Failing Business – It Doesn’t Need to Be This Way
Most “Failing” Businesses Aren’t Actually Failing
They’re just stuck. Stuck with the wrong customers. Stuck with processes that don’t work. Stuck trying to be something they’re not. Stuck because nobody’s taken a fresh look at what they’re actually doing.
The difference between stuck and failing? Stuck can be fixed.
The Signs You’re Stuck (Not Failing)
Cash flow problems – but customers exist and pay eventually
Constantly busy – but never seem to get ahead
Good reputation – but struggling to grow
Decent product/service – but margins are too thin
Loyal customers – but not enough of them
Working harder – but not seeing results
Sound familiar? That’s not a failing business. That’s a business that needs some clear thinking and practical adjustments.
The Real Reasons Businesses Struggle
1. Wrong customers
You’re trying to serve everyone instead of focusing on the people who value what you do and pay properly for it.
2. Wrong pricing
You’re competing on price instead of value, or you’ve never properly calculated what you need to charge to make money.
3. Wrong processes
You’re doing things the way you’ve always done them, even though your business has grown or changed.
4. Wrong focus
You’re spending time on things that feel important but don’t actually drive revenue or reduce costs.
5. Wrong mindset
You’re thinking like an employee (trading time for money) instead of a business owner (creating systems that work without you).
The “Fresh Eyes” Advantage
When you’re inside a business, it’s hard to see the obvious problems. You’re too close to the day-to-day operations. You’ve rationalized workarounds that should be fixed. You’ve accepted limitations that might not be real.
That’s where an outside perspective helps.
Someone who’s not emotionally invested can ask the uncomfortable questions:
- “Why do you do it that way?”
- “What would happen if you stopped offering that service?”
- “Are those customers actually profitable?”
- “Could you charge more and lose some customers but make more money?”
Real Examples of “Stuck” Getting Unstuck
The overworked service provider:
Working 60 hours a week, barely breaking even. Problem: Saying yes to every job, including the small, difficult ones. Solution: Raised minimum job size, focused on three types of work, doubled revenue in 6 months.
The busy restaurant:
Always full, never profitable. Problem: Menu was too complex, food costs were uncontrolled, staff were inefficient. Solution: Simplified menu, improved portion control, streamlined service. Same customers, better margins.
The growing consultancy:
Good reputation, steady work, but the owner was the bottleneck for everything. Problem: Trying to do everything personally instead of building systems. Solution: Documented processes, hired admin support, created service packages. Revenue increased while working fewer hours.
The Number 9 Wire Fix
Sometimes the solution isn’t complicated. It’s just:
- Stop doing the things that lose money
- Start charging what you’re actually worth
- Focus on the customers who value what you do
- Improve the one thing that would make the biggest difference
Kiwi ingenuity applied to business problems often beats expensive consultants and complicated strategies.
When to Get Help (And When Not To)
Get help when:
- You’re working harder but getting the same results
- You know something’s wrong but can’t figure out what
- You’ve tried obvious solutions but they didn’t work
- You need someone to tell you the truth about your situation
Don’t get help when:
- You’re not ready to make changes
- You want someone to do the work for you
- You’re looking for magic solutions to fundamental problems
- You’re not honest about your situation
The Turnaround Mindset
Stop thinking like this:
- “We just need more customers”
- “If we work harder, it will get better”
- “We can’t afford to change anything”
- “This is just how our industry works”
Start thinking like this:
- “What would our best customers pay more for?”
- “What can we stop doing that doesn’t add value?”
- “What would this business look like if it was designed to run without me?”
- “How do successful businesses in our industry actually make money?”
It’s Not About Working Harder
Most struggling business owners are already working plenty hard. The solution isn’t more hours or more effort. It’s usually about:
- Working on different things
- Saying no to the wrong opportunities
- Charging properly for what you do
- Building systems instead of just doing tasks
When a Business Really Is Failing
Sometimes businesses do need to close. But that’s usually when:
- There’s genuinely no market for what you’re offering
- You’ve run out of money and can’t access more
- The industry has fundamentally changed and you can’t adapt
- Personal circumstances make it impossible to continue
Even then, the experience and assets often have value that can be transferred to something new.
The Conversation That Changes Everything
Often, a struggling business owner just needs someone to listen to their situation and ask the right questions. Not someone trying to sell them something, just someone who understands business and can offer a fresh perspective.
Because sometimes the answer is simpler than you think.
