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The toughest thing for me to do is look at things simply. I tend to overcomplicate. I've searched for the magic bullet as Monroe puts it... but have found that being smaller before larger and concentrating on running the business tighter and smarter is a lot wiser and easier than growing for the sake of growth.
We're in the process of trying to simplify our paperwork/systems. I've adapted the mentality that if I can't sustain an action long term, I won't begin doing it. Just because it seems like a good idea and I think I can do something this week/month or this one time, if I can't sustain a policy or method of operation, I won't do it. This has helped to cut the fat and keep me focused. We still wander here and there a little, but being more focused has brought better profits with less headaches.
Scheduling/planning are my biggest weaknesses. Until I overcome this problem I won't grow the company significantly since I will just be chasing my tail.
I think one thing that is worthy of mention, and often an overused cliche represents the sentiment.... the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.
In order to overcome a weakness you have, first you have to be willing to identify it and then want to change it. Being able to change often takes outside influences to help in the process. Simply leaving personal change to discipline and will power is tough. If we all had will power 50% of American's wouldn't be overweight, nobody would smoke and we'd all exercise 30 minutes four days a week. Seek help from others when trying to change habits, learn new managment techniques, etc. The point was made earlier that spending $30K on a pick up truck is made without a second thought but spending $3 or $5 K on professional development through classes, consultants or otherwise is often scorned.
It's tough to overcome your weaknesses, but the best way to do is to take them head and conquer them so you no longer over compensate in other ways to make up for them. You loose balance in your business when you try to make up for it in other ways. Outsourcing is another good method to gain professional expertise at a lower cost. I've hired my accountant to take on more of the quick books training and oversight to help me get to the point where we can believe our P&L's. It's a process and doesn't happen over night. Just start working on it if you want to see changes.
By the way... great thread. Glad to have Monroe's comments/thoughts here.
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