Onward- Without the Blinders

WARNING: This post might make you squirm just a little. There’s a bit of no nonsense talk and serious getting down to business. I’m here today as your friend who tells you that, ‘no- that dress is not flattering on you.’ Or, in the case of business, ‘you can do better than that.’

It’s almost the new year. Time for celebration and cheer. But it’s also an opportunity to embrace a new start for your business. Even if you think everything is fine, let’s really dig in and find the cracks that need mending. Because moving forward in your small business requires not just building upon what you’ve already created, but taking off your rose-colored glasses of achievement and reevaluating the foundation.

As a small business coach for creative handmade brands, I focus on real and authentic development. This means taking a long hard look at what you’re building to grow something even more amazing. Here’s a few ways to do that:

Listen to what your buyers are NOT saying. It’s easy to bask in the glory of wonderful comments and positive feedback. But I encourage you to consider what people are not saying when they talk about you. Whether it’s official reviews, comments on social media, or face-to-face customer comments, what is it people are omitting? Perhaps there is no mention of stellar customer service or extraordinary packaging. I believe most people say nice things or just stay quiet. If buyers feel the details in your work are incredible, they would say it. So what do you wish people would buzz about…but aren’t? And then, what are you going to do about it?

Doing it well vs. doing it best. We might take stock of our business and see many things to be proud of – lots of sales, profit, happy customers, etc. But instead of just blindly building upon your current model, I urge you to reconsider your motives and methods. Sometimes, even though we’ve got a good thing going, it’s not what’s best or right for us. A fabulous video from Crave founder Melody Biringer encourages small businesses to “flip your business upside down.” This, she explains, means looking at your business projects in a totally different light. Take what’s not working and try the opposite. So even though things might be going well, is your business doing it best?

Welcome criticism. I used to ask lots of people what they thought of my shop. I solicited feedback from my best friend, my husband, and some fellow craft-loving moms. They all had glowing reports. So what’s the big deal? Problem was, I asked the wrong people. I turned to them though I probably knew (deep down) they would offer positive feedback. Which does have its place. But we need criticism to grow. We need people who will ask provocative questions, push the right buttons, and get to the core of what makes your brand tick. In fact, I credit a nasty comment from a potential customer at one of my first craft shows as the fuel needed to really improve my brand. To this day, I remember what she said and use it as sort of a test when I create, build, and develop. I still hold on to her words because deep down, though hurtful, I knew there was a bit of truth. To keep growing it’s crucial in our business to actively seek and embrace criticism.

Open the door to that monster in your closet. We all have them. Big, small, or hairy…they’re there. Things we try and hide from. Things that keep us up at night. The things that make our stomachs churn just a little. But it’s these things that prevent us, and our brands, from truly growing. So, take a deep breath, open the door, face your monster, say hello….then get on with it. Get busy getting awesome.

So, go ahead and celebrate all the good things, take pride in what you’ve accomplished. Then, take some time to seriously consider how you’re going to lead your business in the new year.

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Allisa is the dreamer and designer behind the Allisa Jacobs line of handbags and accessories. She delights in the process of making- sketch to finish. Allisa also enjoys sharing her entrepreneurial insights as a business coach, empowering others with their creative small businesses.

{Photo credit Abby Try Again}