I was at a Chamber of Commerce meeting last week and I heard a profound comment that I wanted to pass along. Here is is …
Too many businesses fail because they don’t know how and they don’t know who!
Business know-how is core to success, but far too many small business owners try to rely on their own expertise and never seek or secure help. the truth is, you cannot be an expert at everything. I have wise specialists that advise me in crucial areas where I am naturally weak or underinformed. My personal mentors (two of them) have been of enormous value in building our business processes (the mechanics venue). I am meeting with one today over lunch to review our progress. My CPA is an enormous asset for our financial processes (the money venue). I have a trusted adviser for people processes (the manpower venue). My personal best skills are in the marketing venue, but even there my mentors watch over my shoulder to keep me focused on results.
Business know-who is also vital. You must be out there every day building and expanding your relationships. Too many business owenrs would much prefer to hide in their “cubby hole” and focus on the mechanical processes of their business. But the owner is almost always the best promoter. The sales and marketing function is the last thing the owner should ever let go of (if ever). I see too many entrepreneurs hire sales people so the owner no longer has to go sell. BIG MISTAKE. Hire people to remove every responsibility you can other than sales and marketing.
Your customers want to know the brain behind the brainchild. Substitutes are not welcomed!
Your thoughts and comments are welcomed on this blog …..
By Gil Gerretsen. President of BizTrek International, Inc.
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