Articles
'The Beginning'
When working in somebody else’s business I enjoyed building the right foundation ensuring trust and loyalty was a chosen value with team members. Achieving this was an amazing feeling and continued to motivate me for over 10 years, yet, could not understand why so many leaders did not implement this leadership style??? Didn’t they see that achieving results through people gave them freedom to market, build and develop new processes or enhance existing achievements? After a couple of companies and many teams later, I felt I needed more than leading someone else’s team to satisfy my career. I could visualise myself running my own company with a team wanting to succeed, as they too could see and feel my vision. So I left a well paid career to live on a dream
Supporting others is my purpose in life – a strong direction I discovered when I was fortunate enough to be involved in a Breakout development within the ANZ bank - Reality check …“so this was why I often redirected my energy in support of others?”Once I accepted this I could also accept and realise that this is what I enjoyed doing – as the saying goes “you cannot change who you are, so learn to work with what you have”, and this is what I did!
Why was my first company a cleaning company... Because it not only supported others, it had already been supporting me.My cleaner Michelle was a valuable part of my family.
The process in starting my cleaning company was structured with training manuals, expectations, communication and feedback, thus involving everyone associated with the clean – the client, the cleaner and the business.This process contributed to the rapid growth where I then made the fatal business mistake I’m sure many business owners make… I became so involved and attached to supporting everyone associated in my business, that I did not see it grow beyond myself.I knew I needed to do something about my structure, but by this stage I had become too busy working in it to even think about working on it…. Mistakes were made; communication broke down, resulting in clients and cleaners doubting my worth… a very stressful position to be in and one I don’t recommend – ever!
Going back to the beginning is often the last thing we think of in a time of stress and anxiety… but I did.
The position I really enjoyed prior to management was a personal assistant.I made it my purpose to understand my manager’s role and managed upwards to provide him with the freedom to achieve beyond his role…. This made me feel good about myself.
My cleaning business was in need of support, and I felt the answer was in the structure; what am I best at and what do I outsource?I want to market and grow my business, have sub-contractors cleaning in my business and the support of a Secretary to allow my business achieve all the above.
My cleaning business wasn’t big enough for a full time secretary, but I didn’t see the point in a part time secretary, so why not share a secretary? And why stop at sharing one secretary, surely there are many businesses out there in the same situation as I was.Thus my second company was created – “A Virtual Secretarial Service”.
My secretarial service instantly structured my cleaning business to support my clients, my cleaners and most importantly, me.I was now in a position to continue to support everyone in the cleaning business; remembering supporting others is my purpose - but now I have developed a business that can support many small to medium business as well, assisting them to grow at any pace; my new adventure will provide them with the structure to do this.
Having the support of those around you, in my opinion, is the secret to good business.“You should be in business for yourself, but not by yourself”. Outsourcing is vital to a small business looking to expand; this is where your business needs a good structure to ensure you continue to do what you do best and let others do the rest.
Now you can get out there and really market your business, because the value of a great secretary can help you do this – just don’t leave it too late!
Author: Jan Tinsley
16
Sep
2008
Human nature being what it is, if you don’t show some weakness, then observers may invent one for you; stated in the Harvard Business Review 2000.
09
Sep
2008
Let’s visit the sayings “only skin deep” and “hitting a nerve”. Most of us have been in a situation where a conversation has “hit a nerve” causing us to react in a manner out of character.
28
Aug
2008
Starting a new business is always exciting and fun, your belief in yourself and what you have chosen to do will motivate and provide you with the confidence to build your own business. You have now entered the arena of the entrepreneur.
18
Aug
2008
When we talk leadership, do we instantly think of the people who have attached this to their titles? Personally I believe titles in business restrict our way of thinking and behaving, but this is another story.
12
Aug
2008
When asked what is the most important element of business? My answer would be Trust. I believe there are many elements of trust but feel the most ethical when used appropriately is congruence.
04
Aug
2008
I watched a television programme about a man born with no arms or legs; when asked if he sees himself as disabled he replied; having a disability means
28
Jul
2008
The realisation of founding, building and running your own business comes with many sacrifices. These sacrifices are often educated or emotional choices
21
Jul
2008
Why do we want to be our own boss? I often wonder what thought process goes into starting a business...
15
Jul
2008
Are we subconsciously driven towards our destiny and if this is true; how do we know we are heading in the right direction?
30
May
2008
Second Site welcomes Kaye Ward and Melissa Sulfaro to the team! Learn more about them and the rest of the team by visiting the 'About Us' tab!
30
May
2008
Hi everyone, I'm the first one to admit it - managing your business and managing your life all under the same roof is a challenge. While doing some research on the issue I found this great article on another blog and I thought I would pass it on to you.
"Working at home is great, but has some definite drawbacks if you are not organized. Here are some handy tips to keeping the office neat, clean, and uncluttered."
To read more just follow this link.
