Business Broccoli

Let's face it—running a small business is like running an obstacle course with a blindfold on. The fancy business books and motivational podcasts make it sound like you just need the right tool or strategy to succeed.

But deep down, you know that real success comes from dealing with the gritty, unsexy work that keeps your business from crashing. If you're not willing to get your hands dirty, it's like trying to run a marathon on a diet of cookies and candy—you might have a burst of energy at first, but you'll crash hard later.

What's with the Broccoli?

Think about broccoli: it's not the most appetizing vegetable, but it's loaded with vitamins and nutrients. The business equivalent is the behind-the-scenes work that doesn't get you high-fives or make for great cocktail party conversation. It's the late-night accounting, the deep dives into customer complaints, and tedious contract reviews. You can't build a strong business on just the fun stuff. You have to eat your broccoli.

Identifying the Business Broccoli

Finding the broccoli in your business isn't as easy as looking in the fridge. It's the stuff that stresses you out the most. Is it dealing with high-maintenance clients who are always unhappy? Is it figuring out why your cash flow is a mess? Or maybe it's realizing that your business processes are more like a tangled ball of yarn than a well-oiled machine. Ask your team where the biggest headaches are. Which clients make them groan? Which tasks make them want to hide under their desks? It might sting a little to hear the answers, but it's a wake-up call you can't afford to ignore. These are the problems that, if left unchecked, will eat away at your business.

Break It Down

Eating broccoli doesn't mean you have to swallow it whole. Break it down into bite-sized pieces. If you need to deal with problematic clients, start by listing out all your contracts and identifying the ones that are causing the most trouble. Maybe some clients are getting way more support than they pay for, or others are always trying to score freebies. Create a plan to address these issues, whether that means renegotiating, setting clearer boundaries, or, in extreme cases, letting them go. It won't be easy, but it's better than staying in a toxic situation.

Consistency Over the Long Haul

Success isn't about sprints; it's about keeping a steady pace. Once you've identified your broccoli, the key is to tackle it consistently. It doesn't have to be a massive overhaul all at once—just keep chipping away at it. Dedicate specific times each week to work on the tough stuff. It's like going to the gym: you might not see results right away, but over time, you'll start to notice a difference.

Embrace the Discomfort

Growth and comfort don't mix. If you're doing the right things, you're bound to hit resistance—whether it's clients who don't like change or team members who are stuck in their ways. When setbacks happen (and they will), don't throw in the towel. Use them as lessons to guide your way forward. It's like weightlifting: those last few reps are the hardest, but that's where the real growth happens.

Celebrate the Wins, No Matter How Small

In the middle of the grind, it's easy to forget to celebrate progress. But those small wins are what keep you and your team going. If you've completed a tough project or closed a tricky deal, take a moment to appreciate it. It could be as simple as bringing in donuts or giving a shoutout at a meeting. These little celebrations remind everyone that the hard work is paying off.

Deep Dive into Your Customers

One of the biggest pieces of broccoli you need to chew on is your customer base. This isn't just about counting heads or making fancy charts in Excel. It's about figuring out which customers are helping your business grow and which are holding you back. If you're not careful, you might end up catering to the wrong crowd, wasting time and resources on clients who aren't worth it.

Finding Pricing Opportunities

Start by looking at your contracts and asking yourself: Are there customers who are getting more than they're paying for? This could be because of outdated agreements or because you haven't adjusted your pricing to match your costs. These are the customers who represent a pricing opportunity—you can either renegotiate or restructure to ensure you're not giving away more than you should.

Identifying Customers to Let Go

Next, figure out which customers are dragging you down. These are the ones who are always complaining, asking for extras, or delaying payments. They drain your energy and aren't worth the hassle. If you let them go, you create space for clients who appreciate your work and pay on time.

Finding Your Sweet Spot

Finally, define your ideal customer. This isn't just about who pays the most; it's about who brings the most value to your business. They value your service, pay on time, and aren't overly demanding. These are the customers you want to attract.

The Bottom Line

Running a small business is tough, and there's no magic bullet. The hard work—the broccoli—is what keeps you moving forward. By tackling the unglamorous tasks and making tough decisions, you can build a business that's not just profitable but also sustainable. Embrace the discomfort, stay consistent, and celebrate the small wins.