Growth Newsletter

The world is subject to disruption at the moment. In many areas. And whether the left leaning, fire bombing protesters at the G20 in Hamburg, Germany in early July like it or not, disruption will continue – only the pace of it will change.

What is it with the owners and managers of family businesses and their ability to be distracted by shiny objects?

For most family businesses, the ownership and management structures are similar. The patriarch and matriarch might own and manage the business. Or, they may be the semi- retired shareholders with the next generation stepping into the management shoes in the business.

The owners and managers of family businesses are interesting people. When they first step into business, they’re entrepreneurial, enthusiastic and energetic. The learning curve is steep and with perseverance comes success.

As the owner or manager of a family business, do you feel a sense of guilt when you do something for yourself such as:

When I talk to the owners and managers of family business, invariably the conversation comes around to the people in the business.

One of my great clients emailed me one Thursday morning in complete and utter frustration.

When I was in my twenties, I was advised to have my wisdom teeth out. At the time, I didn’t like the oral surgeon. I’d had a bad experience with a dentist when I was 7 years old and so, perhaps, both unfairly and unreasonably, I was not keen on this chap. Though, maybe I just didn’t like the answer?

I get the innovation.

I get the design.

I get the alternative way of selling.

I get how modern it is.

I get that it is ground breaking.

But I don’t get the numbers!

I’ve been working with one of my good, long standing clients for the past 12 months and we’ve been looking at what is happening in the business in terms of sales. You see, they took on a new staff member to replace one that was leaving after four years and the rate of sales conversion has dropped through the floor.