Is your business stuck? How to uncover the root cause

As a business owner, you can sometimes get stuck. You may have an idea about some part of your business or marketing that you want to change and improve, and so you come up with a solution that you hope will fix the problem.

For example, you might want to improve the copy on your website or figure out how to use social media to get more clients. It’s common to think that the first solution you think of is the right one to pursue. And sometimes it is. But sometimes, it is not.

“When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves.” - Anthony J. D’Angelo

To ensure you don’t waste any of your precious time and resources on a project that may not bring the end result you want, you must take some time to dig deeper. You want to find the source of the issue and fix that instead of trying to treat a symptom.

Questions to ask yourself

Here are some questions you can use to drill down and discover the core of an issue, using the example of someone who wants to learn how to use social media more effectively to connect with clients. 

1. What is the real cause of this issue?

Think about the possible reasons you don’t have more clients: Do people know about your offers? Are your offers clear? Do your offers match what people want? How do you currently reach potential clients?

2. Why do I believe that this is the right solution?

Just because people say social media is the best way to get clients, that doesn’t mean that is true for you. With algorithms changing all the time, it is likely you will need to spend money on ads in order to actually reach the people you want to reach.

There are far more effective and free ways to reach potential clients. One is to simply reach out directly and connect.

3. Does this solution fit me personally? 

If you dread social media, or can’t imagine where you will find the time for it, then you won’t do it. In order for social media to be effective, you have to do it consistently and you need to have engaged followers. There is a way to find marketing strategies that you will enjoy doing.

4. Will my clients respond to this solution?

Are your clients even on the social media channels you want to use? And if they are, is this the most effective way for them to connect with you and understand your services?

5. What are other ways this problem could be solved?

Make a list of at least three other ways you could get more clients that don’t involve social media. Also, take a look at what you have done in the past to successfully connect with clients.

Look at your most effective marketing strategies and think about doing more of that. Sometimes the answers can be that simple.

“If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” - Albert Einstein

Look deeply and solve once

I hope you’re starting to see that when you get stuck with your business marketing, it is important to take a deeper look at the issue to make sure you’re getting to the root of the matter. Only once you identify the core problem can you then evaluate the best options for fixing it.

Now off you go, you problem solving wizard you.