Do You Make This Common Mistake?
Running a trade business comes with its fair share of challenges. One mistake many business owners make is focusing solely on what they’re already great at—whether it’s managing a job site, closing deals, or solving technical problems—while ignoring their weaknesses. They hope these gaps won’t catch up with them when it matters most. Sound familiar?
It’s only natural, right? It’s much easier (and more enjoyable) to spend your time on things you already excel at. I’ve been there myself. In the early days of Better Back Office, I believed my operational expertise could cover gaps in marketing and lead generation. Sure, operational efficiency is crucial when running a business, but it wasn’t enough. My blind spots were holding me back.
When I asked a mentor what separates thriving businesses from those that struggle, they shared a simple truth: “The best businesses are the ones willing to look in the mirror, confront their weaknesses, and take action to improve. They push aside their egos and dive into the tough work of shoring up their gaps.”
It’s such an obvious point, yet so many of us avoid it. My mentor even had a name for it: the dirty side of the shop. You keep the customer-facing areas polished and presentable, while the back office or “behind-the-scenes” systems remain a mess.
So how can we avoid falling into this trap? How do we turn our shortcomings into strengths?
Here are three steps you can take in just 15 minutes:
Step 1: Write It Down
Grab a piece of paper and spend the next 5 minutes jotting down every limitation, weakness, and obstacle you face in your business. Be brutally honest—whether it’s poor cash flow management, unorganized job tracking, or a lack of marketing leads.
Think back to your last big challenge. Follow the flow of how your business operates, from initial client contact to project completion and final invoicing. Being honest about your weak spots is the quickest way to grow, so don’t hold back.
Tip: If you’re stuck, ask your team or even trusted clients for their feedback—they might see what you’re missing!
Step 2: Identify the Big-Ticket Items
Now, go through your list and circle the weaknesses that are really holding you back. Maybe it’s poor job costing that’s eating away at your profits, outdated tools slowing down your crew’s productivity, or a lack of reliable financial data leaving you unsure where your money’s going.
These might feel like the scariest areas to tackle, but they also represent your greatest opportunities for breakthroughs.
Step 3: Prioritize and Plan
Take your circled items and rank them by impact. What’s causing the biggest headaches or costing you the most money? Those should move to the top of your list.
Then, break each one into manageable steps. For example:
Cash Flow Problems: Start by reviewing your invoicing terms and chasing overdue payments.
Job Profitability: Begin tracking costs and margins on every project.
Overwhelming Admin Tasks: Explore outsourcing or upgrading your systems.
Each small step builds momentum. Before you know it, you’ll have transformed these weaknesses into strengths.
And there you have it—three simple steps to tackle the “dirty side of the shop” and unlock new growth opportunities for your business.
Why Most Business Owners Miss This
Here’s the kicker: most business owners never take the time to do this. By skipping this process, you’re leaving your business vulnerable. Without addressing these hidden weaknesses, you risk lost opportunities and unhappy clients that aren’t visible until it’s almost too late.
A Real-Life Example
Let me share a story about Jake, a roofing contractor who faced similar challenges. Jake was excellent at managing projects and keeping clients happy, but his financial tracking was a mess. He constantly struggled with cash flow, which hindered his ability to invest in new equipment and hire more staff.
After following these three steps, Jake wrote down his weaknesses and identified poor cash flow management and unorganized job tracking as top priorities. He implemented a simple invoicing system and started tracking project costs more diligently. Within six months, Jake saw a significant improvement in his cash flow and was able to expand his team without the constant stress of financial uncertainty.
The Bigger Picture
Addressing your business’s weaknesses isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about creating a stronger, more resilient business. When you confront your shortcomings head-on, you open the door to new opportunities and set your business up for long-term success.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Today
Your high standards are important, but they shouldn’t come at the cost of your business’s growth and your personal free time. By taking the time to identify and address your weaknesses, you can build a more balanced and successful business.
At Better Back Office, we’re here to help you every step of the way. From cleaning up your financial systems to giving you the insights you need to make smarter decisions, we’re your partner in building a better business.
So, what weaknesses are you ready to tackle first? Hit Reply and let me know. I’d love to hear about the priorities you’ve uncovered—and how we can help you make progress.