Is Busy-ness Killing Your Business?
Updated: Feb 8
"I'm just so busy!"
"I'm so busy, I don't even know what I did today--but it wasn't anything on my priorities list."
"I feel like all I do is put out fires all day long."
How often have you had these thoughts at the end of the day?
This busy-ness impacts not only your own effectiveness as a service business owner, but the overall effectiveness of your staff and the experience of your clients/customers. Let's talk about some of the biggest impact this busy-ness can have on your service business.
No time for strategic planning. Where is your business headed? Where do you want to be in 5 years? What is your exit strategy? And, how will you get there? Without time regularly devoted to these bigger questions, you will be stuck right where you are. Without defining your long-term goals, you're likely stall growth of your business.
Less energy for innovation. With today's challenges, many business owners are making big changes in their products and services. What new needs do your customers/clients have? Can you create new product lines? Can you offer your services in a new way? Innovation often needs time, space, and energy. When you're not protecting time in your business to innovate, innovative thinking is less likely to occur.
Slowed talent development. Who are the up-and-coming leaders in your business? How are you developing those leaders? What are the strengths and growth opportunities of your team? And, how are you developing yourself? Talent development can't happen when you spend your days putting out fires in your business. Meaningful talent development is a thoughtful, intentional process. It requires coaching skills and active listening.
Wasting time and money. How many times have you answered the same question about a simple data entry process? How much money have you paid in late fees? How many times have you re-invented a process? How much money have you spent on equipment, subscriptions, or services that went unused? How much time have you spent re-doing a project or service because of miscommunication? The busy-ness in your business shows up as miscommunication, late fees, confusion, and frustration. Who is impacted? Not only yourself and your staff, but also your customers/clients and even your vendors.
How is busy-ness in your business holding you back? Take time to understand. Spend a week taking note of the busy activities you're involved in. And, brainstorm the bigger things you'd rather be doing to move your service business forward. Weigh the trade-offs. In the end, that busy-ness is likely holding you back from bigger and better things.
If you're tired of feeling overwhelmed and frustrated and not meeting your own expectations, email conni@clarityconsultinginc.com to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.