Any passionate entrepreneur is prone to workaholic tendencies. While the obvious problems with those leanings are tied to work-life balance, sometimes these traits can actually impede a business’ ability to grow.

Bill Silverman has seen these situations far too often. The owner of Springboard Business Coaching helps paint pros and other business owners recognize when their ability to wear many hats is a problem for their companies. Then, he helps them get out of that business rut, so to speak, by doing what some entrepreneurs see as the unthinkable: asking for help.

“That creativity and tenacity … no business gets off the ground without that, but while tenacity is the key to their success, it can also be the key to their undoing,” he says.

THREE WARNING SIGNS

Silverman emphasizes that the type of help many painting business owners need has less to do with hiring people for jobs. Instead, it’s leadership help that will more likely bring about the changes these owners seek.

Warning signs that it’s time to ask for this type of help can be subtle. In the meantime, business processes may be eroding and the opportunity for growth fading. Here are three big warning signs that its’ time to seek out leadership help:

1 You have a list of things that never gets done.

2 Your business hasn’t grown in two to three years.

3 You’re working more and more hours.

When you notice one—or a combination—of these three warning signs, it’s time to reach out for help.

HELP IN MANY PLACES

Peer groups are one of the best first steps to finding leadership help. You could start by simply visiting a local PDCA chapter meeting, Silverman says. Here, you can meet other painting professionals and learn about their successes and challenges.

“Sometimes, it’s nice to just be able to ask someone, ‘Hey, have you ever used this CRM program?’ and things like that … it’s always valuable to network with peers and share ideas,” he says.

Silverman belongs to several business peer groups. Seeking guidance from industry peers is important, but even diverse groups with different types of business owners in them can offer insights and tips painting professionals may not have considered.

Social media can serve as a great platform for finding groups too. That communication channel can even offer tips and advice as well, as some established groups allow members to share ideas and insights through the group’s social page.

Some business owners even opt for a personal one-on-one coach to help them clarify goals and execute strategies to achieve them. Silverman utilizes what he refers to as an ‘accountability partner,’ someone he is in regular contact with who helps him stay on track with his goals.

Above all, regardless of how you seek leadership help, it’s important to do it sooner than later.

“I am constantly amazed at how much wheel-spinning people do before they ever ask for help,” Silverman says. “If you think about it, it [help] is kind of the magic word.”

To read more insights on successfully growing your painting business, visit inpaintmag.com. You can also reach Bill Silverman at bill@springboardbizcoaching.com