4 Steps To Solve Your Business Problems

There are as many ways to run a business as there are business owners. While any business has specific things that need to done, how we accomplish that can vary widely. Here are my 4 steps to solve any problem that arises in my business.

The first, of course, is to identify said problem.

1. Problem

When I first opened Pawsitively Pretty Mobile Grooming in 2002 I knew I needed a way to keep my financials easily. I already had plenty to do running a new business and didn’t want to spend a lot of time doing “math.”

2. Generate Alternatives

There will always be several ways to approach any given problem. I identified three option that might work for me. I could:

1. Hire a bookkeeper.
2. Suck it up and do it myself.
3. Use bookkeeping software.

3. Select And Implement

 

First option was to hire a bookkeeper. The problem was I didn’t know any bookkeepers or how to choose a good one. Then came the article in the paper about a bookkeeper that was arrested for stealing and that stopped me from investigating this option any further.

I really didn’t want to do option 2. It would be a cheapest option. All I would need is a bookkeeping record book that was easily sourced at a Staples or Office Depot.

The third option intrigued me. Software that all I had to do was input some numbers and it would do the rest for me. Sold. Not all that expensive either.

So, I went with option and 3.

4. Re-evaluate

Let’s remember that this was 2002. It turned out that this software was not much more than a glorified excel sheet. I was spending more time inputting and setting up fields than I was on phone calls. (Keep in mind there were no texting at this time and wasn’t knowledgeable enough to know how to pre-weed clients out with a simple voicemail message. And I spent a lot of time on phone calls.) To this day, I avoid doing anything with excel.

You are never stuck with a “solution” that doesn’t work for you.

I grudgingly went with option number 2 and bought a record book. Turns out it wasn’t a lot of work, except that I didn’t really like to do it. However, I had a good handle on my finances. I knew exactly what was coming in and going out.

Re-evaluating isn’t just a one and done. New technology is always emerging and several years later, I decided to give software a try again. Did my research and settled on a program. It worked well for me until they added new features that changed the way the reports were delivered and for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out how to use it anymore unless I hired them for a tutorial.

Back to re-evaluating. I went back to the paper book while I research hiring a bookkeeper.

The point being, what works for other businesses may not work for you. Re-evaluate your needs on a regular basis to make sure they are still in line with what works for you.

Mary is a business, wellness, and safety strategist who specializes in the pet industry. She has contributed to the professional pet industry as a consultant, speaker, writer, and progressive leader. If you are looking for your business to thrive instead of surviving, set up a free Am I A Good Fit For Your Business consultation, visit www.MaryOquendo.com.

Or drop me a message or email her at Mary@PawsitivelyPretty.com