At the onset of the Consultant Proficiency Resources Moral Leadership series, CPR introduced ten attributes of a moral leader. Last week, CPR illustrated a Moral Leadership matrix on the practices of a Moral leader. CPR contends that evolving into a Moral leader requires a winning formula of Biblical + Business principles. On the CPR Moral Leadership Coaching tidbit on youtube, CPR's CEO deployed a SWOT analysis to plot the ten Moral Leadership attributes as a self-reflection exercise. The proceeding steps require the student to view attributes listed under threats and weaknesses. The goal is to quickly transition the attributes from the two negative categories into positive ones. Please visit Consultant Proficiency Resources' youtube channel https://youtu.be/o106Wp9o73c for this exercise. Failure to remove negative attributes equates to self-sabotage—today's post considers threats to small businesses known as business sabotage.
Today, we will revisit a 2015 ThriveHive blog post citing seven activities that sabotage a small business. CPR added three activities to this list that contribute to business or self-sabotage in 2022.
1. Ineffective or Poor Leadership
Poor leadership is the main reason for business sabotage. While your passion and skill for a specific product or service will enable you to make headway, ineffective leadership, if not addressed, will ultimately sabotage your business. Seek a leadership coach if you need assistance. Also, check CPR's Moral Leadership Coaching tidbit for a free resource.
2. Lack of Business Operations services, including business and marketing plans. While inconsistent marketing is a waste of time, so is conducting a business without a business and marketing plan.
3. All-or-nothing mentality
Small business owners often have an all-or-nothing mentality. As a small business leader, learn to dissect and delegate to your team.
4. Not having a website
There’s no question about it. All businesses need a website. Without one, it’s as though your business doesn’t exist. Websites are quick and easy to set up, yet more than half of small business owners still do not have websites.
5. Ignoring SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is how your business website will be found online. SEO sounds scary and can be confusing for those unfamiliar with it. However, it's part of conducting business in the 21st century. Get it done asap, or risk sabotaging your business within the first year.
6. Lack of Content
Small business owners are required to make content. Content may be written, video, or audio. Content drives traffic to your website and leads to your business.
7. Inconsistent marketing/advertising/promoting (social media)
The secret to small business success is consistent marketing. Small business owners make a big mistake by putting effort into marketing only when business is slow. Marketing to grow your business is like exercising for weight loss – if your efforts aren’t consistent, you will not see results.
8. Bad customer relationships
Customers are the lifeblood of a business, so treat your customers well. Reviews and customer experiences should be one of the top concerns for small business owners. Please pay attention to the customers who refer business to you and thank them accordingly.
9. Lack of Networking-B2B support
Small businesses networking activities are also essential to the success of the business. Business-2-Business commences with becoming a patron of another small business owner. They, in turn, would likely do the same. Support one another, and be sure to make the necessary referrals. Refrain from being greedy by holding on to your contacts. Refer Business-2-Business.
10. Underfunding
Business adage- you must spend money to make money. Getting into business is a huge undertaking that requires financial funding. Be sure to inject enough financial resources to ensure your business stays afloat.
The above list should give you pause as a leader. Be sure to conduct an inventory to determine if you are self-sabotaging.
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Warm Regards,
CeeCee