Constant, relentless change is a symptom of today’s fast-paced society and if you’re a business owner keeping up with technology and operational developments, and remaining innovative, can be challenging.
As the old saying goes: ‘you can’t fight progress,’ so, with that in mind, Matthews Steer’s Women In Business brains trust got their heads together to share their insights into – and tips for – keeping up with constant change in their respective industries, and maintaining the relevancy of their personal and business brands.
General Manager Catherine Duncan facilitated the session, outlining the ways in which Matthews Steer keeps apace with the ever-changing demands of the professional services industry, and maintains an agile service offering.
Surrounding yourself with the right people in your business is key, said Catherine: “This takes time, but it is critical to get it right rather than rushing into ill thought-out appointments in order to fill perceived gaps in your business.
“It’s said that you become the average of the five people you spend most of your time with, so it’s vital that you examine your inner circles within your business and personal lives critically, and make sure you surround yourself with people who are motivating you, driving you towards success, and who will hold you accountable.”
Catherine said mentors are also vital to continued professional evolution. “Think about who you can collaborate with from similar – and very different – businesses to your own. People you can bounce your ideas off, and brainstorm solutions to the barriers you face.
“Seek out people whose experience can help you formulate strategies overcome your challenges, and provide insights into business best practice.”
Founding Partner of Property Mavens, Miriam Sandkuhler, flagged the challenge of employee retention, saying that in today’s employment market, more employees are looking to become consultants so that they can dictate their own working hours. Miriam recommended offering flexible working arrangements to valued team members to stem the exodus to consultancy work. “It’s important to recognise employees’ need for work/life balance, and be given enough room to run their area the way they want, but to still feel part of a group,” she said.
Founding Partner of Macedon Ranges Family Law, Megan Puszkar, acknowledged the challenges inherent in introducing flexible working arrangements, but agreed it was the future of business, saying: “A flexible work force is a change in mindset. We need to keep up with it so businesses get the benefit of having everyone at the table at the same time.”
Catherine acknowledged the challenges of overturning traditional business and employment models, but agreed that taking a proactive approach to future-proofing your business is vital, explaining that Matthews Steer setup a taskforce comprising board members, executives, key employees, and clients to examine where the professional services industry is heading in three to five years.
“If you remain sitting in your comfort zone, there is no tension and therefore no growth,” explained Catherine. “By taking a proactive approach you can keep your business ahead of the game, and your competition.”
If you would like to attend future Matthews Steer Women In Business events, please email info@matsteer.com.au