What To Do If You Are In Over Your Head In Business II

By: Jeremy McCluggage C.Ht.

In my previous article I discussed dealing with the personal and emotional aspects of being in over your head in your business, or when you business or industry head south. If you have not read it, please do. If you are not in charge of yourself personally then your business is surely doomed. Once you have your act together now is time to get your business back on track.

First, you are going to sit down, preferably with the other members of your business. If you are by yourself then get out of your office and to a neutral location like a coffee shop. You need fresh energy and this is a great place to get it. Take out a notebook and start writing all of the ways your business makes money. Do not stop until you have exhausted all of the ways.

Secondly, prioritize those items based on sale cycle or turn around time. You are looking for the fastest way to generate revenue and if you prioritize your revenue streams then you can choose how to focus your time. Once you have them prioritized then pick the top two or three and circle them or put a star next to them.

Thirdly, write a list of what you do during the day that does not generate revenue. Checking emails, checking your voice mail messages, straitening your desk, and organizing your pencil or pen cup. You get the point, anything you do in your day that does not specifically bring in money.

Fourthly, take those items and delegate them out. There are always those individuals who are looking to work three to four hours a day for ten to twelve dollars an hour. Anything that does not generate income is not your job. You cannot afford to do it yourself. You must delegate it if you are to survive.

Finally take those three things you put a star next to and circled and plan your day with those items in your forefront. Those are your mandatory items to get done. Nothing else happens until those items are complete. You have made your sales calls; you have followed up with past clients for repeat business, referrals, or even a testimonial or two.

The most important thing will you do as a small business owner is to stop being a one man or one-woman band. You cannot afford it. If you have older kids let them delete your spam on your email or check your messages for a few dollars an hour. No matter what your primary focus must be on revenue generation and revenue alone. If you do this, than you will be able to make it through almost any downturn in the market.

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