A Breath of Fresh Air when it's all So Hard

Ever just want to give it all up?  Throw in the towel - close the doors and simply walk away?!

As if it’s that simple - Ha!

This came up recently with a client. Out of pure exhaustion, overwhelm and complete frustration, the question of “what are we even doing here” came up…

The staffing shortages are most definitely a challenge everywhere - and the increased demand for more services and support is unparalleled to previous times (recession? What recession?). It is certainly not affecting many of our regional and local service providers here in NH.

So, when the demand for services clashes up against manpower and talent, what do we do? Lock it up and shut it down like a true adult temper-tantrum because it is all just so HARD?  (And don’t say you’ve never had an adult temper-tantrum!!)

No, nope, no way! This is not what we do.

We stop, turn to our trusted support team (aka - ME!) and break it down.  There is ALWAYS an alternative perspective - and also alternative possibilities.

Here are two quick takeaways that we came up with that may also be helpful for you:

1. Raise the rates! - No, I am not saying price gouge, but more importantly look at the supply vs demand and the method and timeline of your service offerings - and be realistic. What can your current team support with the time and resources provided that can deliver the most premium experience to the client?

In this case, we created a scaled approach to a service offering that was giving people a 24-48 hour turn around. This was crushing the team and the spirit- so instead we looked at how we can create a system of service where the client can select the Tier of service they need (in this case, turn around time at a higher rate, vs a longer service period for a lower rate).

The new approach offers more ease on the team, and more income to support the clients that have a greater desire for immediate support.

2. Change how you are talking about your challenges! - Words are impeccable. We need this constant reminder. Ever read “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz? If you have, YAY! Read it again.  If you haven’t – I highly recommend every business owner and leader reads this one.

If we are consistently talking negatively about our circumstances (both internally and with others), all we are doing is limiting ourselves, our perspective, and our possibility. This is when the law of attraction works against you by only providing and delivering more of what you don’t want. 

So, instead of saying “I don’t have enough employees, there is no one to hire, I cannot keep up” - STOP and change your words.  Try something like…

“We have an abundance of work and opportunity, how can we deliver a strong solution with the team we have today, and where can we make changes in our delivery process, timeline and offerings that best support the demand? What is possible with what we have?” 

This will give you immediate opportunities to change your perspective and ignite your creativity - after all - you are a business owner and leader because of your highest level of actionable creativity.  This gives you data to better educate and set realistic expectations for everyone involved = everyone is mostly happy! Asking “how can I make this easy,” iIs a great place to start!

Now, we did go deeper on his specific situations, and we were able to work up some very exciting new shifts and guess what… That business is open, moving forward and it is all feeling lighter to the owner (my client), his team and better yet his clients.

A breath of fresh air in a time of new challenges that have not been navigated before.

Ready to change your perspective, have a trusted and invested partner that can help you see an alternative perspective of possibility?  You know I am here, it's what I offer, but even if I am not the partner you choose, let this be the inspo you need to lock someone in place to support you today and tomorrow in the growth you desire and deserve!

The investment you make in your goals empowers the investment you will get from your team, your future team and your clients.