Viewers of Marie Kondo’s cleaning show on Netflix will already be in the grip of clean-fever.
However, if you’ve not yet caught the bug, and with the days lengthening and tax returns receding in the rear-view mirror, there is no better time to blow out the cobwebs and spring-clean your business.
If you are motivated to improve your business but struggle to find the time to step back and objectively review how things are going there can be no better time to take on the support of an business mentor who has the experience to support you.
Chamber member Dorset Business Mentoring offer owners of business of all structures, types and sectors 1:1 mentoring as well as a programme of skills development workshops. Developed through a partnership of private and public organisations this not-for-profit programme is funded to maximise accessibility. As one of the longest established and experienced mentoring programmes in the country, benefitting from 114 high-calibre mentors representing a vast scope of expertise in all sectors, the ability to match the needs of the business owner with the skill of the mentor is proven to be highly effective.
One of the first steps in the mentoring relationship is a holistic business review, presenting the golden opportunity to highlight areas to prioritise for a ‘Spring clean’.
Dorset Business Mentor Andrew Brett has a strong track record in this area, having been helping businesses through Dorset Business Mentoring (Dormen) since 2010. We caught up with him to find out how he’ll be getting his clients ship-shape this Spring.
‘One of the many joys of being involved with Dormen is that I’ve been privileged to work with some really interesting and diverse businesses, and meet some fascinating people. One thing I try to impress on all of them is the value of outline routines and structures. A bit of attention in some key areas can bring real rewards. And like all chores, there is real satisfaction to be got from having completed them.’ Here are some examples of the questions a mentor will typically work through:
Company Dashboard – you’ve completed your tax return, but what did you learn? Take a look at your profit and loss report and balance sheet, what patterns can you see against previous years? Are there any emerging risks or issues that need attention? And where do you think you’ll be this the same time next year?
People – what are your top 3 challenges here? Will you be scaling up or scaling down? Are staff performing? Is staff morale high or low? What can be done? Are you up to date with current regulations?
Customers – who are your potential and pending customers? How many more or what type do you need to deliver your strategy? And what will you do more and less of: what lessons have you learned from satisfied and dissatisfied customers?
Strategy – where are you aiming and what’s your roadmap for getting there? What’s challenges and opportunities are on the horizon? And where are you exposed or weak and what are going to do about it?
Communications – people groan but this is the glue that binds a business together. How are you getting your message across, within and without the company? Are you choosing the right platforms for the right things? What’s working and what’s not?
If you are interested to learn more Dorset Business Mentors are holding an exclusive event for Chamber Members in May. Members will have an opportunity to learn about the service, how a mentor could benefit their individual needs and have ½ an hour 1:1 with a matched mentor to discuss how they help. Members will be required to pre-register for a strictly limited number of places.
If you’d like to talk to one of the team at Dorset Business Mentoring about working with a mentor in the meantime please call the team on 01202 607 530. Alternatively, you can email: office@dormen.org.uk.