Gaining Clarity In An Ever-Changing World?

The world has been in what feels like a never-ending version of “Groundhog Day.” Reflecting on the past 18-24 months reminds me of the number of changes I have had to make in my own life while navigating the proverbial Groundhog Day. As a business owner in your local community, think about what you have had to navigate since 2019. While doing this answer with a yes or no if you were ready for or planned on:

• A global pandemic that shut your business down and has since changed the way you do business
• A supply chain dilemma causing costs to rise
• A dwindling work-force making it hard to recruit and retain talent 
• A sense of fear and anxiety in all areas of home and work

The multi-unit franchise business landscape has dramatically changed. From keeping employees safe, building trust with customers, and operating more efficiently, to simply being grateful to be open, the new reality is that change is constant.  This change and the ongoing fear and anxieties are making it harder than ever to focus on what we want from and for the future of our businesses.

It can be tough to find clarity when things are going well, but when things are in constant flux, the best we can sometimes get is a murky fog or opaque glass through which to peer.  I speak from experience here. We have been shepherding many multi-unit franchise owners through tough conversations about whether or not to stay the course or consider getting out.

Clarity requires taking time to reflect. Turn off the news feeds, put down the phones, disconnect from the day-to-day drama distractions, and be intentional about getting clear on what you want for yourself and your business.  Use the following set of questions to help you drill down deeper.  Download Worksheet:

We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. We do know what we want for ourselves, our families, and the future of our business.  When we take the time to quiet all the negative or white noise that can distract us, the answer is not that hard to find.

Kendall Rawls knows and understands the challenges that impact the success of an entrepreneurial-owned business. Her unique perspective comes not only from her educational background but, more importantly, from her experience as a second-generation family member employee of The Rawls Group - Business Succession Planners. For more information, visit rawlsgroup.com or email [email protected]