Do you have something that drives you up the wall? You know     what I mean… One of those “problems” or challenges in your business that you just can’t seem to overcome? Why not make it a point to overcome this challenge in 09?

How can this be done? Great question! Let me share a few tips with you that you might find useful! I call this method my “3 Steps to Success.” On the surface, it may not seem like much. When put into action - It’s dynamite!

1. Ponder the challenge from a new angle -

You’d be surprised how many business owners keep trying the same approach over and over - yet somehow expect to get different results. While most of you reading this are likely not falling into this particular trap, many business owners do tend to have a routine approach to most if not all challenges.

When you butt heads with a challenge that seems exceptionally stubborn, why not take a fresh approach? Sometimes having a new set of eyes view the problem is enough.  My most difficult challenge was finally solved when I decided to contact 100 of my target market prospects before assembling my marketing campaign.

Why did I contact them? To conduct a brief 2 minute survey. The information I learned asking just 4 questions spread out over 1 week allowed me to assemble the most effective marketing strategy to date. I could have used my own best guess to assemble the campaign, but I opted for real world feedback right from the horses mouth…

2. List what solutions you have not tried

This exercise works by process of elimination. Sometimes it is more telling to list why you have resisted an alternative path than it is to brainstorm a new one. You don’t have phone calls being made? Why not? No direct mail? Why not? You’re not on the front page of Google yet? Why not?

I ask these types of questions when meeting with new clients. More often than not the answers I get are more “knee-jerk” than anything else. Other than lack of time, there’s rarely a good reason for a particular strategy sitting on the sidelines. Once you see all of the options available to you, it’s easier to review what will or will not be a good use of your time and resources moving forward.

3. Make it a point to tackle the challenge off hours

Lack of time is a major cause of small business failure. I’m sure you can relate! However, I’m going to make an unusual suggestion. Why not wait until off-hours to tackle a particularly rough marketing challenge? Why am I suggesting this? Because I have found most business owners spend an inordinate amount of time when “at teh office” trying to brainstorm for solutions.

However, the danger here is that time in office should be spent aquiring new business whenever possible. (Yes, I realize many of you may have sales staff - But the core concept still applies) Early in the life cycle of a small business, cash flow is a #1 priority! If the majority of your day is spent on non-profit generating activities, you are flirting with disaster!

There’s another reason I am making this suggestion as well. I’ve found my best ideas come when I allow myself to ponder these difficult subjects in new environments. Looking at the same walls, the same computer monitor and same desk over and over again does little to get the creative juices going. Visit a coffee shop, a relaxing restaurant, sit on a sun filled deck or at the park and allow yourself to drift into a more relaxed state of mind.

You’d be amazed at what you come up with when you’re not constantly interupted with phone calls, fired to put out and other hassles. Sometimes the best solutions really can be the simplest! Give this one a shot!