Unmasking the ‘boring’ excuse: conquering operational fears in your small business

Is ‘boring’ really code for ‘overwhelming’? 

Unless you’re one of those rare unicorns who gets a thrill from filing taxes, as a small business owner, you’ve likely found yourself putting off certain tasks, labelling them as dull or uninteresting.

But what if I told you that this ‘boredom’ might actually be masking a deeper fear or sense of overwhelm?

The excitement-operations divide

You’re passionate about your product or service. It’s what gets you out of bed in the morning, fuels your creativity, and drives your ambition. Whether it’s crafting artisanal goods, providing cutting-edge tech solutions, or offering transformative personal services, your core business excites you.

But then there’s the other side of the coin – the operations that make it all happen. Accounting, inventory management, HR processes, regulatory compliance… Suddenly, the excitement fades faster than your morning coffee buzz. These crucial behind-the-scenes tasks often feel like a drag, pulling you away from what you love most about your business.

This disconnect is common among entrepreneurs and small business owners. You’re not alone if you find yourself thinking, “I just want to focus on my amazing product/service. Why do I have to deal with all this other stuff?”  (Followed closely by, “Where did I put that receipt from three months ago?”)

The hidden truth behind “boring” operations

It’s a common scenario: A passionate entrepreneur launches a business, brimming with innovative ideas and grand visions. Yet, when it comes to the day-to-day operations that keep the business running smoothly, suddenly everything becomes ‘too boring’ to handle.

But let’s be honest. Is it really boredom, or is it the daunting complexity of these tasks that’s holding you back?

Many small business owners unconsciously use the ‘boring’ label as a defence mechanism. It’s far easier to dismiss something as uninteresting than to admit we find it challenging or intimidating. This psychological trick helps us avoid confronting our insecurities about managing the nitty-gritty aspects of our business.

The truth is, these operational tasks, while perhaps not as thrilling as developing your core product or service, are the very engine that allows your exciting ideas to reach the world. They’re not just necessary evils – they’re the unsung heroes that can elevate your business from good to great. Think of them as the backup dancers to your business’s lead singer – not always in the spotlight, but essential for a show-stopping performance.

The real costs of operational neglect

While this avoidance might provide temporary comfort, the long-term consequences can be severe. Consider Sarah, a talented recruitment consultant who started her own agency. She was brilliant at sourcing the right talent for clients but consistently put off managing her finances. “It’s just so boring,” she’d say. Fast forward a year, and Sarah found herself facing cash flow issues, unpaid taxes, and the stress of trying to untangle months of neglected bookkeeping.

Another common operational aspect that often falls by the wayside is client onboarding. Take Mark, a skilled IT consultant. He was so focused on delivering top-notch technical solutions that he neglected to develop a structured onboarding process for new clients. The result? Miscommunications, unclear expectations, and frustrated clients who felt lost from the start. What could have been long-term, profitable relationships often fizzled out after the first project.

These stories aren’t unique. Many small businesses face similar issues due to poor operational management:

• Financial mismanagement leading to cash flow problems
• Compliance oversights resulting in legal troubles
• Inefficient processes causing unnecessary costs and lost opportunities
• Poor strategic thinking and inadequate growth plans
• Inadequate client onboarding resulting in misaligned expectations and lost repeat business
• Poor people management leading to unmotivated staff

The truth is, these ‘boring’ operational tasks, including client onboarding, are the very foundation that supports your creative endeavours and business growth. A smooth onboarding process, for instance, sets the tone for the entire client relationship. It can lead to clearer communication, increased client satisfaction, and a higher likelihood of repeat business and referrals.

Breaking down the overwhelm

If you’ve been avoiding operational tasks, the first step is to acknowledge that it’s okay to find them challenging. The next step is to break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces.

For instance, instead of tackling ‘financial management’ as a whole, start with simple daily tasks like recording expenses or invoicing clients. For client onboarding, begin by creating a welcome email template or a simple checklist of initial steps for new clients.

As you master these smaller elements, the larger operational picture becomes less daunting, and you’ ll start to see the positive impact on your business and client relationships.

The role of a business coach in operational success

This is where a coach can be invaluable. As a coach specialising in helping small business owners overcome operational challenges, I’ve seen firsthand how the right support can transform ‘overwhelming’ into ‘achievable’.

A coach provides:

1. Accountability: Regular check-ins ensure you’re making progress on operational tasks.
2. Simplification: Breaking complex concepts into digestible, actionable steps.
3. Perspective: Helping you see the direct link between operational efficiency and business success.
4. Support: Offering a judgement-free space to voice your concerns and fears.

From overwhelm to empowerment: a coach’s approach

My approach as a coach is to meet you where you are. We start by identifying the operational areas that feel most daunting to you. Then, we create a personalised strategy to tackle these challenges, one step at a time.

For example, with my client Tom, a talented sales Director, who struggled with the business side of his new venture,  we started by implementing a simple daily cash tracking system. This small step helped him gain confidence in financial management, eventually leading to more complex budgeting and forecasting skills.

Another client, Emma, a freelance writer, initially avoided all things tax-related. Through our coaching sessions, she not only learned to manage her quarterly tax payments but also discovered how understanding her finances empowered her to make better business decisions.

These transformations aren’t about turning you into an operations expert overnight. They’re about building confidence, creating sustainable habits, and helping you see how solid operations can fuel your business’s growth and your creative passion.

Taking the first step

Ready to start your journey from operational avoidance to empowerment? Here’s a simple task to get you started: Set aside 10 minutes today to list three operational tasks you’ve been avoiding. Be honest with yourself about why you’ve been putting them off. This self-reflection is the first step towards positive change.

Don’t let the ‘boring’ excuse hold your business back any longer

If you’re tired of the stress and risks that come with avoiding the operational side of your business, let’s talk. I offer a judgement-free consultation to discuss your specific challenges and how we might work together to overcome them.

Remember, behind every thriving small business is a set of well-oiled operational gears. It’s time to embrace them and watch your business soar.