Running a small business is sometimes like trying to push an elephant up hill. Small business owners are forever trying to do everything themselves. Understandable I know, because often they feel they can’t afford it or can’t justify the cost. And that’s the point, we see it as a cost not an investment.

Looking at small businesses that are successful, what is clear is that the founder, managing director, chief executive, who provided the early, initial motivation, products or service were quick to recognise that it’s not just about products and customers, it was actually about putting the right people around them. Not just employees (if you choose that route) but if you outsource too. They understood that when they had a problem or challenge they hit the right button with an outside person to get them over the hump.

So when you have a marketing problem, go get a good marketing consultancy. If you have a financial issue, go get a financial adviser who understands business. If you have a management problem, go get a management consultancy. Be clear about what you want, what you need to change and what the return on investment is going to be.

Success is about putting the right people around you. Invariably you really can’t do it all yourself, if you do, your business will experience complete limited growth.

There is no such thing as a sole entrepreneur! So do you want to grow your business or not?

I read Chris Anderson’s book a while ago and have just re read it. Its an interesting look at the future trends using the media and entertainment industries as an example. I’d recommend the book to anyone who has an interest in how business could work, actually is working now and in the future. You can see a preview of his thoughts in a video on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yku0GTrcuw and have an option to download the full video when you are there.

Enjoy.