For many years, I have counseled travel business owners, doling out advice from the comfort and security of my corporate job. That all changed when I jumped back into the deep end of the pool of entrepreneurship. It was time to practice what I preached. Here are five things that helped me to thrive in this environment.
- Manage financial risk.
In the corporate world, risk management is about minimizing the negative impact of financial and managerial decisions. In my new world as Founder & Chief Commode Cleaner, that risk translates into overhead. I have learned to ask myself, “Is this an investment or an expense, and more importantly – will I use it. I consider the essential tools and coaching to which I subscribe to be a sound investment, but out of control monthly overhead is not a risk worth taking.
- Set boundaries.
When I sold my travel business, I had a non-compete, so I went to work for a national home builder. Tuesday & Wednesday was my weekend. Since most buyers tended to contact me during their working hours, my phone would ring off the hook on my days off. It was during this period that I learned the concept of “My Time / Your Time.” Guess what, it works! If you set the boundaries with your clients (and family) in the beginning, they will, for the most part, respect them.
- Find your own space.
For many years, I traveled so much that I literally worked out of my briefcase. I assumed that I could do the same at home. My wife had other ideas, I was spending a lot of time in the garage on phone calls. The air is fresh, it was my space. Now I summer in my “Garoffice” and winter in the office / guest room!
- But also -get out of the house!
I don’t know about you, but I can only take so much staring at the computer. so I started doing a couple of things. I go for a 45 minute walk every day. This keeps the blood flowing and the pounds off. I also try to work from my local Starbucks one day a week. The energy I get from being around people is tremendous. It also helps me keep my “Gold” status which comes with free.
- Surround yourself with success.
No one succeeds alone. I built a small team of trusted colleagues including my wife, who has one of the most operationally sound minds in the industry. Together, they help me create opportunities and are instrumental in my decision-making process. Arguably, the best decision I have made is hiring a paid business coach. Elite athletes and business executives employ coaches, so it makes sense for us to do the same. My coach is a business adviser who holds me accountable for the strategic vision and the tactical execution of my action plans.
Dan Chappelle is a sales performance coach, professional business advisor, and best-selling author. His training and consulting firm helps develop sales focused business leaders and entrepreneurs in the travel and tourism industry. His book, Get Your S.H.I.P. Together: The Wealthy Travel Agent Guide to Sales, is available on Amazon.com.
For information on the Wealthy Travel Agent Academy’s business building programs, visit: www.DanChappelle.com
©2019 Dan Chappelle, CCI Inc.
