By Adam Kiesel, NPI, Inc.’s Digital Marketing Assistant
Stumbles and setbacks are a natural part of business, and everyone will experience them at some point. However, sometimes these failures can dictate future business interactions and expansion plans. The good news is that there are ways for you to overcome your own excuses and achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself.
The Impact of Excuses
Excuses are essentially mental roadblocks that knock you off of your set course, both in life and in your business. They can stem from either negative past experiences, or the fear of a possible future outcome from a decision made now. No matter where they come from, excuses have a negative impact on your development. Big or small, they could keep you living in a state of fear forever if you don’t acknowledge and try to overcome them. Here are a few common excuses that business owners find themselves using, as well as solutions to prevent feeling “stuck.”
“I don’t have the time now.”
Not having the extra time to work on new projects is something many new business owners lament at one point or another. While it’s good to stay busy with your work, you don’t want to stretch yourself too thin or keep doing the same thing over and over till you hit a wall. The best way to avoid constantly rushing around is to get yourself organized. You’ll be able to focus better and avoid the need for working long hours day after day. If you have extra hands around your office, try to assign your employees different roles to help take the workload off of yourself. Assign tasks based on their strengths and don’t be afraid to shuffle responsibilities when it makes sense.
“I’m not sure how to do this.”
No single person knows how to do everything, especially when it comes to running a small business. But you shouldn’t let your lack of understanding in a particular area keep you from getting things done. To make yourself a more well-rounded business owner, the trick is to simply ask for help. Whether it’s from fellow franchisees, head office staff or a more experienced local business owner, getting the assistance you need will help you forge ahead and learn something new along the way.
“This is how I’ve always done it.”
As a small business owner, consistency is how you set yourself up for success. Yet, there comes a time where you’ll have to slightly tweak a process or approach to unlock that next level. You don’t want to be left in the dust for the sake of nostalgia! You may have to get out of your comfort zone, but being flexible will help you find new customers, streamline your business and keep you growing.
“I’m able to do that myself, why do I need a system?”
Starting a business may take just one person with drive, but growing a business often takes fresh strategies and developmental tools. In addition to saving you time, instituting a variety of automated processes can also save you money. Whether it’s a certain accounting software or automated social media posting, these tools help you adapt and expand.
“I can’t go up against a larger competitor.”
When you first begin a small business, chances are there are competitors thriving in your area. You may feel that you’re stuck small because you can’t catch up with these bigger companies with years of experience under their belts. While you might not skyrocket overnight, you can still measure up over time. Cementing your name in your community and finding out your differentiators will help you reach more clients and get your feet on the ground.
Keep Growing With NPI
To get even more small business advice, get started with a franchise from NPI. You’ll gain access to a dedicated team, valuable resources and much more!
