Put your hand up

This concept is not new – we did it in the classroom for years.

Not sure about the answer or need help? Put your hand up and the teacher will help.

The funny thing is that in business – especially small to medium business – most operators don’t put their hands up. That’s when things go to muck, and fast.

Most people know that running a small-to-medium business is hard work. What starts out as a dream – a spark – can end up being a serious undertaking with lots of upside and equally, lots of downside.

A successful small business can be very rewarding, in the sense of achieving your goals and financial freedom. At the same time, there is risk; you find you are always measuring risk for reward.

Along the way, you learn how to manage staff, rent, expenses, cash flow, funding, stock and the ATO. After coping with all this you do have to sell something – back to the beginning, the original idea.

A smart operator will, or should, seek help – put up their hand and reach out to their advisor and business mentor.

A person from the outside who can take an objective view and carefully guide you through the tough times is a serious bonus.

This mentor doesn’t soak up regular wages, take annual leave or get paid sick leave either (another bonus) – only buy in help when you need it.

The difficulty is knowing when to put your hand up. It’s when things get tough – cash flow, unpaid rent, late with the BAS, unpaid bills and cranky creditors. Or just someone to share some load.

An experienced objective mentor will help identify the problems and address them – turn things around and talk with your creditors.

A good mentor can also be proactive and help plan. They have had the experience. They can also help celebrating your success.

Facing reality is not normally too pleasant – put your hand up.

You may never know – help is only a confidential phone call away.