by Chris Bennett
Most small business owners rate about 2 out of 3 when it comes to developing their business. Few have a 3 out of 3 score card.
Where do you rate?
1. Business Development
If you are running a business then you are basically developing your business. Give yourself a point.
If your business development includes; ongoing planning, monitoring, evaluating, reviewing, adapting then give yourself a pat on the back (sorry, no bonus points).
2. Professional Development
Professional development includes maintaining or upgrading your qualifications and skills. Have you either maintained or upgraded your qualifications and/or skills in the past 12 months? If you have, score another point.
3. Personal Development
Personal development is usually considered the soft option in business development and is often overlooked for various reasons.
'No time.'
'Don't need it.'
'Waste of money.'
These are excuses that can cost your business both clients and money. For example, personal skills such as listening, assertiveness and empathy are critical to your customer service.
Without these skills your clients, staff and profits can disappear, followed by your business.
If you have improved your listening, assertive and empathetic skills through research, or you have recently attended a course on personal development and then practised those skills, add another point. If you haven't then it is time to get 'up front and personal' so your business can thrive.
Without business, professional and personal development your business will stagnate and wither away. All three are necessary for a vibrant and healthy business.
Two out of three may not be bad, but three out of three is even better.
