As a tour operator many of the important things in life you have nailed down (you know- the whole chase your passion, work life balance, do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life...the stuff that makes everyone else jealous). But like all business owners life isn't stress free. You are constantly innovating and making important business decisions on a daily basis.
We have compiled a long list of tough love questions. These are not meant to make you palms sweat. But, are meant to test you and your business. We want to see if you are spending as much time thinking about your business as you are about your "passion." See how many you can answer.
- How is technology impacting my business differently, and how are my customers using technology as it relates to my business?
- In the past few months, what is the smallest change we have made that has had the biggest positive result? What was it about that small change that produced the large return?
- What "really" differentiates my product/business from the competition?
- What prevents me from making the changes I know will make me a more effective leader?
- How likely is it that a customer would recommend our company to a friend or colleague?
- Among our stronger employees, how many see themselves at the company in three years? How many would leave for a 10 percent raise from another company?
- Can the business function day-to-day without me?
- Are their changes in equipment technology to operate your business that are going to require a major future expenditure?
- Are my competitors operating in a different way? Is it more effective?
- Is your business for sale? Or...going to be for sale?
- How much is my business worth?
- How much will it be worth 5 years from now?
- Are you satisfied?
- The marketplace is pretty full already. What makes you think you have a realistic opportunity to grow?
- Are you organized? What part of your business should you organize first? How much money would you save if that part was organized?
- Have you used technology to improve business efficiency?
- Are there growth opportunities that are outside of your core business where you can leverage your core business infrastructure?
- Do you think your customers could benefit from increased internal organization?
- Oftentimes business owners in the adventure tour/outdoor industry find themselves inundated with tasks that pull them away from their core functions. Can you relate to any of this and if so, in what areas?
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