Learn how to move ahead in your business, instead of feeling stuck where you're at. It doesn't matter if you the only employee or if you have many working for you, there some excellent, tried and true ways to improve your company's potential to succeed and grow. Even if you're just starting out in your new business, you'll find these to be very helpful at putting you on a good path toward success.
How to Move Ahead in Your Business
In three decades I've been involved in many businesses, both my own and as an employee. In those roles I saw that sometimes doing it all alone isn't the best way. Even as an entrepreneur, you don't have to go it alone. As you'll see in these 3 ways, there's a lot to gain from experienced and skilled people.
Consulting
Let's learn what is consulting. It's when a person is in the “business of giving expert advice in a specific field.” The consultant has expertise that fits in the field your business is in. Often people hire consultants to help move up from they are. Maybe you want to grow your business, but you aren't sure the best way to get started. You lack the knowhow on creating a workable plan. More specifically, you might hire a consultant to help you branch your business from retail out into the wholesale market. Or maybe you need a consultant to evaluate the current health of your business and help you find areas that need improvement. It's an excellent way to get professional, unbiased, advice about your business.
If you have a strong to grow your business faster than you realized you can alone, consulting can help you.
Coaching
Coaching and consulting sometimes get confused by people. A coach is a motivator. Your cheerleader. She keeps you on track with your business goals. A consultant can help you identify what needs work and help you set up plans. A coach can then work alongside you to encourage and keep you motivated. She can help you break down your plans down into smaller stepping stones. You'll notice when seeking out a coach, some coach very specific things, such as social media. Even smaller, really, coaching you to grow your Instagram following.
You may have a coach for a certain amount of time. And then, when you've met your goals, you can move onto other areas that need growth, or find a coach that specializes in coaching at the level you're at in your business.
Training
Training is for you gain specific skills that can help your business grow. It might be a course to improve your skills in your craft. Or a course on how to grow your email list. Many courses today are independent study allowing you to work through them at your own pace. If you're working with a coach and/or consultant, they help you set a pace that fits with your goals. Otherwise you need to keep paced or you won't complete them. One of the hardest things to do to keep yourself focused on completely a course because it always feels as if “more important” tasks are pressuring you. Set time aside in your schedule to be learning. Even when you're moving up in your business, and finding success, it's important to keep learning.
Many courses today also have support groups for students to encourage each other and ask questions. These are usually hosted in a Facebook Group. Some websites, like Creative Live, offer several courses.
