delivery of the magical solution! Alas, the Storming continues! Rather, this interactive workshop is designed to present the organisation with a new path, one that has been carefully defined using their strategic objectives and Business Boot Camp’s structured turnaround program. At the end of this session, the way forward is agreed. The strategy and implementation plan is defined, and the Norming phase can begin. All workshop participants have the change to stop, take stock and agree to the 12 month Mission. The next 12 months presents an incredibly exciting challenge, and your Business Boot Camp Drill Sergeant will be right by your side to help you deliver results like never before.

My favourite thing about Norming… it is always the shortest phase, and it leads straight into the heart of the program…Performing!

IMPLEMENT

There are so many things that make Business Boot Camp unique, but I believe it is the Implementation Phase of the Business Boot Camp Program that fundamentally transforms organizations. Each customer is assigned an expert Drill Sergeant whose background most closely aligns with your industry and business needs. This Drill Sergeant is assigned to your organisation for 12 months to support you for every day of your journey (yes, every day)! Not only will they provide you with assistance throughout the implementation phase, but they will help to ensure that you and your team stay on track and focus on your strategic objectives. They will provide day to day expertise about getting real results when it really counts – when it is time for the rubber to hit the road.

Business Boot Camp was built by a team of passionate and intelligent people who have experienced first hand the realities of owning and operating small and medium businesses. It is our genuine commitment to help you every step of the way in your journey towards an incredible business transformation. We know just how helpful it can be to have someone help you frame your strategy, to define your strategy and implementation plan and to be there to bounce ideas or problems off. Our aim is to be the business partner you never had… but without taking half your profits!