Archive for Consultants and Coaches

Apr
28

Home Business Math: How Much is 2+2?

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This is a variation of an old joke.  However, there’s also an important lesson here for all home business owners.  I’ll have a comment after you’ve read this version.

The Accountant

There once was a business owner who was interviewing people for a division manager position. He decided to select the individual that could answer the question: "How much is 2+2?"

The engineer pulled out his slide rule and shuffled it back and forth, and finally announced, "It lies between 3.98 and 4.02."

The mathematician said, "In two hours I can demonstrate it equals 4 with the following short proof."

The physicist declared, "It’s in the magnitude of 1×101."

The logician paused for a long while and then said, "This problem is solvable."

The social worker said, "I don’t know the answer, but I’m glad that we discussed this important question."

The attorney stated, "In the case of Svenson vs. the State, 2+2 was declared to be 4."

The trader asked, "Are you buying or selling?"

The accountant looked at the business owner, then got out of his chair, went to see if anyone was listening at the door and pulled the drapes. Then he returned to the business owner, leaned across the desk and said in a low voice, "What would you like it to be?"

Cute, huh? But what’s the message I was referring to? 

I like this because it demonstrates how people will look at a situation based on their perspective.  Each of the answers is correct, and each is very different.  You might even say some are more relevant or useful than others.  But that would be from your perspective.

The point is, each of us sees things differently.  When you include advisors in your strategic planning and in the running of your home business, you often get ideas that may be even better than what you would have come up with on your own. 

Beware of being the Lone Ranger.  All successful home business owners have some kind of help.  None achieves their success alone.

Mar
19

Asking for Help in Your Home Based Business

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Ok, I admit it. 

There are times I don’t like to ask for help.  I could say "it’s a guy thing,." but the reality is that many home business owners don’t like to ask for help.  For me it’s often that I don’t want to spend the money for the expert, I don’t want to admit I don’t know, and I don’t want anyone to know I have a problem. 

Any of this sound familiar?

Well, I have a possible legal problem that’s been brewing for awhile.  But, hey.  I have strong business experience and thought I could figure it out without calling an attorney. 

Today I finally realized I was going around in circles with this situation.  I’m too close to it to see it in its proper perspective.  So I broke down and called my attorney. 

In 5 minutes she got me to see how much I was missing. 

Do I really have a problem?  I don’t know, but now I have an appointment to meet with her and figure it out.  She’s independent and has no emotion about the situation.  Already I know I’ll make a better decision with her guidance.

Are there things in your business you’re not seeing clearly or may even be avoiding? 

What’s the price you’re paying for that?

Consultants and advisors have their place.  Use them.

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