As an entrepreneur, you’re creative, innovative, and eager to achieve new levels in your business. Often, that translates into a bit of a squirrel brain. There are so many wonderful opportunities — why say no to any of them?
However, that’s how business owners get overwhelmed and stalled. That shiny new equipment or exciting product idea sounds amazing. But if you take on too many projects or investments that don’t suit your business, you’ll be left without a clear direction.
And that, unfortunately, is a recipe for frustration among both yourself and your team.
What’s Your Why?
Let me tell you a story.
A charming little taqueria opens up in a big city. Despite going up against well-known restaurants, they gain a loyal following. They’re known for their tasty sauces and unique taco fillings.
The business does so well that they open a new location. And another. And another. And another. The menu keeps expanding. The owner decides to broaden their target audience by installing big-screen TVs and beer taps. They push their staff to reach Taco Bell-levels of speed.
Suddenly, their revenue drops. The multiple locations go empty most of the day. Employees quit one by one. The once-loyal customers stop coming.
It’s a tale as old as time. The restaurant business is hard. But this dynamic happens in all sorts of businesses.
I call it “shiny object syndrome.” When you lack clarity in your business, you tend to say yes to everything. As a result, you lose sight of your core values — your “Why,” as Simon Sinek would say.
So many entrepreneurs get stalled because they don’t know this “why.” OR they do when they begin, but that happy squirrel brain leads them to overcomplicate their business.
As I always say, simple is better. Simplicity creates sustainability and strength.
Driving Your Business Forward
So, what happened with the taqueria? Sadly, several of its new locations shut down within a couple of years. That capital investment became a drain. Worse, the brand’s reputation faded.
