Running a business can probably be the most challenging thing a person can do in his/her entire life. Entrepreneurs must keep pace with the fast-moving market and operate efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
With several things needed to succeed, business owners should remember to find the time to pause, take a step back, and develop new strategies that would propel the company forward—this is where business assessment comes in.
Business assessments can give you an objective evaluation of your enterprise that will later help identify the growth and development opportunities for the company. There are many free business assessment tools available on the internet, but here are some important things you should know before and during your business assessment.
Business assessments help accelerate growth.
It’s a common assumption that business assessments are for pointing out the problem areas of the company. Nonetheless, perspective is key, as business assessments should be used as tools to help grow the business and not a weapon against you.
Review your business objectives.
Before proceeding to use any tool or methodology to assess your business, go back to the beginning and review your objectives. Are they SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound?
Objectives should be as specific as achieving a given level of sales or profits, a percentage of gross margin, a growth rate, or a market share—with target timeframes and milestones. If your objectives sound like general statements such as “be the best” or “grow rapidly,” it’s just appropriate to update them so that you’ll actually achieve them.
Evaluate the condition of your business with honesty.
If you’re doing your business assessment by yourself, it may be difficult to get an impartial view on the current status of the company. However, it’s in your best interest to be as truthful and objective as possible to address any present issues or potential challenges that may arise.
You may also consider engaging a business advisor to give you an external and impartial vantage point.
Identify milestones achieved.
While it’s good to pay attention to any difficulties encountered in the business, you should also give yourself credit for everything accomplished so far. Remember that the goal of doing a business assessment is to help you learn more about how you can grow your business—not to beat yourself up over problem areas in the company.
Determine business development opportunities.
A business assessment will likely conclude with the identification of several areas for improvement, which is a good thing. Nevertheless, they key is to focus on one or two business development opportunities that are attainable in the next three months, before continuing to the next ones. It can be overwhelming to work on too many things at once.
Assess your business every quarter.
Business assessments should be incorporated into your quarterly planning. It will guide you on how to identify opportunities to lead your company to success from quarter to quarter, and fiscal year to fiscal year.
If it’s been some time since you took the time to pause and reflect on your business, doing a business assessment sooner, rather than later will be most beneficial.
Business assessments can provide a sound basis on how to make comprehensive, strategic decisions and ensure that the business is headed in the right direction.
Resource: http://www.blog.infinit-o.com/business-assessment-strategy-achieving-business-growth/