A Little Outside Advice Can Help

Entrepreneurs can get quite isolated. We get into bad habits, ignore issues that need to be addressed but may cause us some discomfort or pain if we change things, and try to avoid dealing with things we just don’t like to deal with. This can be a problem employee who needs to go, problem accounts receivable that need attention in collecting, or even calling on potential customers.
I have the same issue with my golf game. I have been playing on and off since I was a kid and have developed some bad habits in my swing. My son Russ, who is a great golfer, always spots my golf “issues” when we play together. While in Hawaii he saw something in a picture he took of my swing that he pointed out was probably the cause of my recent inconsistencies. Sure enough, he was right, and I am now hitting the ball better than I have in years.
As entrepreneurs we need this kind of outside eye on our businesses once in a while. Find someone who knows about business, knows you, and can be constructively blunt with you when you need it. Have that person spend some time with you and your business once in a while to help you work out the kinks in your business.
This doesn’t have to be a hired consultant. I had a couple of fellow entrepreneurs who played this roll for me (and me for them in return). I now play this roll for some of our alumni.
There are plenty of cheerleaders who will inspire you to move ahead in your business. We need that. But we also need someone who will tell us like it really is.
Even professional golfers have a swing coach. Find one for your business.