121: Business Work Out!
'The Wind of Change Brings Good Fortune!'

In our mail bag this week, we have had many questions on surviving the downturn and how small businesses can use business advisors and coaches to help, so we have put your questions direct to our in house business coach: Where do small business owners go now for help and advice?

The facts are that 75% of small businesses fail within 5 years and according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses, 70% of small business owners turn to spouses or family members for the majority of their business advice (We wonder about the correlation?) as this seems the first port of call for most of them. You can therefore make the assumption that many businesses are in need of help to grow and indeed survive!

Yet most don’t seek help. 121 Business Coach has identified 3 key reasons why:

1. They don’t know how to ask for help. Often the person who starts the business is a self-sufficient entrepreneur which is “good news, bad news.” Good news in that they are risk takers and willing to try new ideas. Bad news in that this is the trait that often makes it difficult to ask for help. We have been there, and are very gentle with the explorer!

2. They don’t know if coaching is the answer. Neither do we, until we meet and share ideas! An honest and forthright review of what you need, and the services we offer to assist you will determine if there is a need or want or fit. We respect “no” as much as “yes” when it’s an informed decision.

3. They don’t know if it’s affordable. 121 have operated in big corporations and they run a small business. One of the things that make them different from some other coaches is their willingness to shape their services to fit your need and budget, not make you fit some coaching mould!

Is this the key to a failing business?
Typically not. If the business is in a serious downward trend, it is often difficult or impossible to stop the downward momentum. The key is to engage a business coach before a serious downturn occurs. If you aren’t growing, you are actually going backwards. Coaches will sit down with you for an exploratory meeting, normally free to assess your needs so you have nothing to lose and every thing to gain.

So you help healthy business then?
Absolutely. This is our target market, along with start up operations. A successful business that wants to get to the next level more quickly and efficiently, often it is a business that has outgrown the business model in some respects and is in need of some fresh ideas and adjustments to “set the sails” for speedy advancement.

DIARY DATE
Every Monday at 6pm 121 will be online live to answer your business questions. Just click www.roundtownnews.co.uk and the best news of all is this interactive session is free. Email questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (all information is treated in a private and confidential manner).This week they will be answering your questions on how small businesses and start-ups are using business coaches, networking and business associations to tap into the expertise needed to grow. 121 can be reached at (+34) 965 744 015 by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it