Traction Inc.

The establishment of business goals is often viewed by management and staff as a system akin to New Year’s resolutions, an activity that people engage with great enthusiasm but is forgotten within a few weeks. What successful businesses understand is that the process of defining company wide goals allows people to look beyond day-to-day operations and strive for something more.  

Your business goals don’t belong on a shelf in a dust-covered binder. It is a critical part of your strategic plan and should be as dynamic and responsive as your business.  

Whether you’re a few months into your new startup or the owner of a profitable company that’s served the community for years, you understand that running a business is anything but easy. One way of relieving some of the burdens you face is by finding a mentor. If you’ve already decided this is the right course, you’re likely asking what you should look for in a business mentor. For those still on the fence, however, here are some of the most important reasons to hire a business mentor.'

When your business is failing, it's understandable to face the feeling of defeat or having the urge to give up. However, a failing business isn't a reason to quit. While about 50 percent of businesses fail within five years, you don't have to be a part of that statistic. There's still time to turn your business around. If you want to know how to turn around a failing business, there are some key steps that you need to take:

If you've started a small business, you know just how important it is to have someone along with you for the ride. It helps if that person has done it before and, preferably, a lot of times. That's why many entrepreneurs choose to have a small business coach guide them through the process — someone who has already been down that road and understands the challenges of starting your own company.

Running your own business is incredibly rewarding – but it's also incredibly difficult. You may be able to make your own decisions and set your own hours, but you also have a lot more decisions to make and a lot more work to complete within those hours. It's nearly impossible for any business owner to make it without a little help. That's why many business owners turn to business coaches for guidance – especially in the early days.

The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)® model is a comprehensive business system that can help businesses of any size grow and thrive. This holistic business model aims to align all aspects of a business to produce tangible results that last. This revolutionary model is suitable for both big and small businesses in any industry.

An entrepreneurial operating system® (EOS) small business coach can help you take your company in the right direction. Using their knowledge of systems, specifically as they relate to entrepreneurial endeavors, EOS coaches can identify the aspects of your business that can be tweaked and improved for quick and successful scaling.

Every business owner has thought about what it would take to bring their business to the next level. Regardless of what industry you're in or what place in the market you hold, scaling a business is always something at least worthy of consideration. 

Performance management is an ongoing challenge in most organizations. Managers spend hours huddled over spreadsheets, analyzing employee performance metrics, looking for ways to improve performance and boost production. When mistakes happen – and they do happen – the bulk of the blame is often shoved off onto the employee. What leaders often fail to acknowledge is their role in the errors. This lack of leadership accountability can cause problematic issues to continue repeating. This, in turn, causes a decrease in employee morale as frustration and devaluation increase.

Chances are you've heard the saying, "You are only as strong as your weakest link" quite a few times. While this proverb is certainly a rather trite phrase, it is also very true, especially when it comes to your leadership team. No matter how uncomfortable or unpleasant it might be, it is necessary to evaluate every person in your leadership team to ensure everyone is contributing both the quality and quantity necessary. If you're not sure how to determine if you have the right people on your leadership team, here are ten tips that will help you do just that. After all…I’ve heard it before, maybe you have too; EVERY company is just one leadership team away from extinction.