"When you’re up to your armpits in alligators, it’s hard to remember to drain the swamp.”
Ronald Reagan
This is such an accurate description of where most distressed business owners find themselves while navigating a way through the day-to-day business minefield.
To put it in slightly better business terms: It’s often so difficult for business owners to take a step back and find the true cause of their distress, because they are too busy spending all their days fighting fires just to keep the doors open. This overwhelming task does not allow for the prevention of further setbacks, but in fact leaves more room for potential disaster.
Perhaps it sounds unrealistic, but when a ship is sinking, the captain often spends all his time and effort in getting the passengers off the ship. As admirable as this might seem, perhaps he would fare better to take a step back to see if he can save the ship, rather than look for the fastest way to get the lifeboats ready.
Not every business can be saved, but if action is taken soon enough, we can at least get it closer to shore. More importantly, if you can keep the ship afloat for long enough while asking for the help you need, you might even get it to the harbour where all the repairs necessary to set sail on your journey to success, can be implemented.
As difficult as it may be; the best thing a business owner can do is to sometimes take a step back, evaluate your situation, be honest about future prospects and get the help you need before it is too late.
Pat Pattinson
082 749 6462
www.pattinson.biz
pat@pattinson.biz
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