As a start-up entrepreneur, I try to focus on two things each day; writing and building channel communication plans for my new clients. That’s not to say I’m ignoring the process of prospecting future business and doing 101 other tasks each day, but my primary responsibility is to the projects that pay the bills today. My actions don’t differ from many emerging solution provider business owners, and that may create problems for strategic growth and profitability goals. I’m aware of my short-term business deficiencies and working to improve my processes and planning every day, but many entrepreneurs get buried in the daily minutia and don’t plan the next steps in developing their business. That’s where a well-qualified business coach is critical, becoming the conscience of your business plans (to the point you’d swear they were hired by your bank). In the IT services and managed services space, Stuart Selbst fills that role quite handily with a great combination of personal IT business success and years of personal training experience.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Stuart for a few years through our work with several CompTIA services group initiatives, and had the privilege of meeting many of his clients over that time. His partners can’t say enough about working with him and the testimonials are so positive it’s almost embarrassing (in a good way). Each is quick to point out tangible results from their business relationship and Stuart estimates their average revenue growth in 2009 was 68% -just ask them if you have any doubts! [I’ll add my FTC disclaimer here and say I am not, nor have ever been a client of Stuart Selbst Consulting and do not receive financial incentives for including Stuart or his company in my blog.]
Business success requires discipline; a collaborative focus on achieving the business client’ short and long term goals, with the owner assuring tasks are executed to achieve the targets set for each period. The business coach’s role may be multifaceted, but in the end it’s critical they ensure their clients are setting and attaining goals at the upper end of the company’s potential. You employ a business coach when you want to maximize the productivity and success of your business, not just to keep growth at the same pace (unless circumstances require it). Stuart puts his knowledge of industry best practices and industry experience to work, and ensures mutually created plans are adhered to. Most of all, Stuart assesses the steps taken and ensures the goals are within reach, then helps adjust the plans if results aren’t where they need to be.
In addition to one-on-one sessions with clients, Stuart provides group training and seminars on occasion. He works collaboratively with many experts in different disciplines, and hosts educational events across the continent with this team of managed services and IT business thought leaders.
Stu knows how to build a conducive learning environment at his training conferences, illustrated by his upcoming Spring Training for Business event, March 10-13 in Phoenix. Attendees will enjoy a great round of desert golf, followed by 2½ days of business education workshops conducted by IT industry professionals, and then cap it off with a dose of spring training baseball. It’s already a great value at $999, but Stuart is offering a $200 discount to anyone registering through my blog (just use code TSC200 when signing up at Spring Training for Business).
If you’re an emerging IT business owner and can’t get to Phoenix in March to experience Stuart Selbst live, check out his site and sign up for his blog. You’ll find he’s extremely focused on the success of his clients, well versed in running an IT business, and is a very passionate about what he does. If you think your business can do better (even if you are profitable), give him a call and discuss the prospects of working together.
Website: http://www.stuartselbst.com/
Blog: http://www.stuartselbst.com/Rss.aspx?ContentID=899899
