Monday we discussed the topic of business pain points—that is, the reality of the unexpected hits and unwelcomed and undesired issues that must be addressed in your business. (For many this includes things like establishing your basic business infrastructure – financial, IT & HR elements, networking, cold calls, proposal writing, and dealing with objections…)
While these pain points are uncomfortable and trying, they are not only essential to overcome but they are also ripe with opportunity for learning, growth and ultimately your business’s advancement. And that is our first tip:
1) Reframe your thinking about your situation when you find yourself there – metaphorically turn the lights on to forward thinking and action vs. allowing “turn off”, avoidance or resistance. And remember, “Pain points represent business growth inflection points!”
2) Identify clearly the issue – the pain point- what is the root cause of the problem?
3) Develop options for a solution- it may be simple or could be complex based on the issue/root cause. We encourage you to ask for help from a trusted friend, advisor or mentor, as multiple perspectives will surely help balance the emotional laden situation for you. And the situation you face may not be one you have experience dealing with. And this also leads to avoidance.
4) Vet the costs/benefits (or pro’s and con’s) of each option, then select the best option to achieve the results you need or desire. Again, another perspective can add a world of value. A good accountability partner will work wonders in helping you accomplish either daunting tasks, undesirable tasks or tasks you have little or no experience dealing with!
5) Breakdown the key next steps (tasks) and assign them to time (schedule) to
Insure you are working toward the solution/improvement. (This could include farming out tasks or outsourcing to others at this point.)
6) Monitor as needed and when complete, reflect on your learning and the gains from your efforts, and either course correct using the same tips above; or celebrate your success and thank those that helped you along the way.
We all face pain points as our businesses evolve. What matters is not that they occur, but how we deal with them for the betterment of our business and our customers/clients.
Copyright 2010 Kubica and LaForest
