How to Identify Problems in Your Business (in 3 Simple Steps)
Sometimes the hardest part of running a business isn’t working harder—it’s knowing where to focus. You can feel that something isn’t quite right, but it’s not always obvious what the real issue is.
- Is it cash flow that feels tight every month?
- A team that isn’t fully aligned?
- Marketing efforts that aren’t bringing in the right clients?
- Or pricing that no longer fits your market?
As a business owner you’re busy, you’re wearing a lot of hats, and everything feels important. The good news is that you don’t have to solve everything at once. With a clear, simple process, you can identify the biggest problem holding your business back—and take meaningful action with confidence.
What To Do
- Review metrics and results
Start by looking at the numbers. Revenue trends, profit margins, cash flow, client retention, and conversion rates all tell a story. You don’t need to analyze everything in detail—just look for patterns. Where are things consistently slipping, stalled, or causing stress? Those patterns often point directly to the core issue.
- Ask your team and clients
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Your team is on the front lines of your business, and your clients experience your systems firsthand. Ask open-ended questions and really listen. Their feedback can highlight blind spots, inefficiencies, or frustrations that aren’t always visible from the owner’s seat.
- Step back and prioritize
Not all problems are created equal. Once you’ve identified a few potential issues, take a step back and ask: If I fixed just one thing, which would make everything else easier? Focusing on the highest-impact problem prevents overwhelm and helps you move forward with clarity.
Often, one well-chosen change can create a ripple effect—improving operations, morale, profitability, and even your work-life balance.
Next Steps
It’s not always obvious which problem is most critical or where your time and energy will have the biggest payoff. That’s where an outside perspective can make a huge difference.
I work with business owners in Edmonton and around Alberta to take a step back, see the full picture, and gain the tools and clarity needed to tackle the right problem first.
If you want a clearer understanding of what’s holding your business back—and practical next steps you can actually implement—book a free discovery call. We’ll explore your business together and uncover a path forward that makes sense for you.