We sat down together and analysed his situation. In Gary's own words he summarised things as follows:
"Time management and organisation were a key factor in stress levels along with feeling like I was swimming in a mountain of work. I have been pretty much a one man band with a growing business.
I was often not sure if I was running my business well and unable to really understand my reports. I was unsure where to look to get the right tools to help me grow and understand my business.
I think we also lacked the right strategy to help move forward".
Gary's situation was by no means unique. Many owners of trades-based businesses struggle with the business side of things, as they are unlikely to have received any training in business management. The big difference in Gary's situation was he decided that he needed to change things and took action.
Over the next few months we worked on both some strategic changes to the business and Gary's thinking, together with practical, system improvements to make his business run better.
When asked to summarise the benefits that he received from our coaching session, Gary said:
"That I perhaps wasn't doing things completely wrong nor was I the only one who has been in this position. It gave me perspective.
I have also been given some very valuable tools which have already helped me understand and grow my business and also help me manage my clients better. I have a better understanding of my financial reports and have more confidence in my work. I'm also not overcomplicating how I work which has been great.
I really like the spreadsheets, templates and tools that were given to me to help manage what I am doing.
I have used the templates for creating proper JDs for my guys, I have adapted and regularly use the Pre Inspection template, the construction process template and the budget template - this was particularly good at helping me work out profits from jobs".
With newly gained business skills, Gary can now: