Running a small business is a bit like training for MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)

Huh? MMA, Mixed Martial Arts? You might know it under a brand name of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) or 'Cage Fighting'.

Now, before you think I've lost my mind - and if you see a tiny grey squishy thing rolling around on the carpet, it could be mine - MMA is a multi-disciplined sport encompassing a variety of fighting styles. Leading exponents would be expected to have advanced skills in a blend of wrestling (Greco Roman not WWE or Big Daddy style!), jiu jitsu (grappling, submissions, choke holds), boxing, kick-boxing, muay thai and others.

As well as developing skills and techniques in the fighting styles and the blending thereof, the fighter also has to work on stamina, strength, speed and power, as well as maintaining an appropriate bodyweight for his weightclass.

Sounds hellishly difficult doesn't it? It takes enormous levels of dedication, commitment and discipline to achieve success in this emerging sport (I say emerging as it's yet to break the mainstream media, although it already has a huge global following, especially the UFC). Oh, and they fight for up to 5x 5 minute rounds. I'm tired just writing about it.

Now think about what it takes to run a small business. You need to be multi-skilled also. We've probably heard the term 'Chief Everything Officer' which initially you could be forgiven for thinking is just an amusing spin on 'CEO'. But actually, it's a good description. Being a business owner or senior player in small business really can be about doing a bit of everything.

We need to be multi-disciplined. We have to be commercially savvy, be able to develop customer relationships, deal with suppliers, handle staffing matters, finance, sales, marketing, 'paperwork' and the list goes on....

There is also the issue of staying current. We have to make sure we don't fall behind the times.

We also know that if we let any of these areas slip we can get into trouble quickly. Not just because our days become chaotic. There are those pesky things called competitors out there that can makes our lives even more difficult, right?

The good news is that you're not in this alone. There's a wealth of help and advice at your fingertips. From business coaching, to accountants, to outsourcing, there's a plethora of assistance available to you at at a price to suit your budget.

So we don't all need to be exactly like MMA fighters. They have no choice but to be personally expert in every facet of their game. We have the luxury of being able to have an understanding of each area, and by ensuring we have expertise in the right places we can run successful businesses that stay fighting fit.

As a business coach I ensure that I am not only up to date with generally accepted techniques and methodologies, but I have also created my own innovative coaching style. If you'd like to discuss your business requirements or have a 'business fitness' review, feel free to contact me.

Who are you and what do you do?

I recently sat down with a small company that was asking for help with its marketing. Huh? Yes, marketing. I have many years of sales and marketing experience and I get asked to help in this area often, along with my innovative business coaching engagements.

What was fascinating about the conversation was that having sat and listened to what was required and what the end result should look like, I asked what I thought were some basic questions. How are you positioning yourself versus your competition? What is your USP, if any? What are your core focus areas and what are you secondary areas of interest? What is your strategy going forward in terms of emerging markets and technology?

Long silence.

I suggested that it might be a good idea to have this information before throwing large sums of money at marketing campaigns. And that having some supporting collateral would also be useful.

Nodding heads.

So what are the answers.....? Long silence.

Would it be beneficial to have some time with the key stakeholders in a room together to get this stuff worked out? Nodding heads.

The next step is a one day session working through these very key areas, with me acting as the facilitator. A good facilitator doesn't need to have industry specific knowledge but in this case I know the customer's marketplace very well so can add even more value to the process.

As a coach I enjoy the role of facilitator and it's a role I do perform well (I know that sounds immodest but it's true). If you find yourself with a need to 'fill-in the blanks' for your business or for a particular project, feel free to get in touch. I'd be happy to act as coach or facilitator for you. Just leave a comment and I'll get right back to you.