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Do you struggle to make decisions relating to the development of your business? If you do then you may find this simple KISS process helpful. The reason many small business owners have difficulty with making choices is because they try to only make correct decisions and that’s a tall order. Everyone has difficulty making decisions.
If you just can’t decide because you must get it right then you need to improve your process. How? Look at the steps that are involved the process. These steps are similar, regardless of whats involved, whether its investing in the business equipment to employing someone to marketing your products.
Take a look at these nine steps to help you make decisions, they are…
1. The first stage is to define the problem/opportunity in simple terms. Write out the details, and think about the situation. Take a little time to do this as it will make the whole process easier.
2. Consider where you are currently and compare it to where you want to be. If you have a problem, try to find the real cause and not just surface symptoms, dig deep. Study opportunities in the same way. Consider a SWOT analysis, what are your Strengths, Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats.
3. A great tip here it to do your best to complete a SWOT from your competitor perspective (assuming you have some knowledge of their business). It won’t be perfect but you will gain some insights.
4. Think about the goals you have and your priorities (See my article on Pareto). Combining this information will help you reach a decision. However, you need to identify what is important and what is not. Also ensure your choice aligns with your long term values and brand.
5. Look for different ways to solve your problem not just the obvious ones. Creative thinking, reading and talking to others may uncover ideas. If the decision is very important, it will worthwhile to invest time and energy looking at all of the options.
6. Consider the consequences of each possible action/decision. Use careful thought. Think about what resources will be needed in terms of people, cash, time, energy, skill, knowledge and the time taken away from current projects. Write down the answers to these questions to help you focus. Discuss the outcomes with your team and get clear on whats good/bad.
7. Look at all the alternatives and select one that fits your goals and resources available PLUS ensure it is in alignment with the company and your core values. This is a vital point and must be part of any serious decision you make. If none appear to fit find a new one by combining some of the possibilities or making a compromise.
8. Once you have made your decision, implement it quickly and then follow through and follow up with everyone involved. Ensure they have a clear plan of action and hold accountability and progress meetings if appropriate. This will allow you to manage change and help ensure your choice is the right one..
9. When you have made a decision, stick with it and improve as you go. By doing this, you can improve your decision making ability. Remember, decisions are always made with imperfect knowledge and that’s OK, its mostly the norm for business.
One last bonus tip: To gain clarity and context create a Mind Map. I use mind maps for most of my businesses and would not be without my mind mapping programme, I’d rather loose my TV.
For information on Mind Mapping go here
Courtney Wilding
Business Coach
Online Entrepreneur
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Hi this is amazing site! really cool and it will be a new inspirations for me
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Hey hows it going do you coach sales only?
Hey, these 9 steps action business coaching of making the Business Decisions really helped me action business coaching!!