So you have been running your SME business for 10 years.
Excellent, you managed to beat the odds, you got through year 3, year 5, year 7 and now 10 years,
especially after the different Economic climate of 2009 – 2011 so all looks good, really?
Now is the time to understand where you are at, personally and business wise. What do you need to
do get through the next 10 years?
On a personal basis
Have you still got what it takes to run your business for 10 more years, the desire, the determination
or are you losing focus, becoming bored – want to venture off in another direction? Do you need to
reset goals, how are you going to change your leadership style to “fit” the next 3 years, let alone the
next 10 years. Hopefully you are working on your business 70% of the time and in your business 30%
of the time.
Have you still got energy and capacity, to handle the new dynamics to keep your business going?
Even if your business is a marginal player.
On a business level
What shifts and trends are taking place to change your business playing field? Who are the
influencers and leaders in your market? How do you want to reposition your business, like the saying
‘location, location, location’ – in business it is reposition, reposition, reposition your business. Can
your team move with speed, and can they change overnight? Remember superior staff equals a
superior business.
Do your teams/workers understand what needs to change and improve in the business? Most of
your decisions have risk, evaluate the risks, risks are there to be taken.
What hours are you working, are you setting the example. Do you and your team understand your
values/the business values. Do your systems and processes need upgrading, have a plan, work the
plan.
Have dogged determination to succeed – Play it forward, you are important to the South African
Economy, you have responsibilities to your team.
Guy Daines founder of SCOTRHO Business and Marketing Management Consultants and have been
coaching to and consulting SME businesses who do R10m – R100m pm since 1997.
www.scotrho.co.za
083 650 7768