What do Sherlock Holmes, Dr. House, and any business owner who’s ever stared blankly at a never-ending to-do list have in common? They all know (or eventually figure out) that diagnosing the real problem is half the battle.
Whether you’re hunting down a mastermind criminal, diagnosing an obscure illness, or trying to figure out why your business just can’t seem to get to the next level, the key is focusing on the actual problem—not just the symptoms. It’s like trying to treat a headache with band-aids. Sure, you’re doing something, but are you really getting to the root of the issue?
That’s what we’re tackling today: how to identify the real problem in your business and figure out the best way to solve it.
Step 1: Do You Even Know What the Problem Is?
First things first: Are you sure you even know what’s wrong? Sometimes we think we have a clear handle on the issue, but what we’re really seeing is just a symptom…sort of like Dr. Cox diagnosing a patient…
Example: You might think you need more clients, but what if the problem is actually that you’re not converting the leads you already have? Or maybe your marketing isn’t targeting the right people, leading to more headaches (and cases) that don’t align with your goals.
Framework Question:
Ask yourself, “Is this the actual problem, or just a symptom?”
Pro tip: Write down everything you think is wrong. Sometimes, seeing it all in black and white helps you realize there’s a deeper issue underneath.
Step 2: Who Do You Know That Might Know?
No one expects you to have all the answers (even Batman consults Alfred occasionally), but do you know someone who might be able to help? It could be a colleague who’s been through a similar problem, a mentor, or even a friend outside of your industry who can give you a fresh perspective. Sometimes, solving a problem just takes a conversation with the right person who can help you see the issue more clearly.
Example: You’re feeling bogged down by operational bottlenecks in your law firm. Do you know someone who runs a streamlined business? Maybe they’ve been through this before and can offer insights.
Framework Question:
Ask yourself, “Who in my network could give me insight into this issue?”
Step 3: Can You Hire Someone to Help?
Sometimes, the best solution is to bring in an expert—someone who’s seen and solved this exact problem a hundred times over. This is when Aquaman (or any hero) busts out his brother (or the former villain) to help him with the new problem.
Whether it’s a business coach, a consultant, or a specialist in a certain tech solution, don’t shy away from hiring help…but I hope I am not the villain in your story!
Example: Struggling with keeping your calendar straight and following up with clients? Hire an expert in CRM systems or outsource a virtual assistant to help with administrative tasks.
Framework Question:
Ask yourself, “Who can I hire or consult with to solve this problem faster?”
Step 4: Define the Problem Clearly
Now that you’ve done a little digging, it’s time to get specific. What exactly is wrong? Try to spell it out as clearly and as simply as possible. The more specific you can get, the easier it will be to find the right solution. This is where you stop playing Sherlock and start playing Yoda—wise, clear, and insightful…but also grammatically correct.
Example: Instead of saying, “We’re not making enough money,” break it down. Why aren’t you making enough money? Is it a lead generation issue? A conversion issue? A pricing issue? Define the real problem.
Framework Question:
Ask yourself, “Can I clearly define what the actual problem is in one sentence?”
Step 5: Brainstorm Solutions
Once you’ve got the problem nailed down, it’s time to brainstorm solutions. Here’s where you get creative. There are always multiple answers to a problem, and sometimes you’ll need to try a few to figure out which one will work best.
Example: If the issue is slow follow-up with clients, your solutions could include:
Hire: Hiring someone to handle client intake full-time
Automate: Creating an automated system for follow-ups
Train: Training an existing employee to manage the process or manage it better
Delegate: Move this problem to another employee who has more time or might be better at it
Systematize: Create or edit the system that will get this done correctly, repeatedly, and efficiently
Tech: Using a CRM tool to streamline the workflow
Outsource: Use a vendor to handle intake as a third-party provider
Cut Back: What can I stop doing that will solve this problem or at least give us the time to do it?
Try to find a solution (or solutions) in each of those categories
Framework Question:
Ask yourself, “What are 3-5 ways I can solve this problem?”
Step 6: Take Action
Now it’s time to act! Pick a solution (or try a few simultaneously) and implement it. The goal here is progress, not perfection. If the solution works, great! If it doesn’t, you’ve learned something that will get you closer to the answer. You don’t need a DeLorean to go back in time and fix everything perfectly on the first try—just keep moving forward.
Example: If you’re struggling with managing client expectations, maybe you try a combo of better intake scripts and more consistent follow-up. Track what works and what doesn’t and adjust as needed.
Framework Question:
Ask yourself, “What can I start doing right now to solve this problem?”
Step 7: Rinse, Repeat, Adjust
Sometimes, one solution isn’t enough. You might find that part of your fix worked, but you need to tweak the rest. That’s okay—problem-solving is an ongoing process. Don’t be afraid to adjust your approach as you gather more data.
Example: If automating your client follow-up improved things but didn’t fully fix the problem, maybe it’s time to bring in more tech or hire another team member to focus on communication.
Framework Question:
Ask yourself, “What adjustments can I make to improve the outcome?”
Conclusion: Problem Solved… For Now
Remember, every problem has multiple solutions. By breaking down the problem, consulting with people who can help, clearly defining what’s wrong, and brainstorming solutions, you’re putting yourself on the right path to solve the issue—whatever it may be.
And if you feel like you’re just not making headway? Well, that’s what next week’s newsletter is all about (hint: it involves my teeth, a dentist, and a little help from my good friend Alexa).
Until then, keep your cape ready and your problem-solving skills sharp!