During the Free 30 Minute Consulting Call I’ve been offering to contractors since 2002, we always get into discussions about how they, the contractors, like to learn.

Near the end of the call, I share what I do and the different ways I do the work with clients. I explain that there are generally two ways to learn: self study, where you’re required to have the discipline to apply yourself, and hiring a consultant to work one on one with you. I also share what their other options besides me might be to get the specific type of help they’re seeking.

I share with them that working on their businesses to get them fit can be a lot like how people would go about their personal fitness.

One option is to plug in an exercise video and, if disciplined enough, do the push-ups and sit-ups, and get into shape. The other option is hiring a personal trainer to customize a fitness program and work with them to monitor results, make adjustments, provide guidance and give the push they may need to reach their goals.

I tell them they need to know what will work best for them.

Many times which path they choose to get their businesses fit is based on what we’ve been discussing during the call, such as their past experiences when it comes to learning on their own or with professional help. The other factor is what their circumstances currently are when it comes to what they have in the way of time, energy and money to invest.

Some contractors actually prefer to learn on their own and at their own pace. They have no fear of going it alone when it comes to getting the information and the knowledge they desire. All they really seek is to better understand their choices, what they’ll be getting when they buy a self-study program and the WIIFMs (what’s in it for me) to each program. For them, a book, an eBook, a binder or series of binders, a seminar, a webinar and other types of self-study programs fit them best. It certainly can be a more affordable option.

Other contractors have been at this process of trying to get their businesses fit for quite a while, and they have the bumps and bruises to show for it. If they’re small or stuck at owner-operator level, they know they need one-to-one help to get to the next level. It’s been a ceiling they can’t break through on their own because they lack the systems, procedures and know how to make their companies bigger and better. There have discovered there are no more hours left in the day to do all they are trying to do.

There are other contractors that have grown their companies wildly and now this growth has their companies out of control. It’s proving to be exhausting and expensive in terms of both stress and money lost. They have arrived at a point where they need to get things under control to survive and to set the stage for what they hope will be the next level: thriving, not just surviving.

Anyone you choose to make your company better will pay you enormous dividends, but you must come to the process with the intent to make a change for the better and with the will and determination to make working on the business a priority.

 For more information, visit www.appleseedbusiness.com.