Amati Business Group

FEATURE ARTICLE

Hidden Reasons Behind "Stuck" Businesses

In working with and observing hundreds of small business owners, I've often see them get stuck in a few important areas – sometimes for years. These owners want to move beyond the daily "hands-on", but can't seem to. Here are four of the chronic conditions I see most – and the real blocks that keep them from moving forward:

1. People problems – mostly the "putting up with" stuff.
2. "Too-little, too late" marketing.
3. Financial sloppiness and demial.
4. Working without a plan.

The last one covers all three of the above points. Business plans aren't just for start ups. When there's no overall vision, no operational and exit strategies – or the Plan "B" that everyone needs in case of disaster, the business is vulnerable when industry, market, personal and family circumstances change.

So what's really going on here? If we're dealing with the same situations and problems year in and year out, WE are likely the ultimate source and cause of those problems.

An owner's self-knowledge and self-management lies at the very heart of their business' performance. Most "stuck" business owners suffer from one or more of these symptoms:

1. Inertia – failing to predict, identify or respond to industry and market trends. We don't challenge ourselves by asking, "What do we need to be doing/offering tomorrow?"
2. Sleeping at the wheel – seduced by the comfort of the familiar. We walk the fine line between habitual and addictive behaviour, between staying the course and being in denial.
3. Neglecting our self-development – we stop learning because we think we already know. After all, we've been "doing" this business for a long time.

Dig deeper, and we will find fears of some kind. And lying right under those fears is our fragile ego. It's enough to activate anyone's fight/flight response.

Every business is a reflection of its owner, a talented and driven individual who, nevertheless, has a personal set of strengths and weaknesses. Knowing when we are holding the business back – and doing what it takes to step up our game – can be the greatest gift we can give ourselves and our businesses.

This is a condensed version of my latest client newsletter article. Subscribe to "IN CIRCLE", our FREE action tips for business owners, by clicking on the Contact Us tab.

Running your own business can be the ticket to your greatest personal and professional fulfillment, or an endless treadmill of frustration and exhaustion.

Whether you feel your business is hurtling out of control, stuck in neutral, or just in need of new fuel, you might be ready for a different kind of partnership.

As your business matures, your role changes and your capabilities are stretched. Your challenges become more complex and time consuming. You can feel like you're stuck or spinning your wheels. Often you can’t share your burdens with employees or suppliers, family or friends.

But what if you had the support of a trusted, experienced business partner? One who has no vested interest in anything except your success?

AMATI BUSINESS GROUP helps business owners who say YES to any of these statements:

I’m working too many hours. My life is out of balance.
I feel overwhelmed at the responsibility and the amount of work.
I’m disappointed with the poor results for the effort I’m putting in.
My business is stuck and I don’t know how to get it moving.
I need some skills and knowledge to increase my effectiveness.
I’d like to take a new direction but I’m not sure how to begin.
Business has become a “grind” – I’m losing enthusiasm and energy.
I want to improve relationships with my employees, customers and/or suppliers.
I’m afraid to leave my business for a significant length of time.
I want to sell, but worried that the value of my business depends too much on me being there!

We’re focused on helping those we help best. You are our IDEAL CLIENT if you are:

An owner-managed retail, service, wholesale, manufacturing company, or a professional firm – B2B is our specialty.
In business at least two years (as the owner, you may be in that position less than two years)
Someone who thrives on learning.
Ready to accept outside help.
Willing to see and do things differently to change your results.
Able to commit to a disciplined process to create your new future.

Does this sound like you? Read more....