By Hayley Parker, director of OPS-BOX 

The one common agreement amongst business owners, whether they have a start-up or an established company, is that running your own business can be quite a lonely place.

With so many hats to wear, it's no surprise that it can often feel like a constant juggle and more time is spent firefighting than taking the business forward. It's where that age-old, rather annoying cliché comes from - 'spending more time in the business, than on the business'.

So what can I do about it?

The simple answer - it's about recognising that having business support can add real value to your business.

To put it into context, large corporate companies often deliver business growth, because they have the support and resources around them to achieve it. They have the strategy, planning, finance, operations, change, HR and risk directors supporting with the development of a growth plan and the resources to delver the plan. The key thing that the CEO recognises is the need to have a good team around you, working together collaboratively.

For smaller business owners, they can't afford the luxury of a large leadership team, but those business owners that have trusted partners around them, are the ones that usually succeed.

A good, trusted partner can support businesses owners to be the success they want to be. Here's how:

1. A sounding board

Sometimes you just need a sounding board, somebody to talk through an issue, challenge or opportunity. A trusted partner will give you an unbiased view which will support you taking your issue/opportunity forward.

2. Perspective

It can be difficult to see the wood from the trees, particularly when you are in the thick of the forest. By not being involved in the day to day issues in the business a trusted partner can help a business owner look at the bigger picture and set direction for the business to support its growth.

3. Structure

Many businesses don't have effective board meetings, they get slipped, actions aren't taken forward and discussions can become unruly. A trusted business partner will help run a board meeting and keep it focussed on evaluating business performance and making decisions which support the delivery of business growth.

4. Experience

It's impossible for a business owner to have experience and knowledge in all areas. A trusted business partner will bring broad experience and knowledge of working with other businesses and sectors to the table. And where they feel additional support is needed, they will know somebody who can support.

5. Connections

'It's not what you know, it's who you know'. A business partner will often have a network of trusted professionals and contacts who they can connect you with when needed, to support you making your business the success you want it to be.

If you would benefit from working with a business partner, get in touch today, to find out how OPS-BOX's could support your business to be the success you want it to be.

For more information, please visit www.ops-boxgroup.com or email enquiries@ops-boxgroup.com.