Whether you do it now or later, I strongly recommend you watch this 15 minute TED video – it’s not about the profanity shouting teddy bear, but if you want to succeed in business it’s just as entertaining http://www.ted.com/talks/larry_smith_why_you_will_fail_to_have_a_great_career
I’m pretty sure all of you can relate to what Larry Smith talks about in this video. How many times have you been to a meeting or conference, felt utterly inspired, but within a couple of days (a week at most), you have taken not followed up all the things you said you were going to do? Within less than a couple of weeks you’ve probably forgotten you even attended the event. As Larry Smith says, this is why you WON’T have a great career. You need to be passionate about what you do, if you sit on your backside all day hoping your business will look after itself you’re very much mistaken!
In September I’ll be celebrating my 10th anniversary as a driving instructor, and I’ve run Drive Ahead School of Motoring in Stoke for the past 5 years. Although my business has grown, there’s now 6 driving instructors at Drive Ahead, with more training at the time of writing, it wasn’t until the last 12 months that I’ve started to think of myself as a businessman – I’m quite happy to admit I was winging it! For the past 9 months I’ve been working with Marc Ford and a small group of like minded professionals to improve my business and to realise my true potential as a business owner. With quarterly meetings at Fresh Plans I’ve learned so much about running a business and what it takes to succeed. In addition to this I also have fortnightly 1 to 1 Skype conversations with Marc.
For those who don’t know Marc Ford, he runs a small driving school in Worcester, he is a business coach to many, and has years of retail and business experience which he uses to help others succeed. Almost forgot, he’s also just completed one of his biggest achievements – his MBA degree!
During our fortnightly calls we discuss my business, recent progress, plans for the future, and how I’m going to achieve them. Back in April of this year I made a business plan for the next 12 months – I’ve already met and exceeded most of the targets that I set. Over the years I’ve “if’d and ah’d” at getting things done, but on many occasions let things lie or opportunities drift past me. Marc gives me the focus to set these targets and gives me the balls to get things done. Since I began work as an instructor I’ve worked 6 days a week, and even on the 7th day I’d still be doing ‘work’ things. For a long time I’ve said I’ll cut out my Saturday’s and just work Monday to Friday, allowing me a full weekend with my family. Although I’ve said it, I’ve never done it. Working with Marc, this was one of my first targets. Within a few weeks I’d done it, I’ve now had weekends off for the past 3 months, and enjoyed some great times with my loved ones – money can’t buy that. I’ve also had targets for increasing lesson prices which I’ve often put off as fear work will dry up. Following my conversations and guidance with Marc, Drive Ahead now has one of the highest lesson prices in our area with further increases planned for later in the year, and we’ve never been busier.
Im pretty sure I could’ve achieved what I have achieved over the past 12 months on my own, I’m also pretty sure it would’ve taken me much longer. Wby working with Marc, I’m going to defy Larry Smith, I’m going to have a great career, as I WILL get things done. It won’t always be easy, I will make mistakes, and things won’t always go to plan. Are you going to be the one Larry’s talking about? The person who has the great ideas but never does anything about it? Or would you like to have a great career? If you’re the latter then come and see what Fresh Plans is all about. I’m not here to sell Fresh Plans to you, I’m just sharing with you my experiences. The next quarterly meeting is https://www.facebook.com/events/370774156453829/ – Hope to see you there!