Demystifying Pulse Calls
You will have seen that we recently launched our latest Co-nnect initiative - group Pulse Calls. Co-nnect is all about bringing our community of business owners together to help and support each other to build the businesses they want. Our new group Pulse Calls are an important part of that. In this blog we demystify the Pulse Call - explaining what it is and how you can benefit from joining.
Business is a Team Game
We know that one of the common motives for our clients to start up in business is having the freedom to be their own boss. Being the worker, manager, director and shareholder is not, however, without its downsides. That is why at Co-, we recommend all business owners see success in business as a team game. Specifically:
As business owners we need a team of trusted people that we turn to for advice. Even if we have employees, it's likely that a lot of the work of building our business is done alone. We can all benefit from outside advice and perspectives.
The same is true when it comes to our strengths and weaknesses. We need to build a team of people around us, whether inside our business or out, who complement our strengths and fill in the gaps for aspects of business that don’t come naturally to us.
We also need structures and mechanisms to hold us to account, because without accountability, it’s easy for things to drift. At worst, business problems can persist indefinitely and our personal and business goals can feel as if they are moving ever further away.
The Concept of Pulse Calls
The earliest recorded use of the term "pulse call" dates back to the 1950s. However, the concept of regular check-ins with project teams is likely much older. In fact, the ancient Greeks and Romans used similar methods to manage their construction projects. Today, pulse calls are a standard practice in project management - and if we think about the process of building our business as a series of interlinked projects that move us towards our personal and business goals, we can see the relevance. In particular:
Pulse Calls allow us to build relationships with our team - in this case the team is the Co-nnect community of Co- and our business owners. The more we engage with the community, the more we build trust and rapport.
Pulse Calls are shown to improve morale - whether that is through encouragement and reassurance from the group that it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals, or by having a forum in which to celebrate our accomplishments.
They are also shown to increase innovation by providing a safe space for team members to share new ideas. The idea of a safe space is important - somewhere you can feel comfortable, respected and free from judgement.
Co-nnect Pulse Calls
The calendar invites to the Co-nnect Pulse Calls have been shared with you. Hopefully this blog has helped to demystify what they are and the benefits of joining, but if you are still feeling unsure, here are some final thoughts.
Your business development projects are the things that keep you progressing towards your goals. The Co-nnect Pulse Calls are a touch-point, in between your Improving the Numbers meetings, to bring these to mind, assess your progress and get support to overcome any roadblocks.
Even if you have a team, the chances are you will still need outside perspectives and advice. And you will almost certainly have perspectives and insights that will be of value to others. The Co-nnect Pulse Calls are an opportunity to get support and also to support others.
For most of us, time is in short supply. The Co-nnect Pulse calls are short and focused. You can drop-in and out as you are able. You don’t need to do any preparation or have answers to hand. We have worked with hundreds of small businesses and whatever challenges you are facing we will likely have experienced them ourselves or advised someone in a similar situation. You would be surprised how consistent issues are from business to business!
Co-nnect Pulse Calls take place Mondays and Fridays 9:30 - 10 am. We hope to see you there!
