STAN J TONOSKI,
Entrepreneurial Coach
Making Business Better
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As adults we become very habituated at what we do. We blithely keep on doing things the way we have always done them, or worse we copy what our parents did. We also tend to copy our competitors when they start doing different things than us. Children can teach us some of the most important fundamentals about life and business. Most parents have been frustrated by the constant plea of the three year old. Why?….Why? Dr Alan Gregerman has written one of the simplest yet most comprehensive books on running your business. The book is the lessons and questions he learned from his children. “Lessons from the Sandbox” subtitled “Using the 13 Gifts of Childhood to Rediscover the Keys to Business Success” discusses the power of simple questions in moving our businesses ahead and keeping them on track and profitable. The design of our business does not end with the business plan. Ironically, if we want to remain cutting edge, we need to use the mind of a child to ensure our business is providing the best service, and the best product, while optimizing the return. Remember traveling with a child. Where are we going? Why are we going there? What are we going to do? Why? Are we there yet? Can you clearly answer these questions about your business? Do you routinely question what is being done, how and why you are doing it? I mean really! Is there a better or different way? Is it better to stopping doing it? Consider the curiosity of a child. What is that? What does it feel like? Can I touch it? Can I have it? How does it work? Being curious allows us to explore infinite possibilities in ways we can do what we do better, more effectively, and more efficiently. We can stop doing those things that no longer serve us. When was the last time you interviewed your best customers to find out how you could serve them better? When did you last talk to the customer who walked away to find out why? What are you not offering that you could offer? Is this customer making you money? Children when left to their own devices without adult influence and intervention will often share willingly for the benefit of all. When did you last offer to help or mentor a new business owner (or employee)? What we give, we receive tenfold in return. Entrepreneurs are reluctant to ask for help. When did you last ask for help? It is up to you to take the first step. Children’s days are centered around eating, socializing, napping, potty and mostly having as much fun as one can jam in. They work hard at having fun because they realize it is important work. Do you remember playing in the sandbox? It was mostly about “pretend.” This was using your imagination to the fullest, being totally creative. Creativity is a by-product of fun! Many of the most successful organizations bring fun to work set up to stimulate a creative environment. Success is not being as good as or better than your competitors. Success is about you and your business being a little better each day. Profitability comes not from doing more, it comes from being more effective. A childhood curiosity and imaginative fun may be your most powerful tools in questioning what you are doing and how you can be better. Ultimately this make you better than your competition. Questions to Ponder: What questions should you be asking about your business? What benefit would there be to improving or growing your business if you were to look at it through a child’s eyes? How are you stimulating morale and creativity through fun in the workplace? How can you be more creative? How are you having fun that will stimulate your imagination and creativity? What questions have you heard children ask, that should be asked of your business? May your mind be filled with curiosity Stan Tonoski Executive Coach “Please understand my friend, that where you find yourself tomorrow is a function of the positive decisions and actions you take today.” – Akin A. Awolaja
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