Asset Business Consulting has provided solutions to businesses for nearly twenty years. Our client base is diverse and we enjoy our relationship with them. The new markets we become involved in are often a result of our exposure to our other clients through reference as well as direct contact on our website. While we don’t like to refuse business opportunities, on occasion we come across clients who need help in different ways. Hospitality, real estate, recreation, education, transportation, finance, agriculture, nutrition and art are markets that we have been active in for many years.
We meet entrepreneurs every day and go out of our way to engage owners about their business. It can happen at an event, a golf course, through friends or even as a result of our kid’s school. It’s always great to listen to what entrepreneurs have to say and “how” they say it. They come in so many sizes and shapes however, it seems they always have a common characteristic… passion for their company. I attend many Chamber of Commerce meetings, Newcomer get-togethers and other events in the area. Since I have doing this for so many years, it has become easier to “break the ice” with people which often leads to productive conversations. One of the questions I often ask is “what is the important issue you face everyday in your business?
A few years ago, I took on a contract for some business coaching with a education franchise. I worked with the new franchisees on starting up their business. They usually had lots of questions about hiring employees, marketing, and the technical aspects of the internet. Because I have been involved in technology for quite a few years, I was often able to drill down quickly and provide some coaching and on occasion consulting services. Most often the questions were similar and since I had over 100 other franchisees’ experience to draw from, the answers to the key issues were fairly easy to discern.
Small business people can run a great business as well however it takes vision and forward thinking to launch an enterprise. In the beginning, money can be a big issue and there is usually not enough cash flow to get through the first year.
The demographic we find that works best is one where the client has had a background of business experience and is more prepared for the entrepreneurial world. It requires sustained effort, some luck and the ability to listen to advice. Too many with inexperience don’t have this characteristic and can’t handle the multi-tasking needed to be successful.