The question that changed everything: Are you avoiding the business decision that keeps you up at night?

Hey there, Friend!

Imagine you're sitting down for a cozy chat with an old friend, and the conversation takes a turn towards the heartfelt and sincere. That's where I found myself one evening, beside my dad, as we faced a decision that felt as heavy as the quiet of the night around us. He was struggling to breathe, and we were teetering on the edge of deciding whether it was time to rush to the emergency room.

?We'd gone back and forth on this, weighing our options with the seriousness they deserved. Yet, it all boiled down to one simple yet profound question I had to ask him. "Dad, are you afraid to go to sleep tonight because you think you might not wake up?" I think I knew his answer, but he needed to voice it himself.

?When he looked up and admitted his fears, it was as if a lightbulb had gone off. Off to the hospital, we went, knowing it was the right call.

?This got me thinking about our businesses and the little (or big) challenges we face. You know, those nagging doubts or issues that we keep pushing to the back of our minds, telling ourselves, "Ah, it's manageable. I can sort it out later."

?

But here's a friendly nudge from someone who's been there: don't ignore those feelings. I invite you to grab a comfy chair, take a deep breath, and ask yourself that all-important question about your business. The one that might seem scary to confront but could very well be the key to unlocking a brighter future for your venture.

?

It's not just about problem-solving; it's about being honest with ourselves and daring to face those questions head-on. So, what's that one question for your business? Let's tackle it together, with a warm cup of tea in hand and the courage to seek out the answers we need.

?

Here are five actionable steps to take that can help bring clarity and direction to your business:?

1. Identify Your Core Question: Start by setting aside some quiet time for reflection. Think about the current state of your business and the challenges you're facing. What keeps you up at night? Write down the one question that, if answered, could significantly change the trajectory of your business. This could relate to your customer base, product or service offerings, or business model.?

2. Gather Feedback: Reach out to your customers, employees, and even mentors to get their insights. Sometimes, the outside perspective can shine a light on areas you might have overlooked. Use surveys, one-on-one interviews, or informal chats to collect honest feedback related to your core question.

?

3. Analyze Your Operations: Take a deep dive into your business operations to see where there might be gaps or inefficiencies that your core question has uncovered. This could involve reviewing your financials, evaluating your marketing strategy, or assessing your customer service processes. Look for patterns or recurring issues that might be holding your business back.

?

4. Develop a Strategic Plan: Based on your reflections, feedback, and analysis, outline a strategic plan to address the question. This plan should include specific, measurable goals, a timeline for achieving them, and the resources you'll need. Break down the plan into actionable steps that you can start implementing right away.

?

5. Monitor Progress and Adapt: Implement your plan, but keep in mind that flexibility is key. Regularly monitor your progress towards your goals and be prepared to adjust your strategy as needed. This might mean revisiting your core question periodically to ensure it still aligns with your business's evolving needs and goals.

?

Remember, the path to improving your business is a journey, not a destination. By taking these steps, you're committing to a process of continuous learning and adaptation, which is essential for any business looking to thrive in today's dynamic marketplace.

?

As we wrap up this edition of our newsletter, I want to extend a special invitation to you. Your journey, challenges, and victories inspire me daily to search for the most impactful strategies and insights. If you have any thoughts, questions, or struggles you're currently facing in your business, I'm here to listen and help.

?

Please feel free to reach out directly to me at michelle@michellekimbro.com. Whether it's feedback on today's content, a burning question you've been pondering, or a challenge that's been on your mind, I welcome your emails. Together, we can explore solutions and strategies tailored to your unique situation, ensuring your business not only survives but thrives.

?

I look forward to hearing from you. Let's continue this conversation and grow together.

?

Best wishes,

?? Looking for more nuggets from Michelle?

Here is the link to the latest LinkedIn article I collaborated on. Please feel free to like and share!

You want to take your small business to the next level. What data visualization tools should you use?

Let's Connect:

?? Connect with Michelle https://linktr.ee/michellekimbro

?

?? Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:?

1.???? FREE Case Study: The Power of Data -The Turning Point For Your Business: Struggling to make sense of your business data? Do you have leaking revenue? Check out my FREE case study showing you how one business used data to make more money and save time. Click the link above to download.?

2.????? Polaris Coaching Group: Tired of working more and making less? Welcome to Polaris Coaching Group! YOUR BUSINESS, OUR STRATEGY. We help transform overworked business owners to make more money while working less so that they can get time and freedom back to live life on their terms!?Join our waitlist to be notified of the next opening!?

3.???? Business Consulting Services:?Partnering with an operations consulting firm with over 500+ projects coached for business process improvement and multiple millions saved will give your organization objectivity in assessing current processes, identifying and prioritizing opportunities for improvement, and designing and implementing solutions.