It’s common for entrepreneurs to feel alone

Being a business owner can be extremely exciting and satisfying but also, at times, very isolating. In fact, isolation and loneliness are two of the biggest issues reported by Kiwi small business owners.

You may have a supportive partner, patient friends, and even a great team of employees, but it’s still common to feel alone when it comes to many aspects of your daily grind and growing your business.

If you work mostly alone, you may recognise some of these experiences reported by business owners:

  • Watching other business owners and feeling they know what they’re doing and getting ahead while you feel a bit lost and inadequate.
  • Having to make all decisions alone and wishing you had someone to bounce ideas off or get some genuine fresh perspective.
  • Missing (at least sometimes) the camaraderie and community of working with others, especially if you used to work in corporate.
  • Consuming so much information and advice by yourself from online and print sources that you actually get analysis paralysis and don’t move forward.
  • Hitting a wall, running out of product ideas, or feeling your business has become stagnant.
  • A lack of accountability.
  • Running low on money as you pay out for a different specialist consultant every time you need to move a particular part of your business forward.
  • Thinking that only you know the answers for your business so it’s not worth consulting others on the topic.
  • Opposition from loved ones and friends who simply don’t understand your world.
  • Wondering what the government can do next to make business harder, not easier.

Competition or Collaboration?

Many of us have been led to believe we must see other business owners as competitors and therefore fiercely guard ourselves and our businesses from the outside world; share ideas with nobody and never reveal our vulnerabilities. But these days, liberated entrepreneurs are realising that a collaborative and supportive model breeds much more success and happiness than the competitive model. In a business world consisting of one (i.e. you), your business growth can be unnecessarily stunted, sometimes without you even knowing it.

No matter how independent you are and how well you do by yourself, your business (and you!) will always benefit from support in some form or another. Of course, each business owner needs to manage the level of alone time and collaboration time, and this level will differ depending on your personality and the nature of your business: it’s just a case of finding what works for you. But one thing’s for sure, if you can break out of your bubble of isolation, not only will you see your business thrive like never before, but you will also deepen your personal feeling of fulfillment.

So who should you turn to?

Although you may frequently ‘sound off’ or seek advice from your spouse, friends, or employees, it’s never quite the same as having the support and guidance of other like-minded business owners. Those who’ve either been there and done that or those who are currently going through similar things to you.

Get social

You may join online social networks, a co-working space, or attend regular networking events in your local area. Attendance at such networking events can have more benefits than just getting you out of the house/office. Even if you don’t consider yourself a sociable ‘people-person’, they can have huge impacts on you and the success of your business.

Get a coach

Another option is to contract a regular coach or mentor to help you along your journey. A good quality coach or mentor can make a significant difference to the growth of your business. These experienced business people can help you see what others can’t see, help you make strategic decisions, help you develop the capabilities of your team, and strengthen your mental toughness for success in business and life.

Join a group of owners and learn together

A time- and cost-effective way to get regular support that is becoming increasing popular is group coaching programmes. These usually offer regular workshops or seminars with experts, hands-on group task sessions, Q&A sessions, mentoring, phone and online coaching support, and much more, depending on the programme.

Benefits of group coaching programmes include:

  • a ready-made support network of diverse business owners
  • access to the advice of professional coaches and mentors and their networks
  • instant advocates for your business
  • strategic partnerships and collaboration
  • mental and emotional support through the tough times
  • help with feedback, accountability and decision-making
  • more heads to work on your problems and come up with custom solutions
  • sharpening of your skills – networking, presentation/pitching, negotiating, etc.
  • enriching personal and professional relationships
  • without losing you independence and control of your business

 

These groups can help breathe fresh air into your business in order to accelerate success, re-motivate yourself, and equip your business for the challenges which lie ahead.

You may think it’s good to mix only with people from your own industry but sometimes the best and freshest ‘out-of-the-box’ ideas come from those who are in a different field with no knowledge or presuppositions about your specific area of business. Principles are universal but applications vary, and something tried elsewhere might give you a breakthrough.

 

The Growing Organisations SME Owners’ Coaching Programme

At Growing Organisations we have been excited to launch our own group coaching programme for SME owners, which deals with the realities of NZ business. We take a good ol’ Kiwi approach – head-on, straight-talking, down-to-earth, and with genuine professional and peer support.

At our monthly seminars and workshops you get to:

  • meet like-minded people
  • bounce ideas off others
  • get genuine feedback and support
  • learn new things to directly implement in your business
  • belong to a supportive and trusted group of business leaders who are helping each other grow their businesses by taking consistent action.

 

As well as the monthly in-person session, the programme includes a 1:1 coaching call, a members-only online toolbox, Q&A sessions with experts, and peer review meetings & pop-up workshops.

This programme is perfect for you if you are an Auckland-based business owner with a vision to grow your business and the commitment to take consistent action to achieve your goals. If you understand the power of collaboration and are keen to share your own experiences as well as learning from the lessons of others, get in touch or visit our SME Owners’ Programme page for more information.

Are you ready to take the step from lone-wolf to member of a supportive network to accelerate the growth of your business?

This programme is eligible for partial funding under the Regional Business Partners Network Management Capability Voucher Fund.

Receive up to 50% funding for our programme, designed to help Auckland SMEs navigate the rocky business landscape of 2020 and beyond

Get in touch to find out more or for help you with your application.

 

Further Reading

Is Your Business Relevant Right Now?

Where Is Your Business Going?

Reset & Relaunch – A New Beginning For Your Business

Where Are You On The Change Curve?

3 Ways to Keep Spirits Up In Tough Times

Overcome Helplessness and Thrive in Difficult Times

Strategies To Avoid & Manage Brain Overload & Burnout 

Programme Manager and Facilitator at Growing Organisations
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Louise Francis is our content researcher, writer and a facilitator at Growing Organisations.

For more information about personal and professional development or to discuss your business goals, contact the Growing Organisations office.


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Sales Performance. Group of colleagues in a sales meeting

Get the structure, focus, & support you need to build a better business.

If you are a business owner looking to scale your business, increase sales & revenue and get access to practical advice and support, without breaking the bank, this programme is for you.

The GO Business Growth Coaching Programme

 

A one-year business development programme customised to your business, designed to make it grow.

Our focus is on providing practical advice, guidance, and support from specialist coaches.

Take Your Business

To The Next Level

  

When you join The Growing Organisations Coaching Programme you’ll get access to expert performance consultants and the collective wisdom of like-minded Kiwi business owners facing similar issues to you.

You’ll belong to a supportive and trusted group of business leaders who are helping each other grow their businesses by taking consistent action.

We designed this group coaching programme to help Auckland business owners navigate the ups and downs of the challenging and ever-changing business landscape.

I highly recommend Ross and the team at Growing Organisations. They’ve helped me make better business decisions that has grown our brand. They give insights and encourage me to focus in on key areas of growth and be intentional about our business’ direction and future.
Chris Lange
1st Class Gardens, Auckland

How does the programme work?

Every month, for a whole year, we provide a regular structure of training and support activities, with the flexibility to respond to important things happening on the ground.

A monthly group session including:
 

Seminars & Workshops

Each session focuses on one key business topic with input from a specialist and group activities and discussion.

 

Peer Break-Outs

Your chance to share your objectives and achievements, give and receive feedback, and be supported and held accountable.

 

Hot Seat

In each session one group member has the opportunity to take the hot seat and get input from the collective wisdom of the group on an issue they are facing in their business.

 

Q&A With Experts

Our regular open Q&A sessions give you the opportunity to ask an expert consultant for advice on any business topic.

Plus in between sessions, support and tools to help you implement your growth plans
 

Members-only Toolbox

Seminar notes and related tools and templates to make life easier.

 

1:1 Support Call

A catch up and progress check to help with application and implementation.

 

Online Q&A Session

Ask the Growing Organisations and guest coaches your questions about making things work in your business.

 

Informal Board Meeting

Get more practical advice from your small group of peers and benefit from accountability.

Optional Add-ons
(Additional fees may apply)

Private Facebook Group

1:1 Business Development Coaching

Pop up Workshops

Networking Events

Preferential Member Rates On Other Growing Organisation Programmes

What will you take away from this programme?

A well-conceived promotion plan

to reach the right customers.

A simple, easy to follow, powerful conversion process

to increase sales.

A profitable business model

to give you financial freedom and more leisure time.

A high-performing team

to take better care of your customers.

and much more.

Meet Your Coaches

Our hugely experienced and qualified coaching team will be in your corner from Day 1 to actively support you through each level of personal and business growth.

Image module

Ross Wilson

LinkedIn Profile

Ross brings more than 30 years of experience as a company director, business leader, award-winning learning and strategy facilitator, and business performance improvement adviser in a wide range of industries throughout New Zealand and overseas.

Image module

Michelle Keating

LinkedIn Profile

Michelle brings her broad experience in team leadership, marketing, small business ownership, and workshop facilitation. As well as her strong organisational skills and sense of good process.

Image module

Kate Suhonen

LinkedIn Profile

Kate brings a broad experience of the issues challenging business leaders. With more than 20 years global experience in HR, Training and Development, Health, Safety and Wellbeing she is skilled in change management and employee engagement.

Image module

Guest Coaches

 

From time to time throughout the programme we will invite specialists from our network, who are committed to helping other business owners to succeed, to provide coaching on relevant topics.

Here’s What Others Say About Our Coaching…

Image module

“Our business development coaching deals with the realities of NZ business – in the Kiwi way – head-on, straight-talking, down-to-earth, and with genuine professional and peer support.”

Ross Wilson, Entrepreneur, Performance Coach, and MD at Growing Organisations

Your Investment

Join us for just $7,150 (+ GST)  for 12 months

also payable monthly at $625/mth (+ GST)

This Programme is registered with the Management Capability Development Voucher Fund which offers 50% co-funding to eligible businesses. Find out more by visiting www.regionalbusinesspartners.co.nz or request a call with us.

 

Next intake

Join us on Wednesday morning, 11th November 2020 to begin your 12 month growth journey.

Why Choose Our Coaching Programme?

These sessions deal with the realities of NZ business with genuine professional and peer support.​ Reap the benefits of collective wisdom of the group.


 Practical business training topics

 Access to experienced & professional coaches

 Collaboration and support

 Feedback and accountability

 Fresh ideas and group problem-solving

 Cost-effective business coaching

 Group size limited to 20

 Group online resource centre

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why a 12 month programme?

We have found that building a sustainable, successful business takes time and attention to many different aspects of the business.

This programme is intensive and requires rapid application and produces great results quickly. Even so, at least one year with 12 sessions is normally desirable.

What are the dates and times for the programme?

2020

October

In person session – Wednesday 14th October from 9.30am-12.30pm in Rosedale (coffee and networking from 9am)
Online session – Wednesday 28th October from 9.30am-10.30am

November

In person session – Wednesday 11th November from 9.30am-12.30pm in Rosedale (coffee and networking from 9am)
Online session – Wednesday 25th November from 9.30am-10.30am

December

In person session – Wednesday 9th December from 9.30am-12.30pm in Rosedale (coffee and networking from 9am)
Online session – Wednesday 23rd December from 9.30am-10.30am

 

2021

Full calendar to be released shortly.

How long are the various sessions in the programme?

The monthly group in-person meeting is 3 hours (9.30am-12.30pm) with coffee and networking for 30 mins before and after. This includes a seminar presented by a subject matter expert, an application workshop facilitated by our Coaches, and a regular “informal” board meeting of peers for support and accountability – each section is approximately 1 hour.

Between each in-person meeting there is a one-hour online meeting for review and Q&A with a subject matter expert and our Coaches.

Additional time and energy should be allowed for planning and implementation every month.

Are there any pre-requisites for attending the programme?

The programme is designed for business owners and senior members of their team. Other than that, there are no pre-requisites for joining the programme.

However, in order to get the most out of joining us and to be a good fit in our community, you will identify with these descriptions:

  You have been in business for at least one year.
  You are based in or around the Auckland area.
  You value learning from others’ experiences.
  You’re keen to share your own experiences and lessons learnt.
  You have a vision for your business & welcome help to figure out the details.
  You’re driven and committed to taking consistent action.
  You understand the power of collaboration and support networks.
  You’re willing to be open and honest about your experiences.
  You have a genuine interest in helping others.

is this 1:1 Coaching?

This is a group coaching programme with some individual attention included. 1:1 Business Development Coaching is offered as an optional add-on for a fee and will help with specific application and more speedy implementation of the learning in the programme.

Is this a “Networking Group”?

No, networking is a secondary purpose of this programme. There will be opportunities for you to network and do business with other members, but the primary purpose is learning, planning and implementation to grow the health and profitability of your business.

What are the Seminars and Workshops about?

Subjects for these elements of the programme will cover all of the essential elements of running a successful business in NZ, including:

  • Building a profitable and easy to run business that requires less of your attention.
  • Reaching and attracting the best customers for your business
  • Developing a high-performing team to take care of your customers and your business
  • Becoming a successful, free and financially secure entrepreneur
What are the “Pop-Up Workshops” about?

From time to time, when a particular need emerges, a half-day or one-day workshop or webinar will be offered. These provide opportunities to dig deeper, learn more and apply powerful strategies with more intensity.

What if I can’t make it to every session?

We strongly recommend that you attend all sessions. However, if you can’t attend a session, you will be able to access the other elements of the month’s programme, along with the online resources for any missed session.

Can I send a substitute if I can’t make a session?

Yes. If it’s not possible for you to attend a session, you may send a staff member or business partner who will take the learning back to your business for implementation. For the integrity of the programme and the value to all members, we ask that you limit substitution to no more than 3 sessions.

How will the programme respond to COVID-19 or other social distancing requirements?

Of course, we will be compliant with Government directives and evaluate other voluntary recommendations. This may mean we should pivot to online meetings from time to time. If so, only the monthly in-person meeting will be affected. All other aspects of the programme are already compliant with Levels 3 and 4.

Can you guarantee results?

No, we can’t sorry. There are many factors in business success. However, with this programme, we have aimed to provide realistic, proven approaches to the most influential success factors. Your own choices and actions have the power to determine the actual results.

What is your refund/cancellation policy?

Please refer to our standard Terms of Trade, available here

Register now or request a call back

Enter your details below and one of our team will be in touch.

The road to success is always under construction…

Why Is The Change Curve Important?

This year we’ve all been forced to face up to huge, sudden, and perhaps overwhelming change in our personal and working lives.

As a business owner, this change may have been the most difficult you have experienced. You may have had to rethink your entire business as well as find the physical and mental strength to keep going or perhaps even start all over again.

Whether you’re still stuck in a state of shock or starting to feel optimistic again about the future, understanding what you’re feeling and why you’re doing the things you’re doing in your current circumstances will help you move through the stages, adapt to the new environment, and start thriving again.

The Kubler-Ross change curve shows us how we usually move through the initial shock and negativity of change towards more positive emotions and actions.

 


change curve

 

Where are you on the change curve?

Looking at the change curve diagram, you may immediately recognise where you are. Here we give a brief overview of each stage and some tips for moving forward along the curve.

 

Shock

This is an initial period of overwhelm and inaction. If you’re still in a state of shock, you need to give yourself time and space to adjust. It might help to limit the amount of news you’re consuming each day so you can start processing what’s happening and move along the curve. If you stay here, your business will not be able to weather the storms.

 

Denial

If you’ve convinced yourself that everything will be fine and that you just need to keep doing what you were doing before until it all ‘blows over’, you are in the denial stage. In order to move out of this stage, it’s helpful to challenge your own assumptions. Talk to others, especially other business owners, about what they’re thinking, feeling, and doing in order to gain clarity about your own situation.

 

Anger, Frustration, Blame

If you’re in this stage, you recognise that things are different and perhaps won’t ever be the same again. This can produce strong feelings of frustration or anger and a feeling that ‘it’s just not fair’. While it’s good to pass through this stage, as it can be an important catalyst for the next steps, be careful not to stay here too long. Look at the options you have in front of you in terms of your business and look to friends, family and/or a professional business mentor or coach for guidance.

Sadness, Depression

If you stay too long in the previous stage, it will affect your mood and energy levels and you may lose your motivation and slip into depression. Developing your mental toughness and resilience is essential. Again, don’t try to get through this alone. Tap into your support network and get some practical advice on how to move forward.

 

Get help with your business during these tough times with the part-funded Growing Organisations Group Coaching Programme

 

Experimentation, Acceptance

At this stage you are starting to feel more positive that things might work out. You’re thinking about how you might adapt to the changed environment. It’s good to be completely open-minded as you brainstorm options and start developing new capabilities to help you through the change.

 

Problem-solving, Decision-making

As your capability grows so will your confidence and in this stage you’re feeling empowered again. You’ve accepted the change and realised that you can make this work. You’ve had some good ideas and are starting to take back control. You may even be feeling excited about the new opportunities and possibilities.

 

Integration, Commitment

Well done. You’ve come out the other side. You’ve adapted yourself and your business to the ‘new normal’, your morale is high, and you’re starting to thrive again. The future is looking bright.

Remember, it’s usually not a linear journey along the change curve. You may spend longer in one stage than in others or skip a stage altogether. You may feel you’re moving forward, and then something new happens and throws you back into shock, anger or despair. If this happens, remember that, “This too shall pass” and you do have the ability to get back on top again.

Be aware of how others around you are feeling. If you are now feeling strong and determined – recognise that others may not feel the same way and use this knowledge to be empathetic and supportive.

 

Move Along The Change Curve

Here is a little 3-step exercise you can do today to help you move to the next stage along the change curve and towards the full recovery of your business:

  1. Determine where you are on the change curve in this moment
  2. Make notes about how you’re feeling and behaving
  3. Take one positive action such as the ones mentioned above to improve your situation & help you move along the curve

 

Further Reading

Overcome Helplessness and Thrive in Difficult Times

Is Your Business Relevant Right Now?

Where Is Your Business Going?

Reset & Relaunch – A New Beginning For Your Business

3 Ways to Keep Spirits Up In Tough Times

Strategies To Avoid & Manage Brain Overload & Burnout 

 

Receive up to 50% funding for our new Group Coaching Programme designed to help Auckland SMEs navigate the rocky business landscape of 2020 and beyond

Programme Manager and Facilitator at Growing Organisations
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Louise Francis is our content researcher, writer and a facilitator at Growing Organisations.

For more information about personal and professional development or to discuss your business goals, contact the Growing Organisations office.


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I recently read James Allen’s 1903 book Out From The Heart and, as with many of Allen’s books (his most famous being As A Man Thinketh), it gave me much food for thought. In it, the philosophical writer addresses 7 basic yet powerful disciplines to follow in order to live the ‘higher life’.

In this blog post, I share with you Allen’s advice on mastering these often neglected disciplines.

He shows us how our mental processes and habits are common barriers to our personal development and success. While many of us try to skip ahead to master more complex practices, Allen argues that without overcoming some basic ingrained mental habits, which contribute to unproductive behaviour and unhappy work and personal lives, we will not be able to find strength of mind and character, live in line with our purpose, and fulfil our true potential.

Here is a summary of James Allen’s 7 basic ‘vices’, which many of us still struggle with 100 years after the publication of his book, along with his advice on how we can discipline ourselves in order to overcome them:

Disciplines Of The Body

Although the following two vices are manifested in the body and behaviour, they are actually in the mind – a result of built-in mental habits:

1. Indolence (or idleness)

This is the first and (according to Allen) easiest step. Without overcoming indolence, we will not be able to overcome the next 6 steps. Indolence includes giving the body more sleep and rest than it requires, procrastinating, and neglecting to do the things which require our attention in the appropriate moment.

Ways to overcome indolence:

  • Create the habit of waking up early
  • Only give your body the amount of sleep it requires for complete recuperation
  • Complete each task promptly and vigorously as and when it comes along
  • Never take food or drink to bed.
  • Never lie in bed (in ‘ease and reveries’) once you have woken up.

 

2. Self-indulgence (or gluttony)

If we eat, or consume anything in any form, for the sake of mere ‘animal gratification’ without considering the true purpose of that consumption, if we eat/consume more than we require, or if we are always craving (and satisfying our craving) for sweet, rich, or unhealthy dishes, we are guilty of at least a little self-indulgence. This step of course applies to our food diet, but also more and more to our modern consumer habits for the possession of material things.

To overcome this, and bring an ungoverned appetite under control, we must discipline ourselves to:

  • Reduce the quantity of food eaten and the number of meals per day (reduce the quantity of material goods we buy and the quantity of shopping trips we go on!)
  • Eat at regular set times for meals and avoid eating at other times (go shopping only when we need something)
  • Avoid eating after 7pm as it leads to heavy sleep and ‘cloudiness of mind’
  • Eat a simple and ‘uninvolved’ diet (lead a simple and modest life with minimal material possessions)

We will have accomplished these first two disciplines when we learn to control and firmly guide our bodies; when we promptly do the tasks that need to be done instead of putting them off for later; when we enjoy rising early in the morning; when we practice frugality, temperance, and abstinence; when we become content with what is put before us; and when we stop craving food and material goods to satisfy short-term superficial desires.

 

Disciplines Of Speech

What comes out of our mouths is first created in our minds. Allen advises that if we can break habits of negative thoughts about ourselves and others, such as the 5 listed below, we will be able to clear our minds and make way for more useful and purposeful thoughts and behaviour. 

3. Slander (defamation)

Slander includes inventing or repeating evil things about others, exposing or magnifying the faults of others, and introducing unworthy insinuations. When we engage in slander, we entertain thoughtlessness, cruelty, insincerity, and untruthfulness. If we want to live a healthy and happy life, we must refrain from disparaging and condemning the absent friend and from saying of another something we wouldn’t say to him. It’s important to recognise and check these cruel words of slander before they leave our mouths and then with time work on eliminating the thoughts which gave rise to them.

 

We must refrain from saying of another something we wouldn’t say to him.

 

4. Gossip and Idle conversation

We’re all guilty of being led down this path every now and then. We might indulge in discussing the private lives of others, talking merely to pass the time, or engaging in aimless or irrelevant conversation perhaps to fill an uncomfortable silence. As James Allen says, ‘such an ungoverned condition of speech is the outcome of an ill-regulated mind’.

To achieve a strong healthy mind and lead a virtuous life, Allen recommends we learn how to restrain our tongue, make our speech strong and pure, and either talk with purpose or remain silent.

 

5. Abusive and unkind speech

We must overcome this step if we are to have peace of mind and find the right way in our lives. All outwardly projected negativity towards others stems from within us and therefore prevents us from living a fulfilled and content life. We must only speak words that are useful, necessary, pure, and true.

 

6. Levity, or irreverent speech

When we repeat course jokes or tell vulgar stories with the sole purpose of gaining an empty laugh, when we speak of others in a contemptuous or irreverent way, or when modesty, gravity, and dignity are eliminated from speech, we have already lost our way. To have a healthy and happy mind, and be fortunate enough to be surrounded by likeminded people, we must be careful that what we do or say does not sacrifice our dignity for the passing excitement of momentary laughs or admiration.

 

7. Captiousness or fault-finding speech

This vice involves magnifying and harping on small or apparent faults of others, foolish bickering and hair-splitting, and pursuing vain arguments based on groundless suppositions, beliefs, and opinions. Rather than always being on the watch to catch the words of others in order to contradict and controvert them, we should be ever on the watch to check our own words in order to soften and purify them. This will conserve our energy and maintain our composure of mind.

 

Rather than always being on the watch to catch the words of others in order to contradict and controvert them, we should be ever on the watch to check our own words in order to soften and purify them.”  

 

According to Allen, we will have accomplished these 5 disciplines when our speech is well controlled and wisely subdued; when selfish impulses and unworthy thoughts no longer ‘rush to our tongues’; when our communication has become harmless, pure, gentle, gracious, and purposeful; and all words are uttered in sincerity and truth.

Once we see these behaviours for what they are and understand the damage to ourselves as well as others, we will stimulate our mind and create new thought patterns, which, with practice, will lead to a change in our behaviour. Only then can we start focusing on developing our ‘higher’ virtues in order to become truly happy and successful.

Programme Manager and Facilitator at Growing Organisations
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Louise Francis is our content writer and a facilitator at Growing Organisations.

For more information about personal and professional development or to discuss your business goals, contact the Growing Organisations office.


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Did 2021 provide you
with uncertainty or opportunity?
Get it right in 2022.

  

If your business needs assistance or if your business needs to launch into a new phase of growth in 2022 then this programme could be right for you and your business.

Is this programme right
for my business?

Get a FREE no obligation consultation to find out:

Take Your Business to the NEXT LEVEL

– What will you take away from the programme? –

SME Owners Programme

A well-conceived
promotion plan

– Reach the right customers –

SME Owners Programme

An easy & powerful
conversation process

– Increase sales with better communication –

SME Owners Programme

A high-performing team

– Increase productivity and delivery –

SME Owners Programme

A profitable business model

– Gain more financial freedom and leisure time –

… and so much more!

Click here to get started!

Is this programme actually going to benefit my business?

  
  • Get access to professional business coaches to help grow your unique business at an affordable price.
  • Find the time and energy to focus on getting results in your business and taking the right actions.
  • Make your business work for you and have the accountability and support to make a measurable difference to the achievement of your business goals.
  • Be part of a network of passionate SME owners who ‘get it’ and who want you to succeed as much as you do. 

Get a FREE no obligation consultation to find out:

Next Steps:  Your business could be eligible for funding. Fill out the form and one of our consultants will get in touch to figure out if this programme will work for you. We will also answer any questions you have on funding for our programme.

Here’s What Others Say about Our Coaching…

  

“The road to success is always under construction…”

Meet Our Business Coaches

Our hugely experienced and qualified coaching team will be in your corner from Day 1 to actively support you through each level of personal and business growth.

Image module

Ross Wilson

LinkedIn Profile

Ross brings more than 30 years of experience as a company director, business leader, award-winning learning and strategy facilitator, and business performance improvement adviser in a wide range of industries throughout New Zealand and overseas.

Image module

Michelle Keating

LinkedIn Profile

Michelle brings her broad experience in team leadership, marketing, small business ownership, and workshop facilitation. As well as her strong organisational skills and sense of good process.

Kate Suhonen

Kate Suhonen

LinkedIn Profile

Kate brings a broad experience of the issues challenging business leaders. With more than 20 years global experience in HR, Training and Development, Health, Safety and Wellbeing she is skilled in change management and employee engagement.

Image module

Guest Coaches

 

From time to time throughout the programme we will invite specialists from our network, who are committed to helping other business owners to succeed, to provide coaching on relevant topics.

How does the programme work?

Every month, for a whole year, we provide a regular structure of training and support activities, with the flexibility to respond to important things happening on the ground.

A monthly group session including:
 

Seminars & Workshops

Each month focuses on one key business topic with input from a specialist and group activities, planning & execution.

 

Peer Break-Outs

Your chance to share your objectives and achievements, give and receive feedback, and be supported and held accountable.

 

Hot Seat

In each session one group member has the opportunity to take the hot seat and get input from the collective wisdom of the group on an issue they are facing in their business.

 

Q&A With Experts

Our regular open Q&A sessions give you the opportunity to ask an expert consultant for advice on any business topic.

Plus in between sessions, support and tools to help you implement your growth plans
 

Members Toolbox

Seminar notes and related tools and templates to make business easier.

 

1:1 Support Call

A catch up and progress check to help with application and implementation.

 

Peer Review Team

Get more practical advice from your small group of peers and benefit from accountability.

 

Networking & Social Events

Expand your network and spend time getting to know the other members of the programme in a social setting.

Take Your Business
To The Next Level

When you join The SME Owners Programme, you’ll get access to expert performance consultants and the collective wisdom of like-minded Kiwi business owners who have faced similar issues to you.

You’ll belong to a supportive and trusted group of business leaders who are helping each other grow their businesses by taking consistent action.

We designed this group coaching programme to help Auckland & Waikato business owners navigate the ups and downs of the challenging and ever-changing business landscape.

I highly recommend Ross and the team at Growing Organisations. They’ve helped me make better business decisions that have grown our brand. They give insights and encourage me to focus in on key areas of growth and be intentional about our business’ direction and future.
Chris Lange
1st Class Gardens, Auckland
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“Our business development coaching deals with the realities of NZ business – in the Kiwi way – head-on, straight-talking, down-to-earth, and with genuine professional and peer support.”

Ross Wilson, Entrepreneur, Performance Coach, and MD at Growing Organisations

Why Choose Our Coaching Programme?

These sessions deal with the realities of NZ business with genuine professional and peer support.​ Reap the benefits of collective wisdom of the group.


 Practical business training topics

 Access to experienced & professional coaches

 Collaboration and support

 Feedback and accountability

 Fresh ideas and group problem-solving

 Cost-effective business coaching

 Group size limited to 20

 Members’ online resource centre

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is my business eligible for funding?

We are registered suppliers with Regional Business Partners Network (RBPN). Get in touch with us to talk about whether your business might be eligible for funding.

Why a 12 month programme?

We have found that building a sustainable, successful business takes time and attention to many different aspects of the business.

This programme is intensive and requires rapid application and produces great results quickly. Even so, at least one year with 12 sessions is normally desirable.

What are the dates and times for the programme?

The programme runs on a monthly calendar, with the in-person session generally being held on the first Wednesday of the month from 9.30-12.30am at The Crate Co-working Space in Rosedale.

This is then followed by our Zoom Q&A session on the third Wednesday of the month from 9.30am-10.30am. You will also regularly meet informally with the others members of the programme in the final week of the month.

For a full calendar of our upcoming dates, please get in touch with us.

How long are the various sessions in the programme?

The monthly group in-person meeting is 3 hours (9.30am-12.30pm) with coffee and networking for 30 mins before and after. This includes a seminar presented by a subject matter expert, an application workshop facilitated by our Coaches, and a regular “informal” board meeting of peers for support and accountability – each section is approximately 1 hour.

Between each in-person meeting there is a one-hour online meeting for review and Q&A with a subject matter expert and our Coaches.

Additional time and energy should be allowed for planning and implementation every month.

Are there any pre-requisites for attending the programme?

The programme is designed for business owners and senior members of their team. Other than that, there are no pre-requisites for joining the programme.

However, in order to get the most out of joining us and to be a good fit in our community, you will identify with these descriptions:

  You have been in business for at least one year.
  You are based in or around the Auckland area.
  You value learning from others’ experiences.
  You’re keen to share your own experiences and lessons learnt.
  You have a vision for your business & welcome help to figure out the details.
  You’re driven and committed to taking consistent action.
  You understand the power of collaboration and support networks.
  You’re willing to be open and honest about your experiences.
  You have a genuine interest in helping others.

Is this 1:1 Coaching?

This is a group coaching programme with some individual attention included. 1:1 Business Development Coaching is offered as an optional add-on for a fee and will help with specific application and more speedy implementation of the learning in the programme.

Is this a “Networking Group”?

No, networking is a secondary purpose of this programme. There will be opportunities for you to network and do business with other members, but the primary purpose is learning, planning and implementation to grow the health and profitability of your business.

What are the Seminars and Workshops about?

Subjects for these elements of the programme will cover all of the essential elements of running a successful business in NZ, including:

  • Building a profitable and easy to run business that requires less of your attention.
  • Reaching and attracting the best customers for your business
  • Developing a high-performing team to take care of your customers and your business
  • Becoming a successful, free and financially secure entrepreneur
What are the “Pop-Up Workshops” about?

From time to time, when a particular need emerges, a half-day or one-day workshop or webinar will be offered. These provide opportunities to dig deeper, learn more and apply powerful strategies with more intensity.

(Charges may apply)

What if I can’t make it to every session?

We strongly recommend that you attend all sessions. However, if you can’t attend a session, you will be able to access the other elements of the month’s programme, along with the online resources for any missed session.

Can I send a substitute if I can’t make a session?

Yes. If it’s not possible for you to attend a session, you may send a staff member or business partner who will take the learning back to your business for implementation. For the integrity of the programme and the value to all members, we ask that you limit substitution to no more than 3 sessions in the 12-month programme.

How will the programme respond to COVID-19 or other social distancing requirements?

Of course, we will be compliant with Government directives and evaluate other voluntary recommendations. This may mean we should pivot to online meetings from time to time. If so, only the monthly in-person meeting will be affected. All other aspects of the programme are already compliant with Levels 3 and 4.

Can you guarantee results?

No, we can’t sorry. There are many factors in business success. However, with this programme, we have aimed to provide realistic, proven approaches to the most influential success factors. Your own choices and actions have the power to determine the actual results.

What is your refund/cancellation policy?

Please refer to our standard Terms of Trade, available here

Find out if the SME programme is a fit for my business?

  

Are you looking to…

Build a profitable and easy to run business that requires less of your attention?

Reach and attract the best customers for your business?

Develop a high-performing team to take care of your customers and your business?

Become a successful, free, and financially secure entrepreneur?

Talk to us and find out how this programme can help you achieve your business goals.

The Elephant Phenomenon

When an elephant trainer starts working with a baby elephant, he or she will use a rope to tie one of the elephant’s legs to a post. The elephant will struggle for hours, even days, trying to escape the rope, but eventually, it will quiet down and accept its limited range of motion (Wu, 2009). 

When the elephant grows up and is more than strong enough to break the rope, it doesn’t even try – it’s learned over time that any kind of struggle is useless. 

Elephant tied to rope
Learned Helplessness

Like the elephants, we learn a lot of our thought patterns and behaviours early on from our parents, guardians, teachers, peers, and through our personal experiences. Often, once we’ve learnt a particular way of thinking or doing something, it can be hard to change our patterns, and this can have a significant impact on our lives.  

One thought pattern and behaviour which many of us have learned is the same sense of helplessness as the trained elephants.  

When we’ve been in situations where we couldn’t control outcomes, we may have learned that what we did didn’t matter. Then, later, even when faced with circumstances over which we can exercise some control, we don’t even try.  

Studies have found that a true inability to control the environment is not necessary for such learned helplessness to occur. In fact, even simply telling a person there is nothing they can do, makes them more likely to not try or to try less diligently than those who are not given this advice (Maier & Seligman, 1975).  

telling a person there is nothing they can do, makes them more likely to not try or to try less diligently than those who are not given this advice. 

 

Like with many aspects of human behaviour, our own perceptions and expectations are the key. 

Prof. Martin Seligman, known as the father of positive psychology and the learned helplessness theory, argued that, as a result of these negative expectations, other consequences may accompany our inability or unwillingness to act, including: 

  • Low self-esteem 
  • Low-motivation 
  • Chronic failure 
  • Sadness and even depression 
  • Physical illness 

So how can we overcome learned helplessness and make sure we are acting in a proactive accountable way to help us stay on top, even in difficult times?

Here are 4 steps to help guide you: 

 

1. Recognise what you can change and what you can’t

How much time do you spend worrying about what other people are saying or doing, the scandals of celebrities and government officials, the political or social views of your peers, or the weather? All of these things are things you cannot control so any energy spent on them is wasted and is likely to lead to feelings of stress, passivity, and/or helplessness.   

During these times of upheaval and uncertainty, there are countless things happening that we have no control or influence over. Many people are experiencing stress and anxiety. This is a good time to remind ourselves that in order to get through these times and come out on top, we must choose to focus our precious time and energy on those things that are within our control. These include the people we associate with, the skills we learn, where we live, what we buy, what we eat, and, most importantly, our attitude and responses to situations.  

 

2. Choose your responses

Once we recognise what we can change and what we can’t, we can choose to respond in a helpless (passive) way or an accountable (active) way. 

We may believe that the situations we experience are a direct result of the external events happening in our lives. However, two different people who experience the same adversity may experience completely different outcomes. This is because the outcome is not a direct consequence of the adversity but is greatly determined by how they respond. 

For example, if you lose your job, you could feel helpless and believe you can’t do anything about it. You may become depressed and therefore not look for solutions. You then take this with you and it affects what happens next in your life. 

Some examples of helpless or passive behaviour:  

  • Blaming 
  • Moaning 
  • Making excuses 
  • Denying 
  • Doing nothing 
  • Feeling blocked/stuck 
  • Ignoring 
  • Seeing obstacles and failure 
  • Waiting for others to act 

 However, if you lose your job, although you may not be able to get it back, you can control your own attitude and response to the situation and what happens next. Rather than letting it get you down, you can take pro-active action to start updating your CV, look for another job, get on the phone to your contacts for advice, or train up in another skill.  

Some examples of accountable or proactive behaviour: 

  • Being responsible 
  • Taking ownership 
  • Seeking solutions 
  • Seeking feedback 
  • Seeing possibilities & opportunities 
  • Making choices 

 If you respond according to the first passive approach, you may find yourself unemployed for longer and suffer further negative consequences down the line. You are likely to blame these on the fact you lost your job, rather than on your own response to it.

If you take the second proactive approach, however, you are more likely to be optimistic, recover quicker, and experience a more positive outcome (e.g. finding a new job). 

 

3. Listen to the language you (and others) use

One way to know whether you’re behaving in a helpless or accountable way is to pay attention to your language. Here are some examples of reactive helpless language and some proactive accountable alternatives:  

Reactive Helpless Language Proactive Accountable Language
There’s nothing I can do  Let’s look at our alternatives 
That’s just the way I am  I can choose a different approach 
He makes me so mad  I control my own feelings 
They won’t allow me to do that.  I can do / create that 
I have to do that …  I will choose an appropriate response
I can’t/I must / If only …  I choose / I prefer / I will 


Check in on yourself to make sure you’re using accountable language whenever possible as this relates to a feeling of control over yourself and your circumstances and is vital for calm and wellbeing.

If you notice a pattern of helpless language such as ‘there’s nothing I can do’, ‘that’s just the way I am’, or ‘I can’t’, then try switching to proactive language such as ‘I choose, ‘I can’, and ‘I will’. This may seem strange at first, but with practise you will retrain your brain and change your thought patterns, and therefore your behaviour.

4. Be careful of over personalisation

When acting in an accountable way it’s important to ask questions to ensure you are not taking responsibility for things that are actually not within your control (like how other people think and feel about you). This is known as over-personalisation and can trigger feelings of guilt and self-condemnation.  

Avoid wasting time and energy on these things and focus only on the things you do have control over. 

 

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when you feel a little helpless ….  

  • What language am I using? 
  • Am I falling into a helplessness mindset in particular circumstances? What is the common theme? 
  • What do I want to do/create? 
  • How can I take responsibility for this situation? 
  • What choices might I need to make – aligned to me, my passion and vision?  
  • How can I think or feel about this differently in order to achieve this? 

 


Remember that when we accept and remain passive in negative situations despite our clear ability to change them, we lose motivation and are less able to make decisions going forward. 

Proactive accountable thoughts and behaviour lead to and a sense of control and wellbeing, and help you thrive – despite what else is going on around you. 


If you would like to know more about our proven remedies for learned helplessness, at both the individual and organisational (team) level, and based on Dr. Martin E. Seligman’s researchget in touch and I’ll be happy to offer some initial informal advice.

Have a great week.

Cheers,

Ross.

Growing Organisations offers coaching and mentoring services to business owners and helps you lead through change and crisis.

Ross Wilson. Performance consultant, coach, and managing director of Growing Organisations
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ross Wilson is an Organisational Performance Consultant and Managing Director of Growing Organisations. For more information and to discuss your business goals, contact us today.

E: [email protected] | T: 021 152 8400


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