Is Deconstructing Your Business The Answer to Today’s Economic Meltdown?
By just about anyone’s measure these are destructive times in our world.
- Pandemic
- World economic meltdown
- Cultural changes, demonstrations, and riots
- Changing severe weather patterns
All of these things impact us in ways we don’t yet fully understand. It’s very easy to be overwhelmed by the swirling energies of change, feelings of hopelessness, and feelings of fear. As business owners, we have a responsibility to see our businesses remain viable. If we can’t do that then we have to find the courage to be destructive – tear our business apart and come up with our next thing.
While you may tear up your existing business, take a moment to ask yourself about new opportunities.In the midst of chaos and disruption there are massive new opportunities. Click To Tweet
Deconstruction by a true revolutionary
When I made my first trip to Poland a few years ago, I was very honored to meet Lech Walesa, the father of Polish freedom and the man who served as Poland’s first President after many years of Soviet rule. Walesa put his life on the line many times, leading a 20+ year struggle to free Poland. He definitely qualifies as a revolutionary.
As I listened, President Walesa made the point that sometimes we must choose to walk away from what is no longer working. Sometimes, rather than walk away, we have to tear it apart. My ears perked up when he said Big dreams and visions don't occur in the same environment in which you dreamt them. Destruction has to occur before an entirely new thing can be born. Click To Tweet
Walesa made 4 points from his experiences that are useful for business owners.
- Destruction for destruction’s sake didn’t move his vision forward.
- Destruction works only when you have a strong, clear vision about what you want to create.
- Your vision has to be workable and inclusive to be sustainable over the long term.
- Visions take time. Walesa told me, “The Solidarity movement was slow but unstoppable.”
Are you thinking about deconstructing your business?
If you are to the point that you want to deconstruct your business here are 5 to-do’s for you.
- Select a date for closing your business.
- Make a plan to end all your advertising and marketing.
- Inform your present and former customers that you are closing.
- Run your financials so that you understand how your income will change.
- Cancel all subscriptions to business tools you will no longer use.
If you are thinking about starting an entirely new business I recommend that you spend some time fleshing out your vision. From that vision invest time in creating a strategic, workable plan that has a chance of success. You can consult with me for a single hour to get my expertise, as well.
Lech Walesa carried a strong vision and a detailed plan for a free Poland – a vision for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize in the mid-80’s.
We talk about whether it’s time to deconstruct parts of your business (or the whole thing) in our CEO Circle Community meetings. If you’re looking for a safe space to talk about your business that offers accountability and support and you are a woman business owner, the Circle might be for you. You can check it out here.
Related Article: One Way to Prevent Overwhelm for Small Business Owners
It’s a big decision to make, knowing when to stay the course and when to tear things apart. If this article has been helpful for you please use the social share buttons at the left to share it with others. I’m happy to answer your questions or have your comment below.
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