What I really love about coaching is when I get into conversations with business owners and it takes an unexpected turn, uncovering issues & challenges that really matter to them.

In a recent conversation with a business owner, he kicks off with a bang – a staggering 50% increase in turnover, and better gross margins and profitability, since buying into the business four years ago.  Due to the competitive nature of the market in which the business operates, he believes it is time to make an offer to a competitor that would potentially lead to another 25% increase if that offer is accepted.

As we delved deeper, we explored whether the existing infrastructure could seamlessly absorb the new business, ensuring efficiency & effectiveness with minimal disruption.   It was during the exploration of this challenge the business owner disclosed a concerning trend – his personal commitment to the business, had over a four-year period, led to an increase in his weekly working hours increasing from an acceptable 45 to an unreasonable 60, often extending into weekend work.  He was frustrated that increase was eating into his family time.

What was clear the real fear was that growing the business even further would intensify the hours he would need to commit to the business resulting in even less time for the family.  The core challenge for the business owner was to grow the business without succumbing to the relentless grind of increased working hours.  The goal is to strike a delicate balance between business growth and personal well-being.

The rest of our conversation centred on devising strategies to leverage the inherent strengths of the business which would enable him to work smarter not harder.   It was all about bringing strategic and efficient practices to align business growth with the dreams of the business owner.