One Way to Do More With Less consulting

A client recently hired me to help him with a problem I’m seeing with more and more frequency.  Since the beginning of last year, his company has downsized staff in nearly every department; budgets have been slashed and the people remaining are frazzled with longer work hours, larger workloads and an overall feeling of “what’s next?” He happens to be one of seven middle managers in a multi-office company. In this case, his situation is not unlike many other people, though. Small and medium-sized business owners, professional services providers, division heads – most are facing similar circumstances –and trying to figure out how to do more with less.

A little more background: Lately, my client finds himself spending most of his days fighting fires, dealing with one problem after the other. And worst of all, his business seems to be stagnant. He knows he and his team could be doing better (despite the economy), but no matter what he does, nothing seems to improve.

So, I recommended an action step to help him do more with less by tapping into available resources just outside his own department (world). What is it? Participate in an internal mastermind group with other members of the management staff, or join one of the many groups that are thriving all around the country. The benefits are big and the costs are low:

• Built-in support system. Being a part of a mastermind group boosts energy and confidence. It helps overcome the isolation factor and plugs its members into the experience and talents of a peer group.

• Practical advice. Members of the group provide ideas and guidance about things other members may not be good at.

• Novel solutions. It’s easy to get tunnel-vision when you’re working on the same issues and struggles day after day. A mastermind group helps its members get a different view of their individual situation and to think outside of the box when dealing with business challenges.

• Accountability. Mastermind groups set and share goals with one another, and hold each other accountable to reaching them. They offer their members encouragement and advice if they fall behind in meeting targets; support and praise as they reach each new milestone.

• Convenience. Most mastermind groups meet on a pre-scheduled basis; usually bi-weekly or monthly via teleconference. No need to travel, fight traffic, or take enormous blocks of time away from the office and family. Members of the group “take turns” leading the meetings or enlist the help of an experienced coach/facilitator.

• Affordability. Masterminding can be achieved for little cost. Nowadays, there are free conference call services, and if the group self-facilitates, the only cost is for each individual’s telephone calling plan. Or for a nominal fee, the group can obtain a coach/facilitator to lead the meetings, keep the group on track and introduce additional support mechanisms.

Do mastermind groups really succeed in helping members do more with less? A recent survey of solo entrepreneurs who had participated in peer mastermind groups revealed that over 75% said the experience was highly beneficial. I’d say that’s pretty good odds in today’s world!   So get going!  Start or join a mastermind group today!

For more information on forming your own mastermind group, or joining one already up and running, visit me at www.susanirelandassociates.com.