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My grandma used to say, “Justy, you can’t see the hump on your back.” I love that line. I still use it today. It’s really a good one when there is a business problem or business opportunity right under our noses – especially as an entrepreneur.
Sometimes we are too close to the problems in our business. We can’t even see them. We’re Outta Touch – Hall & Oats style. It could be the lack of systems, the fact that we’re playing too small, or that we’re not paying enough attention to our clients. It takes an outsider to identify them to us. Then we have to get out of denial (major denial,) and view these problems as opportunities to take our business to the next level.
This stuff isn’t easy. You have to look at yourself. Believe me, I’m a super big violator and am trying to get better. You’re not the only one that might need an intervention.
Let’s drill down a little deeper. Let’s focus on your relationships with your clients and customers. Think about your last 3 clients that were unhappy or had a beef about something. What were they unhappy about? Was it just them? Or you? Maybe a combo? Have you been unaware of the same problem happening over and over? Is there anything you think you can do to improve?
Put yourself in their shoes. See what their issue is from their point of view. Validate their feelings and make them feel heard. Unhappy customers can shed some major light on what you need to improve in your business. Maybe there’s a solution that you can implement and use across the board in your business. Talk about a game changer.
You can never completely get rid of the hump on your back. So, here are 5 things you can do to be more aware of what’s going on in your business:
- Hire an outside business consultant. Have them just observe what you do for a few days. Let them interview you and your staff. Be open to hearing what they say and be willing to see it as a business opportunity for growth and change!
- Join a mastermind. Tell others about your business. Develop relationships with them. Use them as your virtual focus group. I’m thinking of starting one in January. Ping me if you want more info.
- Survey your clients and customers. Ask them what they like and what they don’t like. Get a little intel about what’s going on.
- Spy on your competition. Especially people or companies above your level. What are they specifically doing or not doing? How do you compare?
- Take your spouse, close friend or significant other out to dinner. Tell them what you’re up to. Tell them where you feel stuck. They know you very well. They don’t have to know your business inside and out. But they know you and how you think and can be a resource for you.
You don’t know what you don’t know. The key is to get an outsider’s point of view. Then you’ll be aware of what you can do to be a more successful entrepreneur.
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