When we are working at a side hustle or small business, it can take some time for us to find our feet. This is why we’ve got to find out what is wrong as soon as possible. Sometimes the problem is obvious, maybe there are financial issues, but if we limp along, oblivious to the real problems, it’s these things that can threaten to derail our process and stop us running our business effectively. This is why we’ve got to get into the habit of identifying our weaknesses. With this in mind, are there any ways for us to identify what is wrong before everybody else points it out to us?
Identifying Superficial Weaknesses
If we have an issue with some small aspect that we know is an eyesore, such as the website, but we feel there are more important problems that need fixing right now, we can easily forget to go back to the superficial weaknesses and carry on regardless. But we have to remember that with the superficial weaknesses, this links indelibly into our overall perception. Not just from the public, but from the clients as well. It’s important that you make the most of identifying these weaknesses, because if you were the customer and you saw the website in a poor state would you ever think about going back there? Of course, you wouldn’t! But as a quick solution to this problem, there are so many resources out there that can help. From website redesign businesses to numerous marketing agencies that can give your promotional materials a makeover. The quicker you get these superficial issues fixed, the easier it is for you to focus on the things that really matter.
Drilling Down Into The Problem
The SWOT analysis works very well at identifying your weaknesses, as well as your strengths, opportunities and threats (see the video at the end for more information). But focusing on the weaknesses here is about identifying what the issue is on the surface and then drilling down into the problems so you can make the fundamental fixes. As the weakness is perceived on one level to be in relation to a process failure or a cultural issue within the business, the sooner you find these problems, the quicker you can make these fixes. But, to get to this point you have to look for honest and earnest feedback. This is where constructive criticism can hurt, but it can result in a better and unified company overall.
Is It Your Fault?
When we turn the mirror on to our business, we are turning the mirror onto ourselves. Sometimes the problems can be difficult to find because we’re not identifying the real issue behind the whole thing. If we are at fault either due to our working practices, management style, or we are ignoring the key problems, this has to be rectified. Those entrepreneurs that think they do nothing wrong, or those people that are addicted to the feeling of power, they are ultimately going to underwhelm themselves and their business, because they’re not treating their employees right. You could argue this is the first port of call because if we can learn how to identify the components we fail at, we can apply this technique to the rest of the business.