You can't do it all on your own
Chris Moran
Developing processes that help streamline your business. Helping clients get the best out of Zoho solutions. 1/3 of JCM profits are used to support local charities fighting childhood poverty
I had an interesting meeting with my friend Terry Hayward yesterday. It was a follow up from some networking and we discovered a shared interest in walking and trekking. I have to say that Terry has had a much more adventurous approach than me!
Terry runs the local "Alternative Board" Franchise, which supports local SMEs who can't afford a full time board member. After the meeting, I was reflecting on how much support is out there for smaller businesses, and how much value there is in getting the right mentor and advisors. Here at JCM, we have a small group who've we've come to trust over the years. Our Non Exec, Peter Beard, constantly challenges and reviews targets, encouraging us to stretch and aim higher, whilst keeping an eye on the work life balance. Our Accountants, McKellens, help us understand the impact of decisions and results. And of course our own staff and team are never short of an opinion!
Earlier this year, we brought all this together into our quarterly team meetings. Everyone involved in the business joins us for the day and we deep dive into the business. Whats working, whats not working, what can we do better.
We're certainly not where we want to be, but we would be further away without the support and guidance of good people.
So, if you are an SME looking to grow, or are just starting out, find someone you trust, someone with experience, someone who is not afraid to challenge you in business. Find them, keep them and listen to them!
Because, althought its your business, you don't have to have all the answers.
JCM is a Stockport based business, focused on delivering Bsuiness solutions from Zoho.
All the people mentioned here are linkedin contacts. If you would like an introduction, let me know and I'd be happy to oblige.
It is always a pleasure to spend time with you Chris to share war stories from adventures and work. Like you, having good advisers has always been part of my strategy and I guess that is why the concept of The Alternative Board appealed. Life's too short to try and work everything out alone!