Benchmark Business Group - Business Owner Newsletter

Benchmark Business Group - Business Owner Newsletter http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/rss/2015 Benchmark Business Group en-US Thu, 12 Nov 2026 08:21:10 +0000 Thu, 12 Nov 2026 08:21:10 +0000 Copyright 2026 Benchmark Business Group. All rights reserved. postmaster@globalreach.com (Benchmark Business Group) postmaster@globalreach.com (Benchmark Business Group) Global Reach News Aggregator v0.96 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Realizing Value Through Business Ownership http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/realizing-value-through-business-ownership http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/realizing-value-through-business-ownership Tue, 08 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000 As 2015 draws to a close, we want to take a moment to thank you for all your hard work. <a _mce_href="/about-us" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="/about-us" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">Owning a small business can be tough, but it can also be very rewarding</a>.   Small business ownership can enable you to realize extraordinary value. Our days are dedicated to working with business owners and leaders to design the results that enable them to achieve their goals and realize their dreams. Through intentional thought and action our clients craft a business that reflect their values and realizes their vision. Why Do You Own a Business? http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/why-do-you-own-a-business-business-coaching http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/why-do-you-own-a-business-business-coaching Tue, 01 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000 <div>Get Your Passion On!</div> <div _mce_style="text-align: left;" align="left" style="text-align: left;">For the month of December we are challenging you to remember why you own your small business.</div> <div _mce_style="text-align: left;" align="left" style="text-align: left;"> </div> We believe you should be connected to the passion, hope, dreams and desires you had when you became a business owner; to be inspired every day to achieve your vision! Take a few minutes to reflect and recall what you hoped to achieve through owning a small business. Intentional Imbalance of the 3 E-Myth Personalities http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/intentional-imbalance-of-the-3-e-myth-personalities http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/intentional-imbalance-of-the-3-e-myth-personalities Tue, 24 Nov 2015 06:00:00 +0000 <div>Planning for Imbalance:</div> <div>For most business owners/leaders, having an imbalance of Entrepreneur, Manager, and Technician is more the norm than having a perfect balance. Seasonal aspects of your business, employee vacations, and your personal plans can all be taken into consideration as you determine the balance of which of the three hats your business will need you to wear. Since we all know it's going to happen (the imbalance) we suggest you approach planning for imbalance in a rolling 90 day forecast based on your personal needs and anticipated business activity. </div> E-Myth Personalities http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/e-myth-personalities http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/e-myth-personalities Thu, 12 Nov 2015 06:00:00 +0000 <div>Quote: "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed." ~ Carl Jung  </div> Question: How do your business personalities react with each other to transform you and your business? Who is Showing Up For Work http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/who-is-showing-up-for-work http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/who-is-showing-up-for-work Tue, 10 Nov 2015 06:00:00 +0000 <div>Did you ever have a day where you wanted to just get something done? Getting something done is rewarding, it makes us feel good about going to work. However, what it means to get something "done" is different for <a _mce_href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/e-myth-personalities--business-coaching-/" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/e-myth-personalities--business-coaching-/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">the three personalities your business needs to be successful</a>: The Technician, The Manager, and The Entrepreneur. </div> E-Myth Personalities http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/e-myth-personalities--business-coaching- http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/e-myth-personalities--business-coaching- Tue, 03 Nov 2015 06:00:00 +0000 Do you ever feel like you're being tugged in multiple directions? Like your business needs you to be multiple people at once? Don't worry, most business owners do! It's completely normal and best described by <a _mce_href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-coaching/e-myth-coaching/e-myth-defined" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-coaching/e-myth-coaching/e-myth-defined" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">Michael E. Gerber</a>, small business guru and bestselling author. In his book The E-Myth Revisited, Michael's story of Sarah the pie maker illustrates three personalities every business owner needs to be successful: The Entrepreneur, The Manager, and The Technician. Set Clear Expectations with Your Team http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/set-clear-expectations-with-your-team http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/set-clear-expectations-with-your-team Tue, 27 Oct 2015 05:00:00 +0000 This month, as we've focused on how to cultivate an employee ownership mindset, you may have noticed that we've focused on what you can do as a leader and not on what your employees can do. This was deliberate. As a leader you can create the foundation for your employees to establish ownership, but they have to be willing to step up to the plate. This week we'll focus on how to ensure your employees know what is expected of them so they can step up to the plate. When your team is emotionally invested in your business http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/when-your-team-is-emotionally-invested-in-your-business http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/when-your-team-is-emotionally-invested-in-your-business Mon, 19 Oct 2015 05:00:00 +0000 <div>Quote: "When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute." -  <div>Simon Sinek  </div> <div> </div> </div> <div>Question: What does it look like when your team is emotionally invested in your business?</div> <div> Our Thoughts: Business is complicated. Day to day operations by themselves take a lot of your time and energy and you have to find a way to balance that with business strategy and empowering your team.   Due to the constant distractions, it's very easy for business owners to become laser focused on "WHAT" is or is not happening and not "WHY" it is happening. As we discussed in, "<a _mce_href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/communication-is-a-two-way-street/" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/communication-is-a-two-way-street/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">Communication is a Two Way Street</a>", understanding the motivation of your team will go a long way in making sure they are emotionally invested in your business.</div> Trust and Loyalty http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/trust-and-loyalty http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/trust-and-loyalty Tue, 13 Oct 2015 05:00:00 +0000 Last week, we discussed the <a _mce_href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/communication-is-a-two-way-street/" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/communication-is-a-two-way-street/" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="font-family: Georgia, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; color: blue !important;" target="_blank" track="on">importance of communicating your vision in order to create employee ownership</a>.   Our next focus on creating employee ownership is to earn and establish trust and loyalty. If your team does not feel like they can trust the company they will not develop a sense of loyalty to achieving the vision and will not take on an ownership mindset.   Establishing trust with your team starts with you and your leadership team. Follow these fundamental truths for building trust with your employees: Communication is a Two Way Street http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/communication-is-a-two-way-street http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/communication-is-a-two-way-street Tue, 06 Oct 2015 05:00:00 +0000 We often hear business owners ask how they can get their team to have more ownership in their work.   Make sure you follow us this month as we focus on how to foster ownership at every level of your business by cultivating an employee ownership mindset. In this article we are focusing on how communicating and engaging your employees in your company vision creates the foundation for taking ownership of their work, and in helping your business achieve its vision. Self Check Up http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/self-check-up http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/self-check-up Tue, 29 Sep 2015 05:00:00 +0000 This month we have run a <a _mce_href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/business-check-up/" _mce_style="color: #0000ff ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/business-check-up/" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">check-up on the business</a> and on the <a _mce_href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/employee-check-up/" _mce_style="color: #0000ff ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/employee-check-up/" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">staff </a>in an effort to diagnose symptoms before they become true problems. There is however one area that we have not discussed. YOU! As a business owner, you are likely to fall into the trap of working in the business, rather than on the business. When this happens, you let the Technician take over and his only concern is getting the job done. The Technician tends to lose focus on aspects of time management, the company vision, and leadership. Employee Check Up http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/employee-check-up http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/employee-check-up Tue, 22 Sep 2015 05:00:00 +0000 This month we have been focused on conducting a business checkup so that you and your team are clear on what your business needs in the 4th quarter to finish this year strong and build momentum for 2016. We have discussed analyzing goals, developing next actions, meeting with your Accountant, and taking a critical look at your Marketing Plan and Sales Process. This week we turn the focus to the people that run the systems: Your team. They are active and vital players in your business. This week we will look at three areas to investigate when doing a staff check-up; Tools, Trainings and Measuring Results. Prevent Problems http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/prevent-problems http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/prevent-problems Tue, 15 Sep 2015 05:00:00 +0000 <div _mce_style="font-size: 14pt;" style="font-size: 14pt;">Quote: "Treatment without prevention is simply unsustainable." ~ Bill Gates</div> <div _mce_style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;" align="left" style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"> <div> </div> <div>Question: What actions are you taking to ensure that prevention of problems will come before treatment of problems?</div> </div> Marketing and Sales Check Up http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/marketing-and-sales-check-up http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/marketing-and-sales-check-up Tue, 08 Sep 2015 05:00:00 +0000 Last week we discussed t<a _mce_href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/business-check-up" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/business-check-up" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">he need to give your business a checkup heading into the 4th quarter</a> and identified three key places to start: Business Goals and Performance Indicators, Next Steps, and Meeting with your Accountant. You may realize by now that these initial checks were just the tip of the iceberg. With a fresh perspective on the original goals that were set for the business, now is a natural time to look at other areas of the business to ensure that they are feeding the overall health of the business. Business Check Up http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/business-check-up http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/business-check-up Tue, 01 Sep 2015 05:00:00 +0000 <div> <div _mce_style="text-align: center;" align="center" style="text-align: center;">"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." - <a _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="font-size: 14pt;" shape="rect" style="font-size: 14pt;">Benjamin Franklin</a>  </div> </div> Last month we discussed the importance of <a _mce_href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/value-realized--sell-your-business--business-coaching--business-ownership/" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/value-realized--sell-your-business--business-coaching--business-ownership/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">realizing value from your business</a>. As a business owner, your goal is not only to make your business run smoothly and efficiently, but to design and grow a business that will eventually sell for a price that is worth your time and efforts.   With the onset of September, now is a critical time for you to conduct a checkup on your business so that you can ensure the business is prepared for success in the 4th quarter, into 2016 and beyond. By conducting a review of your business, you will be better able to find pieces that are out of alignment with your vision and correct minor issues before they become major problems. Value Realized http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/value-realized--sell-your-business--business-coaching--business-ownership http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/value-realized--sell-your-business--business-coaching--business-ownership Tue, 25 Aug 2015 05:00:00 +0000 What is the point of owning your own business? How you answer that question will definitely depend on your personal desires, but in reality it boils down to one thing: Value. You own a business to realize value. Grow a Business of Value http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/grow-a-business-of-value http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/grow-a-business-of-value Tue, 18 Aug 2015 05:00:00 +0000 When you hear business owners talk about growing their business, they are usually referring to increasing revenue and profits. The conversation immediately goes to growing their sales force, adding new clients, increasing their market share, and so on. More often than not, it is about doing more and more of what got the business owner where they are, which in one way is fine. On the other hand, it likely does not take into account those characteristics that will lead to maximum return when it is time to sell or transition out of the business. More often than not, the business remains highly dependent on its owner or certain key people, has co-mingled business and personal finances, the “processes” of the business are more accurately described as “habits” than systems, and there is no clear “strategy” for growth beyond the capabilities of “doing more of what we’ve always done.” Design a Business of Value http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/design-a-business-of-value http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/design-a-business-of-value Tue, 11 Aug 2015 05:00:00 +0000 We began the conversation last week with the<a _mce_href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/re-imagine-your-business" _mce_style="color: #0000ff; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/re-imagine-your-business" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) ! important; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank"> merging of E-Myth Benchmark and Henderson Business Group</a>. The relationship between our two organizations began several years ago, as two companies serving similar clients in similar marketplaces, with completely different but complimentary services. We held joint seminars in several cities in the Midwest, and it was during these seminars, and successful transitions of clients designing and growing their businesses through one organization, then selling it through the other, that a real synergy began to develop. E-Myth Benchmark has always believed and coached to the principals of <a _mce_href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-coaching/e-myth-coaching/e-myth-defined" _mce_style="color: #0000ff; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-coaching/e-myth-coaching/e-myth-defined" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255) ! important; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">Michael Gerber's E-Myth Revisited</a>, including the core belief that your business should be a vehicle to give you more life, not take the life out of you. More “life” is the simple expression of more satisfaction, more money, more time, more freedom. It is the dream that business owners start out with, but struggle to realize. Re-Imagine Your Business http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/re-imagine-your-business http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/re-imagine-your-business Mon, 27 Jul 2015 05:00:00 +0000 As a fellow business owner, you know what it's like to watch your business grow from a kernel of an idea into a living and breathing reality. Like us, you've experienced the ups and downs of owning a business, but also know how rewarding it is to watch your vision in action.   Our newsletters typically focus on challenging the way you think about your business and providing you with easy to implement ideas and best practices. This month we're planning to get a bit more personal as we talk about our personal journey in re-imagining our business.   <a _mce_href="https://youtu.be/lv-7Cyh285k" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://youtu.be/lv-7Cyh285k" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">Enjoy this quick video introducing our newly imagined company</a>, then read more to understand our journey.  Implementing Your Prospecting Plan http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/implementing-your-prospecting-plan http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/implementing-your-prospecting-plan Wed, 22 Jul 2015 05:00:00 +0000 This month we've challenged you to work on creating a three month rolling prospect plan for your business. We've looked at the <a data-mce-href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2015/07/prospecting-in-constant-motion.html" data-mce-style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/prospecting-in-constant-motion/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">elements needed to create a prospecting plan</a> and the <a data-mce-href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2015/07/your-prospecting-resources.html" data-mce-style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/your-prospecting-resources--prospecting-for-small-business--lead-generation-ideas/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">resources you need</a> to pull together for your team. This week we've got a few more tips to implementing your prospecting plan, but the most important step is to get started. Here are a few tips to get your business started: Chances in Prospecting http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/chances-in-prospecting-prospecting--lead-generation--increase-sales http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/chances-in-prospecting-prospecting--lead-generation--increase-sales Tue, 21 Jul 2015 05:00:00 +0000 Quote: Take more chances than you dare. You'll make more sales than you expect. That's the formula. - Jeffrey Gitomer Question: What chances are you taking in your prospecting? Your Prospecting Resources http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/your-prospecting-resources--prospecting-for-small-business--lead-generation-ideas http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/your-prospecting-resources--prospecting-for-small-business--lead-generation-ideas Tue, 14 Jul 2015 05:00:00 +0000 Last week we discussed the importance of having a rolling three month prospecting plan. You might be tempted to jump right in and start your plan, but we've found it's helpful to first take a look at your resources. Having your resources in place will allow your prospecting plan to come together with ease and ensure that it is implemented and consistent. Prospecting in Constant Motion http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/prospecting-in-constant-motion http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/prospecting-in-constant-motion Tue, 07 Jul 2015 05:00:00 +0000 Prospecting has a huge impact on any business. The problem in many businesses is that prospecting is not done consistently and is often done as a last moment reaction to a problem. A business realizes it needs more cash flow or sales to meet its goals and suddenly there is a mad dash to prospect. Unfortunately, most businesses prospecting activities don't go from Zero to Sixty easily. It's a process of building trust, feeding information, and slowly building a relationship that takes time. Do Your Customers Feel Valued? http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/do-your-customers-feel-valued http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/do-your-customers-feel-valued Tue, 30 Jun 2015 05:00:00 +0000 This month we've been discussing the <a _mce_href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2015/06/shake-it.html" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/shake-it/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">importance of knowing your customers</a>. We've looked at <a _mce_href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2015/06/what-is-the-sound-of-frustration.html" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/what-is-the-sound-of-frustration/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">how to identify frustrations</a> and <a _mce_href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2015/06/dont-wait.html" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/dont-wait/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">how to be proactive in dealing with frustrations</a>. Last week we touched on an important piece of your customer service, which is that your customers want to know that they are valued.   This week we want to challenge you to define what that looks and feels like. If you don't have one already, consider creating a customer promise or a value statement that outlines what your customers should experience as part of your business. If you already have these documents, pull them out and see if they are still relevant or need to be refreshed. Don't Wait http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/dont-wait http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/dont-wait Tue, 23 Jun 2015 05:00:00 +0000 In the last few weeks, we've discussed <a _mce_href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2015/06/shake-it.html" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/shake-it/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">the importance of knowing your customers</a> and <a _mce_href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2015/06/what-is-the-sound-of-frustration.html" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/what-is-the-sound-of-frustration/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">being able to listen for when your customers are frustrated</a>. The next step in providing excellent customer service is to understand what areas of your business are likely to frustrate your customers and be able to quickly react to them. As you work through understanding your customer's frustrations there will be a set of frustrations that you can solve through systems and processes, but there will also be frustrations that your business will never be able to completely eliminate.   What is the Sound of Frustration? http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/what-is-the-sound-of-frustration http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/what-is-the-sound-of-frustration Tue, 16 Jun 2015 05:00:00 +0000 We Have a Question http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-have-a-question-listening-to-your-customers http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-have-a-question-listening-to-your-customers Tue, 09 Jun 2015 05:00:00 +0000 Quote: "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses."  <cite>-Henry Ford</cite> <cite> </cite> Our Thoughts: There have been many articles written, especially on innovators such as Ford or even Steve Jobs, which discuss that customers don't always have the answer. They can't always tell you want they want if they can't imagine it themselves. There's definitely a kernel of truth to this, but it doesn't mean you can tune out your customers. It means that your business needs to listen differently. Shake It http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/shake-it http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/shake-it Mon, 01 Jun 2015 05:00:00 +0000 There's a little known feature in Google Maps that displays just how well Google understands their customers. Take out your cell phone and open the Google Maps app. Now let's say you were trying to find a location, but when you got to the end of the directions the destination was wrong. Frustrated? Shake your phone and see what happens. Champion of Change http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/champion-of-change http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/champion-of-change Mon, 25 May 2015 05:00:00 +0000 This month we have been looking at what causes resistance to Change, and the beliefs, attitudes, and experiences that feed the fear of Change. Now that there is a better understanding of what gets in our way, it is time to embrace those elements and leverage them to become the Champion of Change that your business needs! We Have a Question http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-have-a-question--dealing-with-change http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-have-a-question--dealing-with-change Mon, 18 May 2015 05:00:00 +0000 Quote: "<a shape="rect">The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.</a>" ~ <a shape="rect">Alan Watts</a>    Question: How are you embracing the inevitable change in your business?   So It Is Written http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/so-it-is-written http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/so-it-is-written Mon, 11 May 2015 05:00:00 +0000 Last week <a href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-fear-change/" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">we identified factors that contribute to the resistance of change</a>. As we continue to explore the topic of change, we will dive into three elements that reinforce our resistance to change: Our Beliefs, Our Experiences, and Our Attitudes. These elements live inside each of us, molding who we are and how we visualize and interact with our surroundings. We develop these three elements through living the lives we have chosen, and to change them, we have to be willing to look in the mirror and see the people we are and identify what needs to be different in order to achieve the change we desire in our business and in our life.     We Fear Change http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-fear-change http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-fear-change Mon, 04 May 2015 05:00:00 +0000 There are few things in business and in life that are constant and guaranteed. Possibly the scariest of these things is ‘change.’ As human beings, we like order, structure, and a sense for knowing what is coming next. What we don’t like to face is the inevitable shifting of our reality. When an event, whether in our personal lives or in our businesses, causes a shift in the status quo, stress and uncertainty build. The question becomes: How do you deal with the stress and uncertainty? This month we will look at what causes resistance to Change, the beliefs, attitudes, and experiences that feed the fear of Change, and lastly, what you can do to embrace change. Plan and Follow Up http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/plan-and-follow-up http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/plan-and-follow-up Mon, 27 Apr 2015 05:00:00 +0000 This month we've been focused on dealing with employee issues. We've discussed creating an Employee Notification Form, being aware of your own reaction to the issue, and looking for the root cause of the problem. The final step is to create a solution that lasts.   Often times, creating a solution is not an interactive activity with the employee, but rather a lecture. This leads to solutions that are not long lasting. Here are a few tips to help you create a long lasting solution: Walk Around With Curiosity http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/walk-around-with-curiosity http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/walk-around-with-curiosity Mon, 20 Apr 2015 05:00:00 +0000 What do you do if you have a headache? It's always fun to hear the different methods people use to treat a headache. Many ignore it or take an aspirin. Some turn down the lights or apply a compress to the back of their necks. The common theme is that most people treat the symptom and not the cause of the headache. This is similar to how most business owner's deal with employee frustrations. This week we challenge you to slow down when facing an employee issue. Don't give in to the temptation to treat the symptom right away, but walk around the issue with curiosity. In doing so you will come to see the real issue and be able to create a long lasting solution.   We Have a Question http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-have-a-question--employee-issues http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-have-a-question--employee-issues Mon, 13 Apr 2015 05:00:00 +0000 Quote: "<a shape="rect">An employee's motivation is a direct result of the sum of interactions with his or her manager.</a>" - <a shape="rect">Bob Nelson</a>    Question: In what ways do your interactions with your staff impact their motivation? Dealing With Employee Issues http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/dealing-with-employee-issues--small-business-human-resources http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/dealing-with-employee-issues--small-business-human-resources Mon, 06 Apr 2015 05:00:00 +0000 We've all heard the saying, "It's not WHAT you say, but HOW you say it that counts." This saying is vital when discussing employee issues. As business coaches, we often find that business owners either let employee issues slide or end up handling them in a manner that doesn't create the most productive environment.   The reasons for mishandling employee issues vary such as: Whiteboard Notebooks http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/whiteboard-notebooks http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/whiteboard-notebooks Mon, 30 Mar 2015 05:00:00 +0000 Every so often we come across a simple idea, tool or resource that we just have to share with our clients. As business owners, we know that you've got a lot on your plate and can always use ideas and tools to help stay organized. This week we've got two words for you: Whiteboard Notebooks.   Are You Connected? http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/are-you-connected http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/are-you-connected Mon, 23 Mar 2015 05:00:00 +0000 At the beginning of this month, we discussed getting unstuck from your organizational chart and looking at your business from a strategic point of view.   In order to lead from a strategic point of view, you must know where your business is headed.  As a business owner, you've probably been told that you need to have a clear vision.  In fact, many of you probably have a written vision statement....somewhere. Having a vision statement is simply the first step.  If your vision statement lives in a drawer, a dusty old binder, or even an unused electronic file, then you you might as well not have it.  A vision, is only as good as its use.  In order to truly lead from a strategic point of view, you have to make sure that your employees connected to your vision, starting today.  Here are three questions you should ask about how well everyone in your company is connected to your vision: Changing Your Point of View http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/changing-your-point-of-view http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/changing-your-point-of-view Mon, 16 Mar 2015 05:00:00 +0000 This month, we've been focused on your point of view.  We've <a href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/velcro-leadership-getting-unstuck/" shape="rect" style="color: #0000ff ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">challenged you to be aware of the point of view that you have</a> and <a href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-have-a-question-developing-leadership-skills/" shape="rect" style="color: #0000ff ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">cautioned against letting your personal feelings cloud your point of view</a>, but how do you actually change your point of view?  Here are a few tips to get you started: We Have a Question http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-have-a-question-developing-leadership-skills http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-have-a-question-developing-leadership-skills Mon, 09 Mar 2015 05:00:00 +0000 Quote: "One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results." - <a shape="rect">Milton Friedman</a>     Question: What areas of your business are not getting the results that you want? Velcro Leadership: Getting Unstuck http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/velcro-leadership-getting-unstuck http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/velcro-leadership-getting-unstuck Mon, 02 Mar 2015 06:00:00 +0000 Chances are as a business owner you're filling multiple roles on your organizational chart. In some cases, you are the CEO, the CFO, the salesperson and perhaps sometimes the technician. Every day you're focused on balancing your time and efforts, but often what isn't as balanced is your point of view. When you spend so much time filling operational roles in your business, it can be easy to view your business from those roles and not the role of an entrepreneur.    The Heart of Your Collection System http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/the-heart-of-your-collection-system http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/the-heart-of-your-collection-system Mon, 23 Feb 2015 06:00:00 +0000 The "heart" of your collections system should be to actively communicate and partner with customers that have gone beyond the agreed payment terms. Here are a few items to consider for your collections system: We Have a Question http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-have-a-question--colelctions--accounts-receivable-in-small-business http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-have-a-question--colelctions--accounts-receivable-in-small-business Mon, 16 Feb 2015 06:00:00 +0000 Quote: "A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money." - John Ruskin   Question: How might a little thought and a little kindness help you to develop a collections system that is based on building the customer experience, not damaging it? Clarify Clear Terms Now! http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/clarify-clear-terms-now http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/clarify-clear-terms-now Mon, 09 Feb 2015 06:00:00 +0000 Last week we began a series on collections, a vital part of your customer service. This is often a overlooked process for keeping and building customer relationships.   You may be thinking: "What?! Collections are vital to keeping and building customer relationships? Are you crazy? The reason I have to "collect" from them is because they have not paid me when they were supposed to --- why would I want to keep and build that relationship?!" Simply put, you want to build these relationships, because they have already done business with you and because they do owe you money. Close the Sale http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/close-the-sale http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/close-the-sale Mon, 02 Feb 2015 06:00:00 +0000 It has been said that a sale is not truly a sale until you have collected the money. With this "truth" as a basis, your collection system is one of the most important systems your business needs to have and use.     Cash flow in your business is vital to your success. If you operate your payment terms as cash at the time of service, collecting money may not be much of an issue for your business. If your business, like many in today's business world, extends credit to those that use their goods and/or services, collecting money may be more of an issue.   Get Started Now! http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/get-started-now http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/get-started-now Mon, 26 Jan 2015 06:00:00 +0000 This month <a href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/systems-in-action/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">we've challenged your business to create a system a month </a>and <a href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/simplifying-systems/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">discussed different types of systems</a>. If you're like most business owners, this might still seem a little daunting. Where are you going to <s>find</s> create time to document a system a month? The good news is you don't have to, your business does. Getting staff involved in the systemization of your business is something that should happen as soon as you are comfortable with the process.        Staff involvement takes some training and thus time, but the investment is worth the time. When your staff is involved in systems they have ownership in not just creating the systems, but in using them on a day to day basis. In addition, dedicating more resources to the process allows the business to realize the impact of systems earlier than if you try to do it all yourself.   Also if you look at the value of your time as a business owner, typing up a system is not the best use of your time. Your attention needs to be on the strategic planning and the vision of the systems, not on the technical details.   Here are four tips to get your staff started in system design:   Simplifying Systems http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/simplifying-systems http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/simplifying-systems Mon, 19 Jan 2015 06:00:00 +0000 This month <a href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/systems-in-action/" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">we've challenged you to create a system a month in 2015</a>. It can seem overwhelming, especially as systems can get complicated, but they don't all have to be complicated. When we discuss systems most people think of the detailed action plans that are used for training purposes. The systems that are so detailed that someone with very little experience can easily follow along. Those systems are necessary in any business, but they are not the ones that get used on a day to day basis. The systems that get used on a day to day basis are typically resources or a mini-system of your full blown system. As you're working on your <a href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/systems-in-action/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">2015 System Challenge</a>, don't forget these easier to implement systems that can make a huge impact on the operation of your business. We Have a Question http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-have-a-question--systems-in-your-business--e-myth http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-have-a-question--systems-in-your-business--e-myth Mon, 12 Jan 2015 06:00:00 +0000 Quote: "The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough. They're there to stop the other people."  <a shape="rect" style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #000000 ! important;">- Randy Pausch</a> Question: What would it truly mean to you, to have your business systemized? Systems in Action http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/systems-in-action http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/systems-in-action Mon, 05 Jan 2015 06:00:00 +0000 This year, we're challenging you to participate in our 2015 Systems Challenge. The challenge is simple and realistic: create one new system in your business each month for a year. By the end of 2015 you'll have 12 less frustrations, 12 turn-key processes in place, and be 12 steps closer to your vision.   <a href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/systems-and-your-vision/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">It's no secret that we believe in creating and implementing systems</a>. There are many reasons your business should adopt a systems focus including less frustrations, consistent and predictable results, superior customer service and <a href="/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/show-me-the-value/" shape="rect" style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="_blank">yes even increasing the value of your business</a>.  Most business owners buy in to the idea of systems, but implementation can often take the back burner for a variety of reasons. Often times the main barrier comes down to time management and making system development a priority in your business.