As we hang up the calendar for the new year and look to it with hope, many are left with nearly insurmountable challenges wrought by the pandemic of 2020. As a small-business owner of thirty-five years, I am no stranger to setbacks and financial difficulties. When faced with a challenge, I sit down with a legal pad and start writing…
First, I ask the question: “What is the issue?” There may be more than one component to the challenge at hand, but it’s important to identify the problem as specifically as possible. Then, I ask more questions:
- “What do I know about this?”
- “What other information might I need to resolve this?”
- “Who do I know that can assist me?”
- “Do I have friends, family members, or mentors who have experience with this?”
- “What websites are available to further inform me?”
- “How many options do I have?”
- “What is my timetable?”
- “What’s my current financial status?”
- “Do I have the necessary cash flow to survive this challenge?”
- “What changes can I make immediately to remain fiscally viable?”
- “Is there something I can do to reinvent my business to remain competitive?”
- “What products or services might I add to increase market share?”
- “How do I continue to care for my employees and my family?”
- “What help is available from the Small Business Administration? State? Feds?”
Although humorist James Thurber once advised that “It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers,” it’s my hope that this list of suggested questions will help you find the answers you seek! Note that identifying answers will take time, energy, and focus, but will inevitably provide you with direction. List and prioritize the steps you need to take to resolve the issue (or issues) at hand and tackle each in sequence.
May 2021 be a year of renewed hope, health, happiness, and success for you and yours.
“Just remember, in the winter, far beneath the bitter snow, lies the seed,
that with the sun’s love, in the spring, becomes the rose.”
~~Amanda McBroom
