Embracing Evolution in Your Small Business: A Guide to Making Changes

Embracing evolution

It's never too late to create a business that truly aligns with your dreams and aspirations.

As female entrepreneurs, we tend to pour our heart and soul into our small businesses, hoping that each day brings us closer to our dreams. But what happens when we start to feel like something is off? When does that passion and excitement begin to fade? Is it time for a change or do we need to just take a few days off?

In a recent episode of The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast, we explore the concept of embracing evolution in our small businesses. I discussed the reasons why many small business owners are talking about pivoting, rebranding, changing their business model, or targeting a new market.  Some entrepreneurs feel like burning their businesses down and starting over, while others are considering starting a second business and letting go of the first.

What's interesting is that these considerations are not limited to struggling businesses. Even those who are succeeding are still contemplating making changes. Whatever your circumstances and rationale,  I challenge you to explore the reasons behind these desires and ensure that we have considered all the necessary factors before making a change.

One of the main culprits for these desires is often unrealistic expectations. Many small business owners start their ventures with grand visions of overnight success and financial freedom. We buy into the promises of "get rich quick" schemes peddled by self-proclaimed gurus. We purchase courses and join programs, hoping to find the elusive secret to business success. But reality often falls short of these expectations, and disappointment sets in.

It's common for entrepreneurial personalities to have unrealistic expectations and engage in wishful thinking. But if our business isn't working as we had hoped, it may not be necessary to start over completely. Instead, I suggest making adjustments and adapting to changes in the marketplace. It's okay to ask for help and seek advice, even if we're not in the early stages of starting a business.

Another factor to consider is the possibility of outgrowing our current business. I explained that many entrepreneurial people have a natural tendency to outgrow things, not because of unrealistic expectations or a search for a magic pill, but because they have mastered their current endeavors and are ready for the next challenge. 

If you find yourself constantly seeking something more, it's okay to think about what you'd like to do next and explore alternative solutions. However, I warn against making impulsive choices when deciding what to do next. I advise getting out in nature or speaking with someone trustworthy and objective to gain clarity. It's essential to look closely at our current situation and explore alternative solutions before completely starting over. Taking the time to evaluate all options can lead to better outcomes.

In the podcast episode, I shared my own contemplation of a pivot in my business. I acknowledged that sudden changes may not solve the underlying issues and emphasized the importance of thorough exploration before jumping into something new. Throughout the episode, I encourage my listeners, as dreamers and entrepreneurs, to pursue their aspirations. However, I questioned whether we truly want what we're chasing. In a world filled with societal norms and expectations, it's easy to follow the crowd and conform to what others think we should be doing. But if we find ourselves unhappy with our business or career, it's an opportunity to reflect and make changes.

Sometimes, taking a break or pausing to reflect on our choices can provide the clarity we need. I emphasize the importance of being honest with ourselves and using our intuition in decision-making. We must ask ourselves specific questions if we're considering making a change, such as a pivot, rebranding, or starting over. Are we avoiding uncomfortable situations by desiring a slow change? Or are we overwhelmed and exceeding our capacity, leading to a sudden desire for change?

While pivoting can be a valuable tool, I am cautious against assuming it will solve all our problems when we're feeling burned out or lacking passion. I highlighted the negative aspects of stubbornness, including self-sufficiency, ego, and pride. It's crucial to recognize our limitations and seek help when needed. Help can come in various forms and doesn't always have to be paid for.

In conclusion, as small business owners, we need to be open to the idea of embracing evolution. Understanding the reasons behind our desires for change, addressing unrealistic expectations, seeking help, and being honest with ourselves are all crucial steps in making successful transitions. Whether it's a pivot, rebranding, or taking a new direction, let's strive for sustainable growth and fulfillment in our entrepreneurial journeys. Remember, it's never too late to embrace evolution and create a business that truly aligns with your dreams and aspirations. 

Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or IG @coachdiannwingert or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast, you can do that here: https://bit.ly/thedrivenwomanpodcast