We have seen the enemy and it is us

Many of us who launch small service businesses do so because we are skilled and we want to serve. It's natural. And many of us do excellent work.

While that fire in the belly can source excellent service, it can also be a killer if we don't learn to focus on what our business needs in order to thrive. The fact is, the #1 threat to Independents is working too much IN our business - serving customers - and not enough ON our business.

And while we're at it, I believe the #2 threat is trying to do everything ourselves - thinking it will be cheaper, and therefore better for the bottom line. The opposite is the case.

In fact, #1 and #2 are related.

#2 Re doing everything yourself because you think it will be better for the bottom line, consider this: you do a few tasks very well, producing excellent value. And then there are all the other tasks - some of which you don't like - which you don't do well. What if the people who did those tasks for your business did them as well as you do your best work?

You'd get much better use of your time, you wouldn't get worn out by tasks you're not that good at, your customers would get more of your best work, and your business would get taken care of.

Many excellent teachers who serve Owner/Operators are providing guidance via blogs, websites, Twitter, and other social media. Much is free or very reasonably priced. Self-employed people are often open to trading. The big barrier is committing the time to take proper care of your own business.

The most common feedback I get about GoodLittleBiz.com is, "When will I ever find the time!?".

Making the time to work on your business requires a bit of discipline. Handling the mission-critical tasks has to be part of your business model: you can't plan to serve Customers full time. It means getting your pricing right. (A free GoodLittleBiz worksheet; requires registration on the site.)

Daunted by the task? Don't try to go it alone. Get help. There's somebody out there who loves the tasks you don't like and don't have time for. Give them a chance to do their best work, you'll be able to do more of yours, and your micro business has a much better chance of thriving.

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