Overcoming the Business-Growth Gremlin

by Carole Hodges

Have you ever dreamed of owning a business that runs smoothly and brings in abundant income? If you're like other entrepreneurs, the answer, very likely, is "Yes." Is your reality a different picture? Perhaps it is a mind-boggling list of projects, a bank account like a leaky bucket - and no prospect of change?

You may be unconsciously resisting success.

What happens is that, like a nasty little gremlin, your mindset hold on to the status-quo. If you have been making efforts to grow by reading the books and taking the classes, but are not seeing results, it is time to check in on that gremlin.

You might imagine your gremlin as a little froggy-type critter standing on two feet. It is facing forward toward your future, but its beady eyes only see the past. The gremlin claims to be your partner in growth, yet it frankly can't see where to go. So to be helpful, the little gremlin says, "Let's just try this. We'll see if it works." So, listening to your gremlin, you take tentative steps forward. But you only know you are making progress when you check behind you.

This strategy is slow, torturous and unpredictable. It isn't long before you have a string of half-baked goals and broken promises behind you. And worse yet, your vision of the future is getting foggier all the time.

Does this sound familiar?

Are you ready to make a change?

You can change quickly and easily. At the same time, change is profound and scary. It requires courage. You have to be willing to leave your old ways behind and become something you have never been before. You have to be willing to participate in the creative process by accepting ALL of the responsibility for your choices.

What does this mean for you?

1. Find success models that exemplify the type of business you are building. Notice the details of how this business operates. What type of systems do they use for marketing, delivery of product or service, billing, customer support?
2. Make a list of the systems you will need. Identify which systems you currently have and which you will need to implement.
3. Consider the ways you must change in order to manage this ideal organization. What growth is required to lead this future team? What knowledge and skills must you acquire?

If you find yourself quaking in your sneakers, you have it. If you find yourself saying, "Sure, we'll see how this works," you may still be listening to your gremlin. Why? Because if you already knew this could work, you would have done it - rather than wandering in circles.

You tremble when you realize you are stepping into unknown territory. You will be taking on responsibilities you have never accepted before. Leadership, responsibility and risk are ahead. At the same time, all the real FUN and ADVENTURE in life requires this risk. What do you do?

SAY YES!! Step up into a bigger YOU. Say YES to making phone calls that are uncomfortable. Say YES to hiring a team who can systemize your processes. Say YES to growing your speaking and persuasion skills. Say YES to the ultimate responsibility for customer satisfaction. Say YES to increasing your financial acuity. Say YES to whatever new skills and talents are required.

And to stay in this mode, create a team of advisors, business/success coaches, staff and consultants who will hold you to your promise. You will be successful when you make sure there is no other alternative. I have seen this technique work, for new business owners as well as those growing from $5 million to $20 million in annual revenues.

To be successful, you must start from within. It is your vision that makes the difference.