The Danger of “I Can Do It All”

Why Owners Need Outside Advice

As a small business owner, you wear many hats - often too many. From marketing to HR, financial management to customer service, the responsibilities of running a business are vast. And yet, there’s a belief among many small business owners that their education and expertise in one area of their business automatically make them capable of managing all aspects of their business. The reality, however, is far different.

The Myth of the “All Knowing” Entrepreneur

It’s not uncommon for small business owners, especially those with advanced degrees or significant experience in their field, to assume that they can handle every aspect of their business. After all, if you’re smart enough to understand complex legal, medical, or engineering concepts, how hard can it be to manage a marketing campaign, streamline operations, or handle HR issues?

The truth is, running a successful business requires a diverse skill set, one that often extends far beyond your primary area of expertise. This doesn’t mean you’re not intelligent or capable - far from it. It simply means that being an expert in one field doesn’t automatically make you an expert in all the others.

The Danger of Letting Things Form “Organically”

One of the most significant pitfalls small business owners face is allowing vital components of their business - such as company culture, branding, and operational processes - to form organically. While this approach might seem natural or even cost-effective, it often leads to inconsistency, confusion, and missed opportunities.

For instance, without a clear and intentional branding strategy, your business’s image can become muddled, making it difficult for customers to understand what you stand for or why they should choose you over a competitor. Similarly, if company culture is left to develop on its own, it can result in a workplace that lacks direction, leading to low employee morale, high turnover, and a disconnect between your team and your business goals.

The Reality of Hiring a Consultant

When these challenges become too much to handle, many business owners turn to consultants for help. They recognize that something isn’t working and that an outside perspective could be the key to finding a solution. However, this is where a new challenge often arises - resistance to change.

Business owners who bring in consultants often do so because they’re in turmoil. Yet, when the consultant offers criticism or recommendations that don’t align with the owner’s preconceived ideas, there’s a tendency to react negatively or dismiss the advice altogether. This resistance can stem from a variety of factors, including pride, fear of change, or simply being too close to the problem to see it objectively.

But isn’t this the very reason for hiring a consultant in the first place? The purpose of bringing in an outside expert is to gain a fresh perspective, to identify blind spots, and to receive honest feedback on what needs to change. A consultant’s value lies in their ability to challenge the status quo and offer solutions that the business owner might not have considered.

Embracing the Consultant’s Perspective

It’s important to remember that hiring a consultant almost guarantees a difference of opinion. After all, if the solutions were obvious, you likely wouldn’t need outside help. The key to benefiting from a consultant’s expertise is to remain open to their recommendations, even when they challenge your ideas or require uncomfortable changes.

By embracing this external perspective, you can address the underlying issues that are holding your business back and implement strategies that lead to lasting success. It’s not about surrendering control of your business; it’s about being willing to see things differently and make informed decisions based on expert advice.

Taking Control of Your Business’s Future

As a small business owner, you have the power to shape every aspect of your business, from its public image to its internal culture. But to do so effectively, you need to recognize that you can’t do it all on your own.

By seeking outside advice and bringing in experts when needed, you can take control of the elements that define your business, ensuring that they don’t just form organically but are intentionally crafted to support your long-term success. This approach not only enhances your business’s profitability but also strengthens its reputation and ensures that your company culture aligns with your vision.

Take Away: The reality is that even the most well-educated and capable small business owners can’t be experts in every area of their business. By acknowledging your limitations and seeking outside expertise, you can avoid the pitfalls of letting vital components of your business develop haphazardly and instead build a company that is both successful and sustainable.

When you hire a consultant, remember that their job is to offer a different perspective - one that might challenge your ideas and push you out of your comfort zone. Embrace the opportunity to see your business through a new lens, and you’ll be better positioned to create a legacy of success and innovation.

Mike Warren

President

CAPcolumbus.com