| Boom by Emma Wimhurst |
 At first glance this book's colourful appearance, glossy pages and cartoon character might lead you into thinking this is full of fluffy material for people who are playing at running a business. In fact, this book is packed with stories, suggestions and planning resources that will get you thinking about your goals, what you want from your business and how you are both going to get and maintain your goals. Business woman Emma Wimhurst (founder of Diva Cosmetics, which she later sold), illustrates her thinking with anecdotes and personal experiences, including some of her own mistakes, which she draws upon as teaching materials. The book is an injection of both energy and sensible disciplined thinking and will add something to every aspiring owner's bookshelf. Emma now has her own mentoring company (http://www.emmawimhurst.com ), and we asked some Chicklit.co.uk readers and business owners to come up with some questions they would like to ask Emma. I've always got a number of projects on the go, do you think it's wise to spread your risk that way, or is it better to concentrate on just one? Entrepreneurs are naturally seeking new opportunities all the time, and to say YES to everything is the fast guaranteed way to burnout – and quickly! The hard part is deciding which projects should be taken on and which shouldn’t. To achieve this – you need to very clear and have total clarity on what you are all about – and have a very clear vision on what you are wanting to achieve. In BOOM! I refer to the Strategic Vision (Business Discipline No.1) and I work through how and why I believe every business should have this “vision” and in just 50 words! It is not easy to do – but when you have carried out the exercise and gained clarity on what you are offering, how, to whom and what benefits you are providing – you will have a framework to refer to – to make the right decisions. If a project “opportunity” takes you towards your goal – then may be you should considerate it – if it takes you in a different direction, then perhaps not? Whenever I get to a certain point in my business, I tend to sabotage myself by becoming interested in something new, or just lose interest. I can see this is a recurring theme and I really want to get past it, do you have any suggestions? If you are tending to lose interest in projects, then I would question, how and why are you getting involved with them in the first place? If you have determined the end result you are expecting as a result of getting involved, or the “outcome”, then you need to question if you are excited enough by it, or indeed motivated by it sufficiently to hold your interest. My suggestion is that you focus on the outcome of every single project you embark on – and really question, whether you want the result significantly enough to hold your attention. If it only mildly interests you – then perhaps consider whether you should get involved. I'd really like to find a mentor, but I'm not sure how to go about it. Would they want payment, what's the best way to ask etc? Mentoring is a very personal relationship – between the mentor and the mentee – and in order for the relationship to work , there needs to be mutual respect. From the mentor’s point of view – that the mentee is open and willing to look at new ways to work on their business and to take on board comments/constructive criticism and to share openly and honestly their concerns and current business situation. From the mentee’s point of view – you have to be sure that the Mentor has business achievements that you can resonate with; that the mentor is going to be able to communicate in a positive and constructive way and really speaks with you rather than at you. I would also suggest, that you are able to find out as much as you can about the mentor – from previous mentees, or from their website etc. There are mentoring programmes where the mentors are offering their services free – but there are also mentors who charge.. There are often competitions offering Mentoring as a prize – I believe there is one at the moment with Natwest and the Financial Mail on Sunday. In terms of asking about the charges etc – just be open and upfront. You need to have an open and honest relationship – and this is something to understand right from the start. I'm thinking of going into a partnership with a friend. My only worry if that she is very similar to me - we have the same strengths and faults and I'm a bit worried that it will only magnify what mistakes I've already made. Any thoughts? My advice to anyone considering a partnership, regardless of similarities and faults, is to ensure that at the very beginning you are clear about several issues. There are the legal sides of things which need to be set in place by a solicitor – where you understand your legal obligations. But there are also the values/beliefs of the business which need to be very clearly stated – such as the “ambitions” of the business – are you setting up in order to exit, to have a lifestyle business or looking for on-going business growth – and the “attitude” of the business – such as the values, the culture, communication. It is often good to have a contrasting partner – so that you have complimenting skills – however if you are both clear on your vision, have the same ambitions and attitudes – then I wouldn’t suggest you dismiss it out of hand. The benefit of a partnership – is that you are able to communicate with someone who has the same vested interest as you. If there are areas you both tend to avoid, then regular meetings to discuss these areas, and learn through them to together, and have an action plan – will ensure that you don’t make the same mistakes twice. Gyms and Slimming Clubs advocate the use of a BUDDY – to keep each other on the straight and narrow – so why not in business? Have you got any advice for those times when you're struggling on but thinking it's just not going to work? It is difficult to comment on this question in such general terms – but if we were working together, I would ask you to clarify and explain the term…. “thinking it’s just not going to work” – is this based on evidence, or your feelings – what exactly? Mindset is half the battle – so if you are just not believing in yourself or your business - then perhaps your customers aren’t either….. This is a huge question, which requires perhaps closer discussion. Why not give me a call? Emma Wimhurst is a Business Turnaround Expert and author of BOOM! 7 disciplines to CONTROL, GROW and IMPACT to your business, Diva Publishing Ltd http://www.BOOMpreneur.co.uk Buy Boom! Now |
| Posted: 12/01/2010 14:17:57 Last Updated: 12/01/2010 14:32:48 |
Chick Lit > Business Chicks :: Boom by Emma Wimhurst