Day 12: The One Framework That Helps You Find the Root of Any Business Problem
- kbives9
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
How to stop guessing and start solving the right problem in your business
🗓️ This post is part of a 90-day blog series for solopreneurs and micro-business owners. Each day delivers practical advice to help you grow your business with clarity and confidence — without working 60-hour weeks.
You’re spinning your wheels.
You’re posting on social media, tweaking your website, sending emails, and maybe even offering discounts…But your sales still feel unpredictable. Your time still feels squeezed. You’re not sure where your focus should be.
What if the problem isn’t your effort — it’s what you’re choosing to fix?
Most micro-business owners spend valuable time solving the wrong problems. They treat symptoms instead of causes.
Today, let’s talk about a simple framework that shows you what to fix first — and how to stop playing business Whack-a-Mole.
🧩 The Real Reason You Feel Stuck: You're Solving Symptoms, Not Causes
If your sales are low, you might think:
“I need better social media content.”
But what if the real problem is that your offer isn’t clear? Or your pricing doesn’t match the value? Or your website has a slow checkout experience?
Most business problems are layered. Solving the surface-level issue won’t lead to long-term results.
That’s where the Business Needs Hierarchy comes in.
📊 A Clear Framework: The Business Needs Hierarchy
This simple structure helps you stop guessing and start fixing the actual root cause of your biggest business frustrations.
There are three major levels:
1. Sales – The Lifeblood
Your business can’t grow (or even survive) without steady revenue.
Ask: Are you consistently bringing in enough income to cover expenses and pay yourself?
If not, this is your first focus. Sales fixes might include:
Clearer offers
Better messaging
Direct outreach or visibility tactics
Building a lead magnet or referral system
✅ Free Tools: ChatGPT (for messaging), Google Forms (to gather interest), SparkToro (audience insights)
2. Profit & Financial Stability
Sales are great — but profit keeps the doors open.
Ask: Are you keeping enough of the money you earn? Are you pricing sustainably? Tracking expenses?
Fixes in this area often include:
Updating pricing or packages
Managing expenses more carefully
Improving invoice systems or follow-ups
✅ Free Tools: Google Sheets, Wave, Zoho Books, Stripe
3. Operational Efficiency
Once you're earning and keeping money, the next challenge is time.
Ask: Are your systems efficient? Could your day-to-day be easier with automation or documentation?
Fixes in this area include:
SOP creation
Delegation or outsourcing
Task automation
✅ Free Tools: Trello, ScribeHow, Calendly, Mouseflow
🛠️ Not Sure Where You Are? Take the Evaluation
If you’re not sure what area needs your attention, use the free Business Priority Evaluation to find out what’s holding you back right now.
This is the first thing we use with every member inside Taking Care of Business – Together — because it saves time, money, and energy by helping you focus your limited time on what actually matters.
🔁 Don’t Skip Steps
It’s tempting to jump ahead to systemizing when your sales still aren’t consistent. Or to obsess over branding when your pricing isn’t profitable.
But business is like a ladder.
You can't reach stability if the bottom rungs aren’t secure.
Start where you are. Fix that. Then move up.
💡 Bottom Line
You don’t have to figure this out by trial and error. The answers are already available — and they start with asking the right question.
The Business Needs Hierarchy helps you:
✅ Get focused
✅ Stop wasting time on the wrong work
✅ Build long-term stability — not just short-term wins
If you want a step-by-step system, with support along the way, we’ve built it for you.
📝 Catch Up on the Series:
Day 1: Why You're Stuck Under $100K
Day 2: What to Fix First
Day 3: Prioritizing What Matters
Day 4: Why You Keep Falling Behind
Day 5: Track What Matters
Day 6: Free Tools That Make Business Easier
Day 7: Why You’re Not Getting Consistent Leads
Day 8: The 15-Minute Weekly CEO Check-In
Day 9: Are You Building a Business or Just Buying Yourself a Job?
Day 10: What to Do When You Feel Like Giving Up on Your Business
Day 11: What’s Actually Worth Your Time When You Only Have 10 Hours a Week
➡️ Coming Tomorrow: Day 13: Building a Real Marketing System — Even If You Hate Marketing
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