This weekend I participated in a bike ride in the mountains outside of Asheville and I realized my experience was very similar to a small business pursuing a new path. The 5 situations below are things I encountered, and a small business will also have to deal with.
1. Making the decision to change is a big commitment
Deciding to change from “how we’ve always done it” to a new way of doing things to achieve goals is very difficult. When a small business is doing well, it is very daunting to decide to pursue a new path to achieve new goals. It takes a lot of courage to say, “let’s make a change”.
When I was at the point in the ride when I had to choose between the 40-mile route (which I had done last year) and the 55-mile route (which was this year’s goal), I had to choose to go left or right. The right turn led me along a route I knew I could finish, and the left turn took me on a route whose challenges were completely unknown. It took me a few minutes to point my bike to the left and start pedaling into the unknown.
2. Outside help is a huge asset
Most small businesses aren’t set up to implement change on their own. Everyone already has a full-time job performing the work to sustain the current revenue. Adding a big change project to someone’s already full plate could be a recipe for disaster. Engaging a consultant with change experience can mean the difference between success and failure.
There was a lot of outside help as I rode this past weekend, and I was grateful for all of it. Volunteers who staffed rest stops with food and drinks, first responders who volunteered their time to make sure everyone was safe, local sheriffs who not only rode at the front of the ride to lead the way but also those who manned intersections to stop cars and let the bikes ride through. These are just some of the ways my ride was made easier by outside help.
3. Address pain & push through it
There will be times during the change process that the business thinks “why am I doing this?”. Yes, it’s easy to stay with the status quo and yes, unforeseen issues and consequences will arise that will test confidence and determination. But the business must persevere to achieve their desired goals.
My legs cramped up with about 7 miles to go this weekend. When I stopped and got off my bike, I discovered I had already eaten all my nutrition. I then had to work the knots out of my legs, gingerly stretching while trying not to cramp other muscles, and slow down a bit to ease the strain on my legs. It was unplanned and unpleasant, but I was able to get back on the bike and make it to the finish line.
4. It can be lonely & discouraging
Like any new adventure, there will be times when you think you’ve made a big mistake. You will encounter discouragement and feel that should stop and go back to the old way. By keeping your focus on the end goal, and discussing concerns with your implementation consultant, you will be able to push through those feelings.
Riding 55 miles is not easy and I was often alone. There were many points where I wanted to give up and wasn’t sure I could finish. But I pushed through those doubts and made it across the finish line.
5. It will be worth it in the end
Increased revenue, reduced costs, happy customers, happy employees… these are just some of the benefits you will reap from making a change in your business.
My reward for crossing the finish line this weekend? A huge sense of accomplishment, in addition to fantastic food and a couple of cold beers.
Feeling overwhelmed by your business needs? Did you find a problem and don’t know where to start? Need help implementing a plan to achieve your goals? Contact Beck Insights (www.beckinsights.com) and we'll work together to determine the right solution for you.
