COVID-19 - Lock down

[Theodore]

Adrian has summed it up very well. Most small entrepreneurs are extremely good at what they do, but lack the necessary admin and management skills. They see an opportunity and they have the balls to go for it. Unfortunately, business, like farming, is much more complicated and that is where the value of a good mentor, business coach or accountant that has the ability to see the bigger picture, comes in.
The biggest problem of self employed people is that they often get so busy chasing after business, that they isolate themselves. They miss out on important new developments or legislation and even opportunities. I have found value in joining our Chamber of Commerce and also a small group (forum) of entrepreneurs and business people from diverse backgrounds to discuss and share issues. That has also taught me the value of networking. Funny that people who are always saying how busy they are, are the one's who get the least work done?

I agree with both you Blurock and Adrianh. It comes down to 3 keys things:
1. Identifying the right skills
2. Having a viable strategy acquire or develop those skills
3. Implementing/applying them as efficiently and effectively as possible

You've nailed it when you said that many business owners are so occupied with the running of the business, the daily operational and process issues, that they miss out on vital opportunities to develop themselves and, by implication, grow their business. The above 3 key factors are where working with a coach can provide much value. Sometimes it's not necessary to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes it's just about having someone help you to get clarity on where you may need to tweak or add to the skills/expertise you already have, and how to do it as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

And it's an excellent idea to reach out and network with other entrepreneurs and business owners. Besides being a good forum to interact and share frustrations and challenges, networking in this way has two other benefits:
1. You can get access to information that you perhaps otherwise would not have learned about
2. They get to learn about you and your business, and could potentially market your business to their customers/clients

Avoiding the hamster wheel dilemma is key. It's all good and well to be working working working, but, in the end, you may just be spinning your wheels and not going anywhere.