Alana Muller is the president at Kauffman FastTrac, an organization that equips entrepreneurs with the business skills and insights, tools, resources, and networks to start and grow. This post originally appeared on the blog Clarity.fm.
The business trip is full of twists, turns, ups and downs. That's why you need the support of trusted advisors. Take these examples:
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.1. Accidental founder
Renee is in early stage mode. She "accidental business" - something that happened as a result of his interest in helping people. To his surprise and delight, what started as a hobby, to help people decorate their homes, has received much attention in the neighborhood.
Gradually, friends turned to clients, customers began referring other customers and she started to make money doing what she loves. Now she wants to make it a full time gig - she even thinking about hiring an assistant. But she is not sure where to start. She needs guidance.
2. The Guy Who Cried Scale
Barry of business is in a period of transition (which is not, right?). He built it from a bit more of an idea two years ago to meet the high-class challenge now being caught between much work and too much work. There are many questions and concerns and sleepless nights.
His team is great - they are dedicated and confident and committed to the success of the company, but they do not own. The challenges it faces are only his and, frankly, the decisions it makes about the company can affect the team in a way that they could not choose themselves. He needs advice.
3. The risk taker
Another friend, Alexander, has been with his company for nearly 30 years. It is running a small division of a much larger company. The group operates with considerable autonomy and Alexander comfort in knowing that it is supported by a stable organization.
But, things have changed. Big business has left the area the group covers Alexander.
Thus, last month, Alexander offered to buy the company from his employer. It is both delighted, panicked, cautious, risk-loving and ready to take the next step. He needs advice.
In all three scenarios, entrepreneurs considering and / or undergo seismic changes in their careers and in their business. While companies in question and the decisions to influence the futures of businesses based solely with entrepreneurs themselves, these decisions could likely be more clearly with the entry of trusted third party.
This can also be true for you.
Consider holding an advisory council for yourself:
Step 1: Consider your network
The role of a Advisory Board is both to gather input from others and collectively identify and ask the right questions to operate consistently with the clarity of the mission.
With this in mind, who do you have in your relationship base that has some business experience - especially in the areas you do not do? Looking for people who care about you and will provide frank, direct entry.
Organize a team of about five to seven people. You want enough in the group to have a diversity of views, expertise and experience, but not so large as to have too many opinions and too much to coordinate schedules.
Step 2: Plan ahead
Start. Select a date, time and place to meet. You can borrow one of their conference rooms or go to a restaurant with a private room. Wherever it is, find a place that is quiet where you can all speak freely.
Make sure you give them plenty of notice. Set aside a good two to four hours for discussion. Have an agenda and any other supporting documentation distributed to the team at least three to five days before the meeting. Your final point can be to schedule a future meeting.
Step 3 :. Connect between meetings
If you have an urgent question that arises between meetings, no need to wait for the input of your advisors
You can join the individually, as required. Alternatively, you can arrange a telephone or video conference meet. These types of interactions are usually 20 to 60 minutes in duration.
Step 4: Make your own judgment calls
You know your business better than anyone. Your advisors weigh based on their own set of knowledge, experience and expertise. In addition, they care about you, your happiness and your success.
Ultimately, however, the decision rests in your court. Take in their reviews, the process, use it to form your own opinion and take action. Whatever the determination that you do, your advisors will respect and support you.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are in startup mode, stage of growth, or perhaps whether to innovate or decline, remember to surround yourself with a community of champions - supporters who will give you free entrance, direct, constructive about what to do and where to take your next business.