The Five Whys: Unmasking the Root Cause of Overwhelm in Your Coaching Businesses
Are you drowning in the whirlpool of overwhelm?
You likely know the score if you run a small or medium-sized coaching business. You're drowning in emails, your to-do list looks like the credits roll at the end of a movie, and you've got more tabs open than a stag party at a bar.
So, what do you do? You try to multi-task, manage, and mediate, but you're constantly playing catch-up. Does that sound about right?
Why are we here? No, seriously, why?
Enter the Five Whys. A root cause analysis technique that's not about what's on the surface, but about digging deep—five levels deep, to be exact—to identify and fix the real problems and not just treat the symptoms.
First why: Why am I overwhelmed?
Let's take it as read: you're overwhelmed. But why? Is it because you have too many tasks on your plate? Let's accept that for a moment.
Potential solutions
- Delegate more tasks to your team.
- Hire an assistant or invest in automating mundane tasks.
Second why: Why do I have too many tasks?
Is it because you're saying 'yes' to every client or project that comes your way? Often, the entrepreneur's dilemma is that you think more is more. But is it?
Potential solutions
- Prioritise tasks that align with your core business objectives.
- Say 'no' more often. Set criteria for taking on new projects.
Third why: Why am I saying 'yes' to everything?
Is it because you fear missing out on potential revenue or opportunities? Look, FOMO is real. But remember, every 'yes' is a 'no' to something else—time, focus, or another opportunity more aligned with your goals.
Potential solutions
- Establish a minimum project fee to weed out low-value clients.
- Focus on creating passive income streams.
Fourth why: Why do I fear missing out on revenue?
Is it because cash flow is inconsistent, and you're always chasing the next paycheck?
Potential solutions
- Introduce retainer agreements for regular clients.
- Diversify your service offerings to include lower-cost, high-value items.
Fifth why: Why is cash flow inconsistent?
Is it because you're not effectively marketing your services or because of some seasonality in your business? Here we are, at the root of the problem.
Potential solutions
- Develop a robust marketing strategy to ensure consistent leads.
- Analyze seasonal trends and prepare for the lean months by diversifying.
The heart of the matter
So now that we've peeled back the layers of the overwhelm onion, the root cause emerges. And guess what? It often isn't what you first thought. With this knowledge, you can craft new and practical strategies that have an impact rather than constantly papering over the cracks.
Try it for yourself
Use this tool to get down to the nitty-gritty of your overwhelm. Realign, recalibrate, and, most importantly, relax. Your business didn't become awesome overnight, and the problems won't disappear in a snap. But with targeted solutions based on the real issues, you're not just putting out fires; you're fire-proofing the building.
And if you need help getting to the root cause of your business overwhelm, book a free discovery call with me and let's turn that overwhelm into overdrive.
About Andy - Kajabi Expert | Marketing Master | Online Course Creator | Ocean Addict
I'm not just a Kajabi Expert; I'm your strategic partner in business growth.
With over 20 years in the digital space, I've worked with top brands and helped businesses re-align their strategies for success.
I specialise in turning fragmented processes into streamlined systems, giving business owners the clarity they need to achieve their goals.
My mission is to help you find your business's true north and guide you towards sustainable growth.
If you’re ready to turn your knowledge into income with a certified Kajabi Expert, let’s have a chat:
