In 2010 Don't Be Held Back by "1"

As business owners and entrepreneurs the last few months of the year is a scramble to finish projects out, make sure all bills are sent, collect payments, close the books and plan for the next year.

Hopefully you take the time to reflect back on goals that were met and those that didn't happen. In addition, while you still have a few days left on the year, take an inventory on the things you have control of as a business owner and entrepreneur and how you handled them. Now is the time to resolve to and plan on taking full control of everything in 2010.





Not taking full control of the vital pieces of your business will sooner than later have you fall behind the eight ball never to recover. What pieces am I talking about? How about vendors, clients, employees/sub contractors, marketing, services offered, source of revenue, etc.

As a small business it's very easy to get owned by the business when you get held back by what I call the "1's" in your business. Here's a partial list:

1 Client- If the loss of 1 client can take you down, they own you and your business. Spread the wealth in 2010

1 Vendor- Don't let a vendor hold you hostage in a way that says if they don't deliver, you can't deliver.

1 Employee- I'm not saying get more employees or subs, but I am saying that you need to make them replaceable by having a written process for as much as possible in what they are responsible for so a person with similar skills, personality etc can take over. If it's all in their head, they own you. If it's all in your head, you won't fire fast enough and won't be able to quickly train another.

1 Marketing Source- It's all about having a marketing system with several marketing avenues (processes). If you have one and it gets neglected or fails, it owns you.

1 Revenue Source- If you have clients, you have the opportunity for multiple revenue sources. Why leave money on the table when you have so much more to offer?

Now more than ever a technology business is not about putting up a website and saying "I'm open for business" to people. The beauty of owning a business is nobody being able to fire you but you. If you're paying attention, you'll know when that writing is on the wall. It happens but you should be in full control of it.

A sure fire way to not have to fire yourself, or at least see it coming, is to run a true business where you are on the top of the food chain and by not "being your own boss" which implies that you are your own employee as well. You didn't start a business to wind up an employee again so why subject yourself to that?

Resolve to build your own business, not be your own boss in 2010. Plan to remove any and all "1's" that are holding you hostage.

Run a true business, be a true entrepreneur, be a true business advisor to your clients. That's where the fun , success, and money is at.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!


To Your Business Success-

George Sierchio
The Consultant's Coach