Are questions the answer to better business decisions

Critical thinking is an essential business skill for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Questions are the building blocks to critical thinking. When you ask questions, your mind almost immediately focuses on finding the answer or solution. Questions cause the mind to think. Daily fire-fighting and interruptions decreases your ability to stop and ask profound questions that could correct small business mistakes and  produce results.

In order to learn how a watch works, you must de-assemble and re-assemble the watch. To truly make progress and grow your business, consider de-assembling and re-assembling your business by learning how to ask yourself the right questions.

Micro Business Therapy is the process of asking and answering wide-ranging questions about your business operations in a structured but thought-provoking manner. For example, Micro Business Therapy incorporates comprehensive questions that encourage you to think deeper about your business condition and concerns. It’s not enough to state, “I want to generate more revenue.” You must ask yourself, “how?” In order to generate more revenue you need to do what? How will you do that? What is the plan? Who can help you? How will you measure your progress? What if that doesn’t work? As you begin to ask questions, more questions are generated and cause you to be more specific and detailed in the logic and rationalization of your business practices.

Who wants to be a “know it all?” Another way to improve your capacity to make better business decisions is to avoid being the smartest person in the room. Your mind cannot be open to new thoughts, ideas and perspectives if your mouth is constantly open.

Listening is a skill that can yield profitable and sometimes immediate results. Surround yourself with wise counsel. Be selective with whom you share your business concerns and issues with. Not everyone will have your best interest at heart, let alone just your interest. There is an adage that states, “association brings on assimilation.” Give that some thought and put it in context with your business associates, friends, etc. and those from whom you seek advice.

Need to make better business decisions? Start asking questions. Developing, managing and growing a small business is a tremendous challenge. If your mission and purpose have been lost in the daily grind and fire-fighting, consider Micro Business Therapy. It’s common sense, practical and realistic. Don’t forget… we want to hear from you. Share your comments and questions below! To address your specific concerns, Skype me: amichelleblakeley or email me at info@simplicitymastered.com 

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For over 18 years, Simplicity Mastered™ founder and CEO A. Michelle Blakeley has owned or managed small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Expert in her field, Blakeley personally guides her clients out of their Business Brain Freeze™ to streamline operations, increase return on investment, and attain quantifiable results. Forbes.com and FinancialPost.com each recommended her as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter, joining the experts who know that Blakeley is a master at growing small businesses … and doing it with “Simplicity.”