My article that featured in the Spring 2017 edition of The Bugle magazine which gives three key steps to improved business practice

1. 47| The Bugle | Spring 2017www.balsallbugle.com Facebook.com/balsallbugle twitter.com/balsallbugle (@balsallbugle)
Amanda
Cruxton-Chance
Take a run at your ambitions
Spring is the favourite season of AMANDA CRUXTON-CHANCE, director of Balsall
Common-based business development company Flourish and a regular Bugle
columnist. She notes that we are out of hibernation, the days are getting longer,
shrubs are showing signs of new shoots, and baby animals are being born. It's a
positive season. When thinking about the topic for this column Amanda re-read
her Spring 2015 article. At the time she was training for her longest ever run, a
half marathon. So how is that of benefit to business people? Read on… Bugle
Business
By AMANDA CRUXTON-CHANCE
Two years on and I can still be seen pounding
the pavements of Balsall Common but this
time I've set a more ambitious goal and I'm
training for a full 26.2 mile event – the
Edinburgh Marathon.
Back in 2015 I wrote about the many benefits
that running offers me - and all runners I ask -
including time to mentally de-clutter, to
become sharper and more focused at work.
So how can you as a business owner or
manager feel similar benefits even if you
don't run? Here are a few thoughts:
1. Structure realistic expectations - if
you are a business owner, don't expect
your team members to necessarily
demonstrate the same level of passion,
enthusiasm or dedication that you do.
They won't necessarily want to work
longer than contracted hours, or have
their emails switched all day during
holidays. If you set the bar too high then
you risk feeling disappointed.
2. Be realistic for your
business - time and again
clients moan that they - the
business or the team
individuals - aren't achieving
their objectives. My advice is to
set three targets but to do them
well, before then moving on to
another three - rather than
setting six initially. Make them
clear with achievable, measurable, time
specific objectives for all parties involved
and monitor them periodically to ensure
they remain on track. By setting
milestones that are achievable and
realistic will help the team feel engaged,
positive and capable of delivering.
3. Happy' people about 12 per cent
more productive - While I am advocating
that staff go to work to have fun I would
encourage managers to listen to their
staff. Hear their individual goals and help
them to achieve personal ambitions in
order to increase their sense of
fulfilment and overall happiness.
Sometimes it is the smallest
gestures of thought or kindness
that has the greatest positive
impact. In our busy days we can
forget a simple 'thank you' or
'well done.'
At the start of this column I said that I had set
'an ambitious goal' of running the Edinburgh
Marathon. The truth is I follow my own advice.
I've set realistic, manageable targets since
2015 to get me in shape both mentally and
physically for what will be a near five-hour run
on 28th May.
I have three objectives: Enjoy the training with
my run chums, cross that finish line in
whatever time it takes, and raise £500 for my
niece's charity CLEVAH – watch this space. I'll
keep you updated in the Summer edition of
The Bugle.
The Balsall Business Club is offering even more help and
support to local businesses in 2017.
As well as networking opportunities there is an additional
emphasis on sharing useful information and training. The
club wants to ensure that members get the most from
meetings and their membership - which remains at just
£10 for the year.
Each month will focus on a key business skill, so far this
year presentation skills and digital tax returns have been
covered. Forthcoming sessions will include digital
marketing and business growth. Meetings take place on
the third Friday of each month at 7.30am at the British
Legion on Station Road.
There will also be high quality guest speakers including
Sharon Redrobe, CEO of Twycross Zoo.
For more information or to book a space at any of the
forthcoming meetings visit
www.balsallbusinessclub.co.uk, email
balsallbusinessclub@gmail.com or contact Claire Turner
on 07999 696131 or Jill Bowman on 07931 959533.
Tap into
more
help