When I met a business owner at a networking event, she was in full-blown crisis mode. Her business was in its seasonal slump, and she needed a quick loan to stay afloat. Sound familiar? Many entrepreneurs have been there—facing a cash flow crunch and scrambling for a band-aid solution.
But here’s the thing: the problem wasn’t the slow season. It was what she wasn’t doing during her busy season.
The Trap of Reactive Problem-Solving
She thought the answer was simple: get a loan. But loans are short-term fixes. The real issue was upstream—she wasn’t planning ahead to cushion the slow months. Like many business owners, she was reacting instead of proactively preparing.
It’s easy to fall into this cycle. We get so busy working in the business that we forget to work on the business. When we finally lift our heads, we’re in crisis mode, looking for quick solutions instead of long-term strategies.
It’s easy to fall into this cycle. We get so busy working in the business that we forget to work on the business. When we finally lift our heads, we’re in crisis mode, looking for quick solutions instead of long-term strategies.
The Power of Perspective
If I could talk to her again, I’d ask:
- * Have you identified what’s really causing the cash flow issue?
- * Are you open to seeing this from a new perspective?
- * What systems can you put in place to prevent this from happening next year?
The truth is, we all have blind spots. That’s why having mentors, coaches, or even a peer group is crucial. They help you see what you can’t.
Breaking the Cycle
The first step is awareness. Recognize when you’re reacting instead of strategizing. The second step is action. Build support systems, create a financial buffer, and plan for the slow seasons during your busy ones.
You don’t have to do it alone. The right support can make all the difference.