Do you find yourself solving the wrong problems in your business? Or maybe solving the right problems, but in the wrong order?

In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo discuss the importance of identifying and solving the right problems in the right order. This episode dives into the common pitfalls business owners face when trying to fix issues, the difference between symptoms and root causes, and how solving problems in the wrong order can lead to wasted time, resources, and frustration.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 2:38 - Why the order in which you solve problems matters
• 6:02 - Finding someone who can own the problem - and the solution
• 9:12 - Identifying root causes versus treating symptoms
• 13:17 - The impact of solving problems in the wrong order
• 16:21 - How to prioritize problems as a business owner
• 21:25 - Mindset shift and asking the right questions 
• 25:11 - Look outside the “vertical path” of the problem

Key Takeaways:

• Avoid rework by solving problems in the right order: Understand that solving issues out of sequence can lead to more work and wasted resources.
• Identify root causes, not just symptoms: Go beyond the surface to understand what is really causing your business challenges.
• Get outside perspective: Sometimes, having someone from outside your organization or a new team member can provide the clarity needed to identify the real issue.
• Ask better questions: Instead of just asking "what" or "why," ask "does it have to be this way?" to open up new possibilities and solutions.
• Prioritize effectively: Use a checklist or a set of criteria to help prioritize which problems to solve first for maximum impact.

Ready to tackle your business problems more effectively? Try this:

1. Name the problem clearly: Define the issue you’re facing in a specific and concise manner.
2. Assess the impact: Detail the impact of  the problem on your business operations, including costs and lost opportunities.
3. Identify root causes: Look beyond the obvious symptoms to find the underlying causes of the problem.
4. Seek external feedback: Engage with a mentor, coach, or peer to gain an outside perspective on the problem and potential solutions.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Gwen’s Small Business Book Club recently discussed A Beautiful Constraint by Adam Morgan and Mark Barden: https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Constraint-Transform-Limitations-Advantages-ebook/dp/B00QL30Q90

Wonder which experts Gwen and Tonya leaned on for the rebrand of Everyday Effectiveness and the branding of The Business You Really Want? Here are the service providers who have contributed to the project:

• Logos and primary brand - https://www.boumadesignco.com/
• Assets and brand expansion - https://authenticvisionmedia.com/
• Podcast assets - https://www.evokemedialabs.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

Also, be sure to check out Episode 9, where we delve into building a resilient business model that can weather any storm.