The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 28: Dec/Jan 2016/17 | Page 20

PERSONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT What are your business resolutions for 2017? Do you know how to achieve them? In 2017 do you want to survive or thrive? You will be asked “What are your plans for next year?” “What do you want to achieve?” How will you reply? “I’m not sure?” or “I’m 100% clear!” A lack of vision around what you want to achieve and why is a sure-fire way to stifle your progress. It’s tough to build a jigsaw puzzle if you don’t have the picture on the box lid! We have to know what we want to achieve and why! Only then can we have belief, confidence and purpose. Only then can we have true perspective and avoid a heavy, confusing mountain of hows? Are your resolutions vague? Or are they based around the only key priority for a business: Profit? What growth and financial results will you achieve in 2017? A stronger business will bring you time and the freedom of choice to live the life you want to live. However, do you often become swept up in the whirlwind of daily activities: phone calls, emails, appointments, helping the team? Running around ‘IN’ your business means in fact that you own a JOB not a business, meaning your freedom of choice, time and financial success will be limited. After 25 years of business life fighting these challenges myself, I left a lucrative career to establish what is now one of the largest ActionCOACH business coaching practices in the UK and world - with the sole purpose of helping SMEs create the businesses and lives they dream of. “Are your resolutions vague? or are they based around the only key priority for a business... Profit?” Ellis Bardsley At PowerPlay Coaching Ltd we understand that growing businesses is about growing people. We help our clients learn because knowledge is the glass ceiling in your business. Together we create great business results and the clients access the brilliant potential they always had. Back to 2017. Do you want to your business to work for you? If your answer is YES then I’d love to hear from you. [email protected] For more info: www.actioncoach.com/ellisbardsley @ActionCOACHEB Swindon College How can Apprenticeships deliver for your business? Apprenticeships help businesses grow by: • Reducing training and recruitment costs • Increasing productivity and profitability • Developing a skilled, motivated and qualified workforce • Improving customer service results • Providing financial return on investment. More than 100,000 employers of all sizes and from all sectors in England currently use Apprenticeships to attract new talent, re-skill existing staff and tackle skill shortages.  TOP PERFORMING COLLEGE IN THE SOUTH WEST FOR APPRENTICESHIPS Source: Skills Funding Agency 2014/15 For further information about taking on an Apprentice please contact the Apprenticeship Team at Swindon College on: [phone] S w i n d o n 20 C o l l e g e , * [email protected] N o r t h THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2016 S t a r A v e n u e , S w i n d o n , @ www.swindon.ac.uk W i l t s h i r e , S N 2 1 D Y