My Photo

Quick Business Assessment

This is a quick business self assessment. Please give yourself a grade between 1 & 10 in each of the following areas. This, by no means, is a complete assessment. It is designed specifically to encourage discussion.

The questions are based on proven principles of business success. An average score of 8 or higher indicates that you are likely capable of running any business successfully. A lower score identifies areas for improvement.

Your Name *
E-mail Address: *
a. You are comfortable with the amount of hours that you are working and holidays that you are taking. The business does not spill over into your personal life.
b. Your business is a rock solid foundation for the life you want to lead. You are enjoying the experience of being a business owner. There is no stress.
c. Your business has an up to date business plan.
d. Everyone within the company clearly knows what your brand stands for, understands and lives by your Mission Statement. Your clients see evidence of this on a consistent basis.
e. You are happy with the progress of the business to this point in time and you clearly see a positive future for the company.
f. Production/service processes are detailed and in writing. The business comfortably meets or exceeds the standards that have been set. Quality resides in the business processes and is not dependent on individual employees.
g. There is a clear focus on customer service. Everyone consistently takes care of the clients the way that you would expect. People enjoy dealing with your company.
h. The business can effectively run without you for extended periods of time.
i. Your business goals are well communicated and understood throughout the company.
j. Effective meetings are part of the fabric of your business.
k. Everyone in your organization knows exactly what is expected of them and they all work well together. There is a high degree of competence and accountability in your business.
l. You have a management team that you trust to act in the best interests of the company.
m. The business has well defined processes for hiring, training and retaining employees.
n. Your target markets are well defined and your marketing strategies are producing the results that you want. You are reaching ideal customers with your message.
o. Sales consistently hit the targets and your business is growing at a steady rate.
p. You can clearly see where and how the business has improved in the past year.
q. You effectively set goals for yourself and work on business development projects that ensure future profitability. In fact, you have your projects itemized now.
r. Your business does financial forecasts, the bookkeeping is up to date and monthly variance reports are produced comparing actual numbers to the forecasts.
s. You regularly see Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable reports. There are systems in place and regular activities that monitor cashflow.
t. You understand your Balance Sheet and regularly review key financial ratios.
u. You are organized and manage your time well. You proactively plan your workdays and workweeks in advance. Firefighting is not a big part of your day to day activities.
w. You have a written job description for yourself. It matches well with your personal strengths. Your day to day activities match your job description.
x. You have a trusted advisor that assists to bring clarity and certainty on your business.
* Required