Many of my clients first come knocking on my “remote” door when they reach the stage I have affectionately coined “analysis paralysis.” Prior to contacting me, they start out gung-ho in search of a business solution or process improvement, for example, researching a new scheduling system or on-call phone service. They are overwhelmed and inundated with the number of proposals, options, and decisions. The next thing they realize is that they can’t see over the top of their desk. So they push it all aside for another day until they procrastinate to the point that they dread the thought of even tackling it again. Eventually, they find themselves stuck, similar to authors or bloggers (like me!) who develop the dreaded “writer’s block”. We can’t find the right words or we feel frustrated unable to produce new work. However, we have coping strategies, most notably getting a second pair of eyes to provide feedback on our current pieces of written material.

Even the President of the United States doesn’t solve all of the country’s problems on his own. He surrounds himself with professionals, top analysts, and strategists, who do the research and analysis of all the possible scenarios and provide the best solutions for him to make a final decision. Therefore, business owners needn’t just succumb to paralysis or attempt to do and know it all. This is where I can be a valuable help…I can be your second set of eyes. I can also be a dependable resource to provide careful and thorough analysis of your business needs and offer viable suggestions or the best workable solution. The business owner is still the key decision-maker, but—like the President—you have someone “whispering” in your ear.

The more that business owners turn to me for assistance, the more weight that gets lifted off their shoulders. Our best collaborative scenario goes beyond my providing just a one-time service; we develop an ongoing relationship. As one client put it, working with me is like “business therapy.” My clients feel better, have less stress, and at the end of the day know their business is on the right path, as they implement their latest business solution.

The next time you get stuck in “analysis paralysis”, remember you are only stuck in the mud, not deadly quicksand. I’m here to pull you out!