As a business owner, sometimes you can get stuck.

You may have an idea about some part of your business or marketing that you want to change and improve.

And so you come up with a solution that you hope will fix the problem.

For example, you might want to improve the copy on your website or figure out how to use social media to get more clients.

It’s common to think that the first solution you think of is the right one to pursue.

Sometimes it is. And sometimes, it is not.

“When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves.” Anthony J. D’Angelo

To ensure that you don’t waste any of your precious time and resources on a project that may not bring you the end result you want, you must take some time to dig deeper.

You want to find the source of the issue and fix that instead of trying to treat a symptom.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Here are some questions you can use to drill down and discover the core of an issue.

Below each question, I’ll use the example of thinking you need to learn how to use social media better and that if you do that, you will have more clients.

1. What is the real cause of this issue?

Think about the possible reasons you don’t have more clients.

Do people know about your offers?

Are your offers clear? Do your offers match what people want?

How do you currently reach potential clients?

2. Why do I believe that this is the right solution?

Just because people say social media is the best way to get clients, that doesn’t mean that is true for you.

With algorithms changing all of the time, you will probably need to spend money to buy ads in order to actually reach the people you want to reach.

There are far more effective and free ways to reach potential clients. One is to simply reach out directly and connect.

3. Does this solution fit for me personally? 

If you dread social media, or can’t imagine where you will find the time for it, then you won’t do it.

In order for social media to be effective you have to do it consistently and you need to have engaged followers.

There is a way to find marketing strategies that you will enjoy doing.

4. Will my clients respond to this solution?

Are your clients even on the social media channels you want to use?

And if they are, is this the most effective way for them to connect with you and understand your services?

5. What are other ways this problem could be solved? 

Make a list of at least three other ways you could get more clients that don’t involve social media.

Also, take a look at what you have done in the past to connect with clients that has worked.

Look at your most effective marketing strategies (if you don’t know what they are, read this post) and think about doing more of that.

Sometimes the answers can be that simple.

“If I had an hour to solve a problem I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” Albert Einstein

I hope you’re starting to see that when you get stuck in your business with your marketing it is important to take a deeper look at the issue to make sure you’re getting to the root of the matter.

Once you identify the core problem, then you can evaluate the best options for fixing it.

Now off you go, you problem solving wizard you.

© Stephanie Ward

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this information with it: Stephanie Ward is the Marketing Coach for Entrepreneurs who want to create meaningful and prosperous businesses. Grab your FREE copy of the special report ‘7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time’ plus business building tips, at: https://www.fireflycoaching.com.

What are your tips about how to get to the root of a business or marketing problem? Share your thoughts and questions below in the comments section. I respond to every single one.