Gaining Success By Staying Accountable

Gaining Success BY STAYING ACCOUNTABLE YOU MIGHT ASSUME THAT JO MCCABE - CO-OWNER of Mr. Handyman (2010 Franchisee of the Year) serving Prince William and southern Fairfax counties in Virginia—has a background in home repairs. In reality, Jo cut her teeth in aircraft maintenance for the U.S. Navy before spending eight years in physical security, overseeing the Navy’s northeast region and eventually managing 1,500 people. UPON LEAVING GAINING SUCCESS BY STAYING ACCOUNTABLE THE SERVICE, JO DECIDED Even more important, Jo’s Facilitator and fellow to put her management experience and MBA to use TAB Board Members kept her accountable for and become a business owner. She wanted a proven making progress toward her goal. In fact, the idea system, so she investigated a host of franchise of being held accountable was one thing that drew options. The Mr. Handyman opportunity presented her to TAB. itself in 2008. Now with 13 employees, her company provides major and minor repairs, maintenance and improvements for both homes and businesses.

TOUGH GOING AND BOUNCING BACK

It was tough going the first two years, Jo recalls. “We bought in right before the economy tanked, and there were other surprises as well, such as having to replace all of the business’ computers. You think when you’re buying an existing business that the customer base and equipment will be there, but that’s not always the case.”

Although 2009 was “terrible,” Jo managed to increase revenues by 46% in 2010. Her secret?

“TAB has helped my business grow “With my background as an engineer significantly by encouraging me to take a and in the military, I like structure. TAB has step back and identify the basics I need to structure when it comes to setting goals, master,” she explains. “Business is like monitoring metrics and staying sports—the team that masters the basics accountable.” and continues to use them is the one that Jo also appreciates the mentoring she receives and makes it to the championship.” provides during TAB Board Meetings. “The more you open up to others and allow others to help you, the In Jo’s case, the basics included learning how to use more advice they can give and the more help they marketing tactics to attract new business, and how can be,” she believes. to secure repeat business. Her TAB Facilitator helped her devise a detailed action plan that led to the 46% “There is no silver bullet to becoming increase in sales. successful,” McCabe continues. “You just have to stay focused on your goals and “I’m the type of person who sets goals and work at mastering the basics, which is makes lists,” she says. “But I definitely where TAB can be a big help.” wouldn’t have achieved my goals if it hadn’t been for my TAB Facilitator asking, ‘What are you going to do to get there?’”

TheAlternativeBoard.com

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Source: The Alternative Board