As you launch and grow your business, you will likely enlist experts for certain tasks that you cannot do yourself or would be too time-consuming to learn. For instance, during tax season, you could do your own taxes or you could hire an accountant. Some things make sense to do ourselves if it can be easily learned or it plays to our strengths. We can save money in these areas to spend on the areas that we need help with. When deciding to engage an expert, you need to think through the return on investment or the opportunity cost of not doing business with them.

Some of the experts you are likely to work with at some point are lawyers, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing agencies, PR firms, business account managers at your bank, business mentors and business coaches. Some of these services you need to protect your business; for instance, working with a lawyer for contract needs. You could use a template you find online, but it's best to engage a lawyer and make sure all of your needs are met. A business account manager can help you obtain a business loan or line of credit and advise how to use the money to grow your business. Enlisting a bookkeeper will help keep everything in order so you can understand your finances better, stay on top of invoices being paid and get ready to do your taxes. Working with a PR firm and marketing agency will grow your business and offer a good return on investment over time. A business mentor and business coach can offer you advice as you implement your business plan and help you navigate any challenges that come up. A lot of accountants also offer financial services and can help with your business strategy. 

Surrounding yourself with competent and talented professionals is very important as you grow your business. It’s a good idea to ask people you know or other entrepreneurs you trust for referrals. Talk to and get quotes from up to three experts per profession before making your decision. Take many elements into account when making a decision, not just cost. Sometimes, we think someone will be great and then they don’t turn out to be a good fit for us. If that’s the case, go back to the drawing board until you find your go-to person in every area of expertise your business needs to thrive. One of the amazing benefits of being an entrepreneur is that we get to choose who we work with. There is absolutely no reason to put up with any crap. Find your people and then treat them well. Be respectful, pay them on time and let them know you appreciate them.

As you go through different growth stages in your business, you will lean on some experts more than others and you will learn a lot of new things preparing for your next growth stage and building a resilient business. 

If you think you are ready to work with a business coach and step into your ideal life, then send me a message to inquire about private 1-on-1 coaching.

Farewell, I look forward to hearing from you,

Ash Enns