working on the business.â It is often difficult for a small business owner to transition ... years as a mostly solo en
Information Technology
Ben Allen Allen Technology Advising Evergreen, CO
Member Since: 2011
“TAB helped me prioritize and focus my time so I really am working on the business.” It is often difficult for a small business owner to transition from hands-on work to strategic management. Yet, this transition is necessary for a business to grow, and also to enable work/life balance for the founder. Ben Allen, who founded Allen Technology Advising (ATA) in 1998, spent five years as a mostly solo entrepreneur providing IT support services. “After starting ATA it was really painful for me as a business owner,” he recalls, “If I went on vacation I was always on edge, I had to leave my phone on.” On one particular trip, Allen fell in love with Tanzania. In 2002, he traveled there to help set up a computer network. He returned six years later to help set up one of the top hospitals in the country. “Tanzania is my favorite place to visit in the whole world. There’s great people and community over there.”
After starting ATA it was really painful for me as a business owner. If I went on vacation I was always on edge; I had to leave my phone on.”
For five years, Allen made it his goal to find a way to take his family back to Africa for an extended stay, without letting his business suffer in his absence. First, he hired a business manager who put in place processes and procedures that could be used to train and guide new employees. A few years later, Allen joined TAB, which has furthered his understanding of how to create a business that doesn’t rely on him. “Letting go of client management and support was a really difficult challenge,” he says. “Now I understand that if I’m working on tasks that my staff would prefer that they handle, it’s a detriment to the company.
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TAB helped me prioritize and focus my time so I really am working on the business.” Another lesson Allen learned from TAB is to recognize his shortcomings and work with his staff to fill the gaps. “I really did have a belief as the business owner that I was supposed to know everything and be great at everything,” Allen admits.
I credit The Alternative Board for my ability to successfully pull off such an amazing opportunity of a lifetime.”
“What I’ve learned is that one of my best skills is cultivating great staff. It was a big thing to learn that to successfully run a business you don’t have to be good at everything. You have to be a great cheerleader, and hire the right people.” Allen also credits TAB for helping him become more accountable. “When I went to TAB, my first few meetings centered on setting goals. But I failed to hit the goals because my clients took priority. At each meeting I felt worse for not meeting my goal. But I kept showing up at the meetings and after a few months of making excuses, I actually did what I said I was going to do.” In 2013, Allen was able to realize his dream of taking a seven month sabbatical with his family to Tanzania. It was a rewarding experience of a lifetime, and his return to the U.S. made it even more so. While Allen was away, ATA posted the largest profit month in its history. Additionally, clients raved about the huge improvement in customer service. “I credit The Alternative Board for my ability to successfully pull off such an amazing opportunity of a lifetime. I am learning so much about running a business extremely well,” says Allen. “Without a doubt, TAB involvement is the best investment I have ever made as a business owner.”
Learn More About TAB Membership
About The Alternative Board The Alternative Board® (TAB) helps forward-thinking business owners grow their businesses, increase profitability and improve their lives by leveraging local business advisory boards, private business coaching and proprietary strategic services. TAB works with successful business owners who feel that their current practices are not elevating their businesses to the next level. We bring together owners, CEOs and presidents of non-competing companies to meet in a relaxed, confidential setting to give and gain practical, real-world advice on their specific business issues and opportunities.
11031 Sheridan Blvd. Westminster, CO 80020 | 303.839.1200 | www.TheAlternativeBoard.com
